There are about 30 types of elder plants and trees around the world. The European version (also known as Sambucus nigra) is the one most closely tied to your health and healing. Its history dates back as far as 400 BC, and Hippocrates, the “Father of Medicine,” called the elder tree his “medicine chest.”
In folk medicine today, the elderberry is considered one of the world’s most healing plants.
Elderberry Health Benefits
The berries and flowers of elderberry are packed with antioxidants and vitamins that may boost your immune system. They could help tame inflammation, lessen stress, and help protect your heart, too.
Some experts recommend elderberry to help prevent and ease cold and flu symptoms.
It’s also been used as a treatment for:
🌿Constipation
🌿Joint and muscle pain
🌿Infections that affect how you breathe
🌿Headaches
🌿Fever
🌿Kidney problems
🌿Epilepsy
🌿Minor skin conditions
🌿Stress
🌿HIV and AIDS
Elderberry gets a lot of support as a healing agent through word of mouth and old wives’ tales, but its success in medical tests is less definite.
In other words, if you want to fight the flu, don’t forget your flu shot.
Still, many doctors say it’s safe to take elderberry as part of a healthy diet plan that includes foods with vitamin B, vitamin B6, and vitamin E.
Elderberry Nutrition
Elderberries are high in vitamin C (52.2 milligrams per cup) and dietary fiber (10.2 grams per cup). One cup of elderberries also has:
🌿26.7 grams of carbs
🌿0.7 grams of fat
🌿1 gram of protein
Elderberry is an antioxidant, and researchers think the compound that makes it blue lowers inflammation.
Just because this is a plant, it doesn’t mean it’s totally safe! Be sure to read over these potential contraindications prior to consuming elderberry products.
⚠️People with immuno compromised systems may react poorly to elderberry as it can over stimulate the immune system and potentially worsen autoimmune conditions.
⚠️May interfere with immunosuppressive medications – not ideal for organ transplant recipients.
⚠️Because it’s a diuretic, be careful when you take it if you’re also using medicines that make you pee more.
⚠️Raw or unripe berries can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and/or cyanide toxicity (in severe cases). Always use COOKED or properly processed elderberry products.
This is just the main ingredient in my Elderberry Syrup Kit! Check out more details about my Elderberry Syrup Kits here
*Can’t have one of the ingredients? Custom kits available for extra $2.