The Magic of Elderberries

The Magic of Elderberries

By Shannon, Posted in Herbal Remedies

The dark berry of Sambucus nigra is one of the most used medicinal herbs in the world.  It is also one of the oldest used in folk medicine to fight the virus that causes colds, flu, sinus infections, and upper respiratory infections.  The use of elder has been dated back to ancient Egyptian times.  It is fascinating how the elderberry bush has been valued by many diverse cultures.  It is hard to find a more popular natural remedy than elderberry. Elderberry especially comes out in force during cold and flu season.   

Elderberries are a low-calorie food packed with vitamin C, dietary fiber and antioxidants in the form phenolic acids, flavonols and anthocyanins.  Antioxidants are at least partly responsible for many of its health-boosting properties.  Quercetin is a specific flavonol found in elderberries that can calm inflammation and boost immunity.  All these provide much needed nutrients the body needs to heal.

Immune Boosting Properties of Elderbery

Besides its specific antiviral power, elderberries also have immune-boosting properties.  By stimulating your immune system, elderberries can enhance your body’s immune response to invaders. These berries have been found to enhance immune response both during an infection and in healthy organisms. This means you can take it for overall immune health, not just when you get sick.

There are two main parts of the immune system, the innate and adaptive.  You are born with the innate immune system.  When this system recognizes an invader, it goes into action immediately. The cells of this immune system surround and engulf the invader.  Your body develops the adaptive immune system when your body is exposed to microbes or chemical released by microbes.  These two immune systems work together.1

When the immune system is weakened, you may notice that you are often sick, feel fatigued or have other nagging symptoms you cannot figure out.  If you are experiencing some are all these symptoms, your immune system may need a boost.  They include:

  • Allergic reactions
  • Dark circles under the eyes
  • Depression
  • Digestive issues
  • Fatigue
  • Frequent colds
  • Frequent fungal and bacterial infections
  • High stress
  • Insomnia
  • Wounds slow to heal

Eating a balanced diet, getting plenty of sleep, drinking daily allowance of water, and exercising regularly may help strengthen your immune system. Also, taking elderberry syrup can help to strengthen your immune system and help to alleviate the symptoms you may be having.

Consuming Elderberries

Elderberries must never be eaten fresh as they need to be cooked before consumed.  One of the best ways, and the most popular way to take elderberry, is an elderberry syrup.  Our Elderberry Syrup contains Elderberries, Fresh Ginger, Ceylon Cinnamon, Cloves, and Raw Honey.  It provides the powerful punch you need to get up and running again. 

1. The Immune System | Johns Hopkins Medicine

Mayernik