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Elderberry is a natural remedy that has been cherished around the world since ancient times. As it has been used to treat so many types of health issues, it was called a “medicine chest” by Hippocrates, the ancient Greek father of medicine, according to Dr. Axe. Prized for both its flowers and fruit, this healthy food is celebrated as one of the top medicinal herbs in the world.
Also known as the Sambucus tree or the European black elder, evidence of its cultivation goes back to prehistoric times. The ancient Egyptians used it to soothe burns and to improve skin, while Indigenous people favored elderberry to help bring down fevers according to Healthline.
Bunches of fragrant, white elderberry flowers can be picked in spring and dried, then made into an herbal tea. The berries are harvested in the fall and dried. Elderberry is made into syrups, jams, juice, and wine, while herbalists make tinctures, salves, and lotions from the flowers, according to Gardener’s Path.
You may also find elderberry as a supplement, in syrups, and as lozenges. Here are five reasons why you should use this healing super herb.
A Powerful Antioxidant
Elderberries are also high in antioxidants, containing phenolic acids that reduce oxidative stress, according to Healthline. The flowers are super healthy as they contain ten times more antioxidant flavonols than the berries; these include quercetin, isorhamnetin, and kaempferol. Another powerful antioxidant found in elderberries is the immune-boosting anthocyanin.
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Could Help Treat Flu
Elderberry’s antiviral and antimicrobial properties may reduce the length and severity of the flu. In a study from The Journal of International Medical Research, when patients with flu symptoms were given elderberry syrup four times a day for five days, their symptoms diminished four days earlier than the placebo group.
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May Improve Heart Health
Drinking elderberry juice may decrease cholesterol as well as the level of fat in your blood, according to Healthline. It is the flavonols including anthocyanidins that may decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease, according to a review by The British Journal of Nutrition.
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Rich in Vitamins
Elderberry is high in vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin A, potassium, and iron, according to Dr. Axe. In fact, Healthline reports that a cup of elderberries offers 57 percent of the daily nutritional value. As for fiber, one cup offers 36 percent of the daily value. So enjoy a full bowl of berries!
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Could Reduce Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies
Herbalists like to recommend black elderflower for treating symptoms of hay fever. Herbalist Brittany Wood Nickerson from Thyme Herbal recommends drinking one to three cups of hot elderflower tea daily during the spring allergy season. It may help to alleviate non-stop sneezing, watery eyes, a runny nose, as well as post-nasal drip.
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