(Popular Herb Series 4/9) Elderberry Elderberry grows happily in many areas across the United States, where the berry and flower are both utilized. Elderberry has gain significant popularity due to its actions as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, and mostly for its immune stimulant property.
Elder is referred to time and again as “the medicine chest for the country people”, alluding to its wide-ranging medicinal actions and ready availability. In the 4th century B.C.E., Hippocrates recommended elderberry for a wide variety of complaints
Elderberries are rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidant flavanoid compounds, and iron. Elderberry has diaphoretic and antiviral actions. Elderberry is also effective for coughs and congestion associated with lower respiratory viral infections, promoting expectoration of mucus associated with bronchial infections.
Elderberry tincture or syrup is a mainstay in many an herbalist’s apothecary, as the go-to herb at the very initial signs of cold or flu. Taken at onset, elderberry can reduce the duration of cold/flu because it interferes with virus replication, and strengthens cell walls to inhibit viral penetration.
Elderberry has been the subject of numerous research studies. In one placebo-controlled, double-blind study using Sambucol (a syrup containing elderberry juice), significant improvements in flu symptoms were seen in 93.3% of the elderberry treated group within 2 days. Only 91.7% of the patients in the control group showed improvement within 6 days (Zakay-Rones, 1995). An in-vitro study on elderberry extract and H1N1 flu infection identified the anti-viral components of elderberry and “established that flavonoids from the elderberry extract bind to H1N1 virions and, when bound, block the ability of the viruses to infect host cells” (Roschek, et al, 2009). The researchers concluded that the H1N1 inhibition activities of the elderberry flavonoids compare favorably to Tamil and Amantadine.
Finally, elder has been revered as a magical and sacred plant throughout history in many cultures, and has been used to ward off evil influences, carried for good luck, and protect the home. Ancient legends from different parts of the world say that a wise woman (nymph) named Elda Mor (Hylde-Moer) lives in the elder tree to watch over it and offer healing to us, and when you seek elder’s help for healing, you must show respect for her powers and honor her. Offering gratitude for a plant’s gift of healing is always recommended as a way to connect with the plant and receive its support.
Dosage for the syrup is one tablespoon for adults per day and 1 teaspoon for children.
Make sure that only dried parts of the plant are used to prevent the release of toxic cyanogenic glycosides. Safety of elderberry in pregnancy and lactation has not been established. Red Elder, which is a different species than is traditionally used in herbal medicine, contains higher levels of the cyanogenic glycosides, so be sure you know which species you are utilizing.
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