Elderberry 100 g, 50 g, 25 g

Elderberry – 100 g ($15.99), 50 g ($10.99), 25 g ($7.99)

Benefits:
Elderberry is one of the most effective herbs for preventing and treating colds and upper respiratory infections, eczema and other skin disorders, and to reduce pain and inflammation. It may also be helpful for patients with diabetes, as it fosters increased glucose uptake out of the blood into the tissues. Elderberry stimulates the immune system and has shown some activity in preliminary trials against viruses such as herpes simplex and HIV.

In folk medicine, elder flowers are used internally as a tea for colds and fever. Elder flower also serves as a gargling mixture for respiratory disorders such as coughs and head colds. It has been used by nursing mothers to increase lactation. Elderberry has been used for swelling and inflammation. Homeopathic remedies exist for inflammation of the respiratory tract. Elderberry is approved by the German Commission E for coughs and bronchitis as well as for fevers and colds. It also may be good for hay fever and sinusitis.

Nutrients
Elderberries are a low calorie food packed with antioxidants.

One cup (145 grams) of fresh berries contain 106 calories, 26.7 grams of carbs, and less than 1 gram each of fat and protein (3).

Plus, they have many nutritional benefits. Elderberries are:

• High in vitamin C. There are 52 mg of vitamin C per cup of fruit, which accounts for 57% of the daily value (3, 4).
• High in dietary fiber. Elderberries contain 10 grams of fiber per cup of fresh berries, about 36% of the daily value (5) .
• A good source of phenolic acids. These compounds are potent antioxidants that can help reduce damage from oxidative stress in the body (4, 6).
• A good source of flavonols. Elderberry contains the antioxidant flavonols quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin. The flowers contain up to 10 times more flavonols than the berries (4).
• Rich in anthocyanins. These compounds give the fruit its characteristic dark black-purple color and are a strong antioxidant with anti-inflammatory effects (4, 7).

The exact nutritional composition of elderberries depends on:

• the variety of plant
• ripeness of the berries
• environmental and climatic conditions

Therefore, servings can vary in their nutrition (4, 8).

The nutritional value of elderberry may vary depending on the brand. Here’s the nutritional breakdown in a 1-cup serving:²

• Calories: 106
• Protein: 1 gram (g)
• Fiber: 10 g
• Fat: 0.7 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Vitamin A: 870 mg
• Potassium: 406 mg
• Vitamin C: 52.2 mg
• Calcium: 55 mg
• Iron: 2.32 mg

A cup of elderberry provides 52.2 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C, which supports immune health, prevents illness, and even aids in muscle recovery. Vitamin C aids in tissue repair and to reverse oxidative damage, both of which improve recovery time and efficiency.. Vitamin C also maintains cellular function and promotes healthy skin.

Elderberry’s fiber content promotes a healthy gut, easy digestion, and a strong immune system. Elderberry improves gut health by providing prebiotics, a form of fiber, which feeds probiotics, aka the “good” bacteria, within the gut.²

“One serving of elderberry contains approximately 7 grams of fiber, which is a quarter of the recommended daily intake, and since the typical [American] diet is significantly deficient in dietary fiber, elderberry can be a beneficial addition to most health regimens,” Best said.

Cold, Flu   Black elderberry has been shown to help reduce the severity and length of influenza (9).

One 2004 study of 60 people with influenza found that those who took 15 mL of elderberry syrup four times per day showed symptom improvement in 2 to 4 days, while the control group took 7 to 8 days to improve (10). Furthermore, a study of 312 air travelers taking capsules containing 300 mg of elderberry extract three times per day found that those who got sick experienced a shorter duration of illness and less severe symptoms (11). Further large-scale studies are required to confirm these results and determine if elderberry may also play a role in preventing influenza (9).

Note that most research has only been performed on commercial products. There’s little information about the safety or efficacy of homemade remedies (9).

Research found that elderberry shortened the duration and severity of colds and influenza, as well as respiratory infection symptoms when consumed in lozenge or extract form.⁹ Benefits were most prevalent when participants had taken elderberry within 48 hours of developing symptoms. When combined with other ingredients, you may find elderberry beneficial for treating a cough. A study published in the Journal of Dietary Supplements suggests gargling with elderberry, sage, lemon juice, honey, and vinegar.¹⁰

Asthma, Bronchitis, COPD, Influenza, And Sinusitis. While studies have yet to show a direct connection between elderberry and chronic lung conditions, elderberry does contain quercetin, which is a flavonoid and antioxidant that’s known to support lung function, especially in those who suffer from asthma and chronic obtrusive pulmonary disease (COPD). A study published in Biology found that elderberry may alleviate symptoms in people with COPD when combined with other compounds.⁷ However, more research is needed to draw conclusive findings about how elderberry helps lung conditions.

