Elderberry is among the most popular natural remedies for the common cold and flu symptoms. It helps fight other viral infections and may also protect the heart. However, some parts of the plant are toxic. Keep reading to learn elderberry benefits, side effects, and how to use it.<\/p>\n
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Elderberries are glossy, tart, deep-purple fruits of the Sambucus<\/em> tree. Among many varieties, the most common one is the European elder <\/strong>or black elderberry (Sambucus nigra<\/em>) [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Native to Europe, black elderberry today grows across America, Asia, and North Africa. The tree is up to 30 feet tall, with a brownish-gray bark and fragrant white flowers. The fruits are small, dark-colored berries, sometimes appearing almost black [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n All parts of black elderberry are used in folk medicine. The flowers and leaves are natural remedies for reducing pain<\/a>, swelling, and inflammation. Preparations from the bark are taken to stimulate urination and bowel movements. Fresh or dried berries are thought to relieve headaches<\/a>, toothaches, low back pain, respiratory infections, as well as constipation [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Recent research voices the traditional wisdom. Flavonoids discovered in the flowers and fruits of elderberry trees have antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. People use it to combat flu, respiratory infections, and more [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Furthermore, Sambucus nigra<\/em> has become popular in the food industry. The berries are often used to make refreshing, sweet-tart juices, jams, jellies, pies, punches, and wines. Elderflowers are boiled to prepare a soothing, creamy tea or syrup or added to the batter when baking [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Elderberry supplements – such as syrups, lozenges, capsules, tea, and powder – are all typically made from the European, black elderberry (Sambucus nigra<\/em>) [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n The three other well-known elderberry varieties include the following [R<\/a>, R<\/a>]:<\/p>\n All elderberries are rich in anthocyanins<\/strong>, powerful antioxidants responsible for the red, blue, and purple berry color variations [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Although both European and American elderberry abound in antioxidants, the European variety is higher in specific ones (phenolics and flavonoids). Anthocyanins deepen the color of plants, which explains the greater potency of black elderberry, especially compared to the red variety [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Red and blue elderberry, native to the North American continent, may offer distinct health benefits. Native people would collect these berries in the summer and store them in a safe place for medicinal use during the winter months. Research on their effects is limited, however, so this post will focus on the black variety.<\/p>\nSnapshot<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Proponents:<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Skeptics:<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Uses in Traditional Medicine<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Modern Uses<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Black, Blue, and Red Elderberry – What\u2019s the Difference?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
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