Health Benefits of Elderberry
October 22, 2009
Elderberry is a native tree of Europe. The botanical name of elderberry tree is Sambucus nigra. In Europe, the elderberry blossoms and berries are used for making syrups, wines, marmalades and pies.
Medicinal uses of elderberry is also used by herbalists for treating diseases. Nearly every part of the elderberry tree, including leaves, flowers, berries and bark, is used for making medicines. Elderberry juice or tea could help to cure certain illnesses such as cold and flu. You can prepare elderberry teas with dried elderberry flowers or berries.
Flu remedy
Elderberry is effective in treating flu. Studies have shown that elderberry could perfectly cure symptoms of flu. Both type A and type B influenza sufferers could benefit from elderberry intake. Researchers have found that this inexpensive flu treatment could cure flu faster than common flu medications.
Influenza victims who were given elderberry tincture or elderberry extracts recovered from the illness within two days. It has been seen that elderberry has high oxygen radical absorption capacity. It is rich in flavonoids, which are powerful antioxidant plant compounds that can boost the immunity of the body, accelerating the healing process.
Moreover, the anti-inflammatory ingredients, known as anthocyanins, present in elderberry could reduce body aches and fever associated with influenza. Elderberry could be used for treating upper respiratory tract infections.
The decongestant action of elderberry is effective in dissolving mucus blocking the nose, sinus and lungs. It can also reduce inflammation of mucus membranes. Elderberry could be used for treating cold and sinusitis. It can also help to cure bronchitis.
Treats skin problems
Leaves of the elderberry tree are used for treating several skin diseases. Inflammatory skin diseases, boils and eczema could be cured with elderberry leaves extracts.
Edema remedy
Elderberry bark acts as a diuretic. Herbalists recommend the aged bark of the elderberry tree for curing edema.
The aged bark of elderberry tree could also be used as remedy for constipation.
Reduces arthritis pain
Like most berries, elderberry is also a rich source of anthocyanins. These powerful antioxidants help to reduce inflammation and pain associated with arthritis. You can drink elderberry juice or tea to reduce arthritis pain.
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