Elderberry contains substances that disarm the neuraminidase enzyme of flu viruses, preventing them from penetrating healthy cells. It has been shown to be effective against eight strains of flu virus; vaccines are usually only effective against one or two types. Once infected, elderberry has been shown to speed recovery by as many as three days. A clinical trial of elderberry syrup (Sambucol) found that it cured 90 percent of flu infections within seventy-two hours. In the same trial, patients receiving a placebo needed six days for recovery. Later these same investigators found that 15 milliliters of the same syrup four to five times a day shortened symptoms by four days. Those using the elderberry also were less likely to use other symptom-relief medications. Elderberry also relieves nasal congestion, fever, and sore throat.

Antioxidants  During normal metabolism, reactive molecules may be released that can accumulate in the body. This can cause oxidative stress and may lead to diseases like type 2 diabetes and cancer (12, 13, 14). Antioxidants are natural components of foods, including some vitamins, phenolic acids, and flavonoids, that are able to help remove these reactive molecules. Research suggests that diets high in antioxidants may help prevent chronic disease (8, 14, 15).

The flowers, fruits, and leaves of the elderberry plant are excellent sources of antioxidants. For example, one of the anthocyanins found in the berries has 3.5 times the antioxidant power of vitamin E (4, 15, 16, 17). One study comparing 15 different varieties of berries and another study comparing types of wine found that elderberry is one of the most effective antioxidants (18, 19). Additionally, one study found that antioxidant status improved in people 1 hour after drinking 400 mL of elderberry juice. Another study in rats found that elderberry extract helped reduce inflammation and oxidative tissue damage (20, 21).

While elderberry has shown promising results in the lab, research in humans and animals is still limited. Generally, consuming it in the diet has only a small effect on antioxidant status (19). In addition, the processing of elderberries, such as extraction, heating, or juicing, can reduce their antioxidant activity (4). Therefore, products like syrups, juices, teas, and jams may have reduced benefits compared to some results seen in laboratory studies (16).

Freshly pressed elderberry juice is high in antioxidant compounds like protocatechuic and chlorogenic acid, and various phytonutrients (nutrients found in plants) like the flavonoids quercetin and rutin.³

Flavonoids have anti-inflammatory effects and protect cells from oxidative damage that can lead to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and cognitive diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia.⁴

Heart Health  Elderberry may have positive effects on some markers of heart and blood vessel health.

Studies have shown elderberry juice may reduce the level of fat in the blood and decrease cholesterol. In addition, a diet high in flavonoids like anthocyanins has been found to reduce the risk of heart disease (17, 22). Nonetheless, one study in 34 people given 400 mg of elderberry extract (equivalent to 4 mL of juice) three times a day for 2 weeks found no significant reduction in cholesterol levels (23). However, another study in mice with high cholesterol found that a diet including black elderberry reduced the amount of cholesterol in the liver and aorta but not the blood (24).

Further studies found that rats that were fed foods containing polyphenols extracted from elderberry had reductions in blood pressure (25). Elderberries may reduce levels of uric acid in the blood. Elevated uric acid is linked to increased blood pressure and negative effects on heart health (4, 26). Elderberry can increase insulin secretion and improve blood sugar levels. Given that type 2 diabetes is a major risk factor for heart and vascular disease, blood sugar management is important in preventing these conditions (4, 9).

A study found that elderberry flowers inhibit the enzyme alpha-glucosidase (α-glucosidase), which may help lower blood sugar levels. Also, research on rats with diabetes given elderberry showed improved blood sugar control (4, 16 , 29).

Despite these promising results, a direct reduction in heart attacks or other symptoms of heart disease has not yet been demonstrated, and further studies in humans are needed. Elderberry is rich in antioxidants, which can help. Lower inflammation as well as cholesterol and blood pressure. “Elderberry’s phytonutrients and fiber content helps to lower the amount of cholesterol circulating [in your blood] by binding to [the cholesterol] and expelling it from the body,” Best said.

