Elderberry 100 g, 50 g, 25 g

Elderberry – 100 g ($14.99), 50 g ($9.99), 25 g ($6.99)

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.

Asthma, bronchitis, influenza, and sinusitis. 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.

 Recommendations for 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, gray, 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 fencerows. 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:

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 diced herbs to I cup of water. Bring the water to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30-60 minutes. Strain and squeeze out as much as liquid as possible and enjoy!

Tips

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

Precautions

You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing or on using medications.