The Health Benefits of Elderberry
The health benefits of Elderberry have been known for centuries. Elderberry is known as Black Elderberry or North American Elderberry. It also has other names like German Elder, European Elder, Ellanwood, Elder, Boor Tree, Bountry, or Aeldrum.
Many people in North America and Europe make a trip into the countryside each year to pick the flowers or berries for making tea, wine, jam, and syrup. Elderberry supplements in tablet or
capsule form, liquid extract, and syrup are available in health food stores and farm shops.
Dried Elderberry flowers can be steeped in hot water to make a tea that is rich in potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and bioflavonoids. The Elderberry is known to be an antioxidant, a diuretic, a laxative, a diaphoretic, and an anti-inflammatory. It can also help build your immune system so you can fight off everyday colds, flu. and infections. It can be used as a sedative, astringent, and an expectorant.
An Israeli study in 1980 on the effects elderberry has on viruses showed that 20 per cent of participants who were suffering from the flu showed significant improvement of symptoms which included coughing, sore throat, aching muscles, and fever after only one day of taking elderberry extract. Ninety per cent were completely cured at the end of three days. A tea can be made using the berries. Strain it and add some lemon juice and honey. Drink a cup during the day and another before going to bed when you have a cold or the flu.
Has the doctor told you that you need to lower your cholesterol? The benefits of Elderberry include lowering your cholesterol. If you are ready to lower your numbers while building a strong immune system then add Elderberry to your diet.
The Side Effects of Elderberry
Elderberries contain an ingredient called cyanogenic glycosides and this can cause a reaction if consumed in large amounts or if the seeds are eaten before cooked. These are the substances that help release the poison in the berry. Avoid the stem, roots, and leaves of the plant.
The flowers are the safest part of the Elderberry. For some, eating the flowers may cause rare allergic reaction or a gastrointestinal problems.
Other side effects of Elderberry include nausea, diarrhea, and an irregular heartbeat. Do not give Elderberry to young children, pregnant mothers or mothers who are nursing. It is also not recommended for those with kidney disease.
The health benefits of Elderberries help your body become stronger and healthier.
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