Elderberry may also help reduce blood pressure by lowering the amount of uric acid in the blood. Having elevated uric acid levels in your blood has been found to predict consistently the development of hypertension (high blood pressure).⁵

Immune. In rats, elderberry polyphenols were found to support immune defense by increasing the number of white blood cells (30). Consuming elderberries may help you recover from respiratory illnesses faster.⁶ “Elderberry intake may reduce the duration of the common cold, as well as upper respiratory infections and influenza,” Jones explained. While elderberry may shorten how long you’re sick, elderberry likely won’t prevent you from getting sick in the first place.

Skin  Antioxidants reduce oxidative damage in the body, which, if allowed to persist, has negative implications at the cellular level and can result in damaged skin. For instance, you’ll notice aging effects more rapidly, including fine lines and wrinkles, a loss in elasticity, and more uneven skin tone. Elderberry’s antioxidants help to reverse and stop this damage and thus help to promote healthy and youthful-looking skin.

Blood Sugar  Elderberry may help people with diabetes control their blood sugar.⁸ “The phytonutrients and polyphenols in elderberry help the body to process glucose more efficiently, which makes elderberry a useful aid for managing glucose and keeping it in balance,” Best said.

Inflammation, Stress  The inflammation-fighting properties of elderberries may help reduce stress and improve your well-being and mood. Polyphenol flavonoids may reduce inflammation in the brain and support gut health, both of which can positively impact mental health.

Other Health Benefits
There are many other reported benefits of elderberry, though most of these have limited scientific evidence:

Cancer. Both European and American elder have been found to have some cancer-inhibiting properties in test-tube studies (7, 9, 29).

Bacteria. Elderberry has been found to inhibit the growth of bacteria like Helicobacter pylori and may improve symptoms of sinusitis and bronchitis (9).

UV Radiation. A skin product containing elderberry extract was found to have a sun protection factor (SPF) of 9.88 (31).

Urination. Elderberry flowers were found to increase the frequency of urination and amount of salt excretion in rats (32).

Antidepressant. One study found mice fed 544 mg of elderberry extract per pound (1,200 mg per kg) had improved performance and mood markers (33). While these results are interesting, further research is needed in humans to determine if the effects are truly significant. Moreover, it’s important to note that there is no standardized method for measuring the number of bioactive components like anthocyanins in these commercial products. One study showed that depending on the method used to measure anthocyanins, a supplement could claim to contain 762 mg/L but really only contain 4 mg/L. Therefore, determining the effects of currently available products may be difficult (17).

Recommended Use
Elderberry is best used in the form of Sambucol, a patented herbal medicine from Israel that is active against various strains of viruses. The daily dose is 10 to 15 grams. It also comes as tinctures and is used in teas. It is preferable to use Sambucol rather than unprocessed elderberries. Some reported side effects include dizziness, headache, convulsions, and rapid heartbeat. Large dosages of elderberry juice can also cause uncontrollable diarrhea. Uncooked or unripe berries can cause nausea and vomiting. The stem of the plant should be avoided due to its cyanide content.

Elderberry should not be used with patients who have diabetes or low blood iron. The herb seems to form a complex with iron, which may become toxic in the blood.

Botanical Name: Sambucus nigra
English: Black Elderberry, Dried Elderberry, Dried Elderberry
Also, known as: Black Elder, Holunder, Sureau, Sauco, Sambreo, European elder, Boretree, Pip tree, Devil’s wood, Sureau, Schwarzer Holunder, Sambuco, Sabugueiro, Saúco, Sabuco, Khamaan Kabir, Black Elder, Boor Tree, Bountry, Elder, Common Elder. Elder Berry, Elderberries, Elderberry Fruit, Ellanwood, Ellhom, European Alder, European Black Elder, European Black Elderberry, European Elderberry, European Elder Fruit, European Elderberry, Fruit de Sureau, Grand Sureau, Hautbois, Holunderbeeren, Sabugeuiro-negro,
Sambequier, Sambu, Sambuc, Sambuci Sambucus, European elderberry, Organic elderberries
Habitat: Habitat: North Africa, Europe, and Asia
Origin: Ukraine

