Elderberry

ELDERBERRY

Elderberry. It ranks among the most widely utilized medicinal flowers globally. It is commonly used as a supplement to alleviate cold and flu symptoms. The unprocessed berries, leaves, and bark are toxic, though. Traditionally, Indigenous peoples employed it for treating fevers and rheumatism, while ancient Egyptians utilized it to enhance their complexions and heal burns. Worldwide, there are approximately 30 species of elder plants and trees.

ELDERBERRY

The European variant (known as Sambucus nigra) is the one most directly connected to health and healing. Its origins can be traced back to 400 BC, and Hippocrates, known as the Father of Medicine, referred to the elder tree as his medicine chest.

1. Promote Immune Health

One cup of it offers 52.2 mg of vitamin C, which is beneficial for immune health and may assist in muscle recovery. ” Vitamin C helps repair tissue and reverse oxidative damage, both of which enhance recovery time and efficiency. It also supports cellular function and promotes healthy skin.

2. Minimize the Duration of Your Cold

Elderberries could aid in your recovery from upper respiratory illnesses such as colds and the flu. Consuming elderberry may shorten the duration of the common cold, upper respiratory infections, and influenza. According to one study, air travellers who took elderberry extract supplements before, during, and after their flights were able to reduce the duration of a cold.

3. Assistance Regarding Inflammation

Freshly pressed elderberry juice is rich in antioxidant compounds such as protocatechuic and chlorogenic acid. It also includes nutrients derived from plants, such as the flavonoids quercetin and rutin. Flavonoids have anti-inflammatory properties and shield your cells from oxidative harm that may result in cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s and dementia.

4. Advocates for cardiac well-being

Elderberry contains a high amount of antioxidants, which can assist in reducing inflammation, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure. The phytonutrients and fiber in elderberry assist in reducing the levels of cholesterol [in your blood] by binding to it and aiding its elimination from the body.

5. Beneficial for Lung and Respiratory Health

While some studies indicate that elderberry might aid in the prevention and treatment of respiratory illnesses, further rigorous research is necessary to verify this advantage. Elderberry does have quercetin, a flavonoid and antioxidant recognized for its support of lung function, particularly in individuals with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

6. Promotes Gut Health

The fiber in elderberry supports a healthy gut and digestion by acting as a prebiotic, nourishing the probiotics or “good” bacteria found in the gut. Each elderberry serving provides about 7 grams of fiber, amounting to a quarter of the advised daily consumption. Given that the average American diet lacks sufficient dietary fiber, incorporating elderberry into most health routines can be advantageous.

Summary

Elderberry has been linked to numerous promising health benefits; however, the majority of research has occurred only in lab settings and has not undergone extensive testing in humans. As a result, no specific health benefit can warrant a recommendation for elderberry. It is supported by reasonable evidence that it can help shorten the duration and lessen the severity of flu symptoms. Moreover, it may benefit heart health, enhance antioxidant status, and exhibit various anti-cancer, anti-diabetes, and anti-inflammatory effects.