Botanical:   Sambucus nigra

Other common names:  Black Elder, Boor Tree, Ellanwood, Elder, Ellhorn, European Elder, Pipe Tree, German Elder, Bountry, Englishman's Grape, Black-berried European Elder, Elder Bush

Loaded with vitamins A, B and C, Elderberry stimulates the immune system and protects against free radicals that attack healthy cells.  At the very first sign of a cold or flu virus, a regimen of Elderberry should help alleviate the symptoms within seventy-two hours.

Country of Origin: Hungary

Beneficial Uses:
Considered an herbal cold and flu treatment, Elderberry is said to reduce the course of the infection when taken at the very first sign of colds or flu; and symptoms of influenza should generally pass within seventy-two hours. A 2015 double-blind, clinical trial demonstrated that a blend of Elderberry and Echinacea is equal in efficacy to the pharmaceutical drug Tamiflu). Several clinical studies have shown that an extract of Elderberry demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of both adults and children with either type A or B influenza, reducing both the severity and duration of flu symptoms in otherwise healthy subjects. Another 2015 study from Australia's Griffith University indicated that Elderberry extracts can reduce the length and severity of cold symptoms among air travellers. All this, of course, should not be considered a substitute for influenza vaccination in high risk individuals.  An in vitrostudy also showed Elderberry's potential effectivness against the H5N1 avian influenza virus; and in 2009, scientists at the University of Miami Medical School found that flavonoids from Elderberry extract would bind to H1N1 virions and, when bound, blocked the ability of the viruses to infect host cells in vitro and would prevent H1N1 infection.

Elderberry has long been used to treat coughs, common colds and runny nose.  As an expectorant, it reduces excessive mucus and expels phlegm.  Taking Elderberry will also usually induce heavy sweating; and following a soothing sleep, fever will be lowered.

Elderberry is antiviral, antibiotic and antibacterial and has been used for centuries for soothing upper respiratory infections.  It is regarded as an excellent remedy for asthma, bronchial infections and sinusitis.

Since Elderberry acts as a powerful herbal diuretic, the herb increases urine flow and promotes all fluid secretions, helping to cleanse the system.  By promoting heavy perspiration, Elderberry also opens the pores, and in that manner it aids the further elimination of toxic material and impurities from the body through the skin.

Considered an herbal colon cleanser, Elderberry is powerful laxative and has been used as a natural intestinal cleanser for centuries.  It is said to work like lightning to evacuate the bowels and relieve constipation.

Elderberry enhances the immune system function by focusing on the nutritional needs of the immune system.  This natural anti-inflammatory stimulates the immune system to combat the free radicals that attack healthy cells.  Elderberry's flavonoids include anthocyanins that are powerful antioxidants, which protect cells against damage from invasive infection.  A large body of research (2009) suggests that berries may be among the most potent cancer-fighting fruits, with particular emphasis on Elderberry, Blackberry, Black and Red Raspberry, Strawberry and Blueberry.  Elderberry contains a number of healthful compounds including vitamins, selenium, calcium, polyphenols and, perhaps most notably, compounds called anthocyanins, which give berries their color and have, in laboratory tests, produced slower tumor growth and fewer esophageal tumors.

As a revitalizing stimulant and rejuvenating tonic, Elderberry promotes circulation, kidney function and good lymphatic system health.

Topically, Elderberry has long been used for burns, bruises, wound healing, eczema, psoriasis, rash and other skin problems.  Elderberry water is said to be good for the eyes and the complexion and generally improve skin health.  It has also been used to remove freckles, as well as whiten and soften the skin.

Other traditional uses for Elderberry have included the treatment of nerve pain, neuralgia, migraine headaches and nervous conditions.

Contraindications:
Pregnant women should not take Elderberry, and the plant should never be eaten without cooking; it is poisonous (commercial preparations take care of that situation).  Prolonged or overuse of Elder may increase the amount of urine you make and may cause the loss of potassium from your body. People taking diuretics or laxatives should use caution when taking Elderberry at the same time.