General Information:
Sambucus nigra, is a large shrub or small tree, to 20 feet, with coarse, grey, furrowed bark. Pinnate, compound leaves arranged in opposite pairs White, star-shaped flowers grow in clusters, 4 to 10 inches wide, in late spring to midsummer. Compound pinnate leaves up to 8” long are dark green. Each leaf contains 2 to 8 serrated, ovate to. Elliptic leaflets up to 5” long Leaves have an unpleasant aroma when cut or crushed. Tiny white flowers in large flattened umbel-like cymes up to 10” across bloom in June-July Flowers have a musky fragrance Flowers give way to clusters of glossy black elderberry fruits, each to 3/8” across in late summer. It is particularly noted for its aromatic late spring flowers and its edible fruits (elderberries). The fruits (elder berries) are three seeded drupes (edible only when ripe and preferably cooked). Drooping berries produced in the fall.
Grows in moist woodlands, thickets, and fence-rows. Elder is tolerant of pruning and can be cut to the ground in late winter to help keep the shrub healthy.
Flowers and berries are wild harvested or collected from commercial plantations. The inflorescences are picked on a dry, sunny day (to preserve the pollen) and are carefully placed upside down to dry so that the flowers can be collected. The fruits are picked when black and fully ripe.

 

How to use:
We make these suggestions to help you get the best benefit from the herbs that you’re choosing to improve your health. Also we make these ideas and recommendations so that consuming them easier and better fit into your lifestyle by adding them to the food that you already eat.
For the full health benefit, it is best to consume (or use the whole herb in poultices) the whole herb. All of the compounds in the herb act best together, as nature intends. Extracts draw out the most prominent beneficial compounds and may concentrate them. What is not extracted can be helpful in ways that we do not yet understand.

Cut Pieces or Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use cut pieces or powdered herb.
Food Preparation: You can add powdered or pieces of herb (if the pieces you buy are bigger than you like, a coffee or herb grinder will quickly reduce) to any yogurt, smoothie, apple or other sauces, spreads, salads or other foods more familiar to you that don’t use heat. Heat can be damaging to the beneficial compounds in the herb. Other options like oatmeal, scrambled eggs, pasta sauce, soup, cookies and anything else that fits your lifestyle, but minimizing (by adding near the end of cooking) the heat is helpful.
Also, for children, you can mix powdered herb with honey or glycerin to make paste. The thicker the paste, the more potent and herbal in taste. The sweet taste of honey and glycerin will help medicine go down. The resulting liquid is called an electuary.
For seeds in general, but especially small seeds, it’s best to grind these to break the protective hulls a short time before consumption. This makes all the benefits available, rather than some remaining locked inside the hulls that are unbroken by insufficient chewing.
To make adding herbs even easier, you could add a week’s worth of your chosen herb(s) to an amount of, for example, yogurt that you would eat in a week. Mix thoroughly and eat this each day of the week. SO you make once /week and just eat each other day.
Hot Infusion: The basic method for dried herbs and flower is, take 2-3 tablespoons of dried herb in a cup or teapot. Pour hot water over it and cover it with lid for 10-30 minutes. The heat from making tea can degrade some of the beneficial compounds in the herb. This method minimizes this effect. For the full health benefit, it is recommended to consume what is left over after making tea.
Decoctions: Decoctions are suitable for roots, barks, large seeds & berries, and other dense material. The simple way to make decoction is, in a saucepan, add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs to 1 cup of water, Bring the water to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30-60 minutes with the pot covered. Squeeze out as much as liquid as possible. Best practice is to drink the liquid and also consume the solid material that remains. Herb pieces can also be used.
Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use powdered herb.
Capsules: HerbsCrafters makes capsules guaranteed to be filled with the pure herb with no filler or any other products. You can also use powdered herb to make your own capsules at home. These capsules are best taken with liquid to aid in digestion and absorption and to ensure it doesn’t stick in your throat.
Poultice: Poultice can be made with an herbal powder and liquid (mostly water) to form a paste which is then applied to the skin. This method is very helpful for skin conditions.
Herbal shot: Powdered herb can be mixed with water, fruit juice or other liquid to make herbal shot.

Tips:
You can sweeten your herbal decoctions with bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder or licorice root powder.

Precautions:
You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
All information on this website is for educational purpose ONLY.
This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

How Much To Use
It is common that 10g of a fresh herb = 1g when dehydrated.
Recommended daily amount: 1-2 tsp (3-6 g) of elderberries, as much as 3 times/day, which can be eaten as a snack, added to food or to make tea.