Elderberry And Its Health Benefits
December 2, 2011
Filed under Herbs
Elderberries come from a tree generally known as the Elderberry. Some varieties are native to North America and grow to roughly ten feet. European trees are distinct in that they grow taller to 25 feet. These trees have been utilized for numerous years to help with certain health disorders. Lately, studies have proven Elderberry to be advantageous for our immune system and even effective against the flu virus.
Sambucus nigra or Black Elderberry is the most typical kind of Elderberry used for health purposes. Elderberry is also made into food. The flowers from the tree are utilized by many to make syrup, specifically in Europe. This syrup is made use of in pancake mixes and toppings. It’s also utilized in desserts including pie or jellies. It is often diluted to make beverages.
Certain types of Elderberry can be toxic and should be avoided. Even the Elderberry trees used for food have parts that can be toxic. You should be careful not to consume Elderberries that are not ripe or have not been properly processed. Certain parts of the tree such as the leaves, seeds and bark contain a chemical closely related to cyanide which can be extremely poisonous. Unripe berries should also be avoided as they can be toxic. The berries are fully ripe when they turn black. When they are unripe they start out green and progress to the dark color.
Elderberries are sometimes created into a paste to treat skin disorders and wounds. Some use the flowers of Elderberry as a skin wash. It is utilized to treat various skin disorders such as eczema or acne. A liquid form is also produced from the flowers to be used as a powerful eye wash. When taken orally, it’s recognized to assist with congestion and other respiratory problems. Elderberry is believed to reduce swelling of mucous membranes.
Certain studies have proven Elderberry to have anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties. Elderberries contain flavonoids which are known to be powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants are effective at fighting free radicals which destroy DNA and healthy cells. Elderberry contains more vitamin C than any other herb except for black currant and rosehips. Studies have even shown Elderberry to be able to reduce the duration of the flu by three days.
Specific Elderberry extracts have proven to destroy the H1N1 virus in test tubes. Other studies have also demonstrated it to stimulate the immune system. It is believed to increase human cytokine production which can aid the immune response. It is actually believed to have properties that could be beneficial in fighting AIDS and cancer.
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