Elderberries have been around for a long time. It is one of nature’s “treasure chest” when it comes to health and wellness benefits. Dating back to the earliest centuries, the fruits, leaves, trunks, and roots have been used for healing and wellness. Throughout the years, its extracts have been found in multiple curative products and even in our daily consumables as well.

In general, elderberry is beneficial because of its antioxidant properties, immuno-boosting capacity, and benefits to our cardiovascular system. It is truly a “treasure chest” when it comes to helping the body prevent the onset of various illnesses and diseases – plus it is known to improve vision and lessen the body’s vulnerability to infection.

WHAT IS IN ELDERBERRY?
For one thing, elderberry has bioflavonoids, minerals, and proteins that have the ability to attack and neutralize the viruses that infect the cells in our body, thus rendering the start of cold and flu useless before it even spreads.

It is one of the few potent agents against influenza. One of the most famous cases that elderberry is known for is for the treatment of a flu epidemic in 1995 that happened in Panama. There were hundreds of infected with the H3N1 virus which began spreading in the middle of the year. The patients were given elderberry extracts in capsules and other medicinal treatments.

The dark, purple berries have been used as an alternative form of remedy for so many years as it is known for its health and medicinal benefits:

1. Boosts immune system – The elderberry has a wide array of vitamins A, B, and C. as well as nutrients like amino acids, flavonoids (antioxidant properties) and tannin among others. Elderberries help strengthen the body’s immunity against the flu and cold. It is a known booster as it has anti-viral properties that help the immune system deal with bacteria and other viruses that invade the body.

2. Prevents cardiovascular problems – Over time, plaque builds up in our arteries, causing blockage and bad circulation of the blood. Elderberry reduces and deactivates the oxidation activity of LDL or the bad cholesterol that is a chronic enemy of the cardiovascular system.

3. The anthocyanins are also responsible for the potent antioxidant activity that Elderberry is praised for. The cells are protected and with gradual use, each cell is renewed.

4. Elderberry juice has been reported to provide relief for pain for people with arthritis and rheumatism. The anti-inflammatory property of Elderberry extracts have known to treat sinus congestion, sore throat and tonsillitis.

5. Elderberry has been used as a sleep aid in many night time syrups.

CONSUMING ELDERBERRY
10-15 ounces of elderberry extract juice is a great way to stock up on the benefits that this amazing fruit offers. For those who like elderberry as a medicine, or prefer it in supplement form, they can also try the Elderberry supplements that come in 200-50mg capsule forms. For other uses, elderberries are often use as garnish in various foods as it is also used for cooking. Always ask your doctor first before adding elderberry in your diet, as unguided use can also be bad for your health. Drinking more than 20 ounces of elderberry juice can result to diarrhea. Additionally, when eating elderberries in raw form it can result in vomiting and dizziness.