Elderberry: Nature’s medicine chest
Elderberry (berry, flower & inner bark) has long been considered a virtual cure-all with the ability to treat a wide variety of ailments and conditions. Hippocrates, the “Father of Medicine,” called the tree his “medicine chest.” Among its many attributes, elderberry is commonly used as a gentle, effective remedy to help prevent and fight viral and bacterial infections, especially cold and flu symptoms, such as fevers, coughs, headache, muscle aches, congestion, nausea, irritability, and wheezing.
According to the Research
Studies have confirmed that elderberry helps boost the production of cytokines. Cytokines are the protein messengers that help regulate the immune response. The anthocyanins found in elderberries possess more antioxidant capacity than either vitamin E or C and are attributed to the greatly increased immune system coordination that elderberry supports and triggers.
Antivirin is an antiviral agent found in elderberry that helps to prevent viral infections by inhibititing their ability to invade cells.
According to TCM
In China, elderberry is used in medicinal wines to treat pain associated with injuries and arthritis. Also used to treat cold and flu symptoms, the berries are considered excellent for Clearing Heat, indicated by such signs as red itchy eyes, muscle aches, fever, chest pain, constipation, and urinary tract infections. It is considered excellent for reducing swollen lymph glands and easing sore throats.
In general, the flowers are considered best for promoting sweating, restoring lung function, aiding urinary function, and clearing inflammation associated with empty heat. The berries are considered best for acute or chronic neuralgias, constipation, respiratory infections, and even food poisoning. The inner bark is mostly used for edema, obstinate constipation, arthritis, and gout. The flowers and berries are most typically used.
Key Actions: Releases Exterior, Clears Heat, Dispels Wind, Resolves Damp, Tonifies the Lungs, Expels Phlegm, Promotes Urination, Resolves Swellings, Reduces Inflammation and Pain Promotes Lactation
Medicinal Uses: Sweating, phlegm, headaches, colds, flu, sore throat, tonsillitis, bronchial asthma, TB, pneumonia, edema, urinary stones, arteriosclerosis, gum disease, coughs, fever, muscle aches, laryngitis, measles, smallpox, chickenpox, congestion, swollen lymph, hay fever, urinary tract infections (UTI’s), sore throat, eye infections, skin.
Where Should I Buy it?
As always source your foods and herbs from organic sources. The Light Cellar in Calgary is my go-to spot for elderberry syrup. They source only the best, highest quality ingredients which have been wild-crafted or grown at or above organic standards. And they just finished a fresh batch this week, so look for it on their shelves!
It's important for individuals interested in exploring the health benefits of elderberry, especially for therapeutic purposes, to consult healthcare professionals, including TCM practitioners and nutritionists, to ensure safe and appropriate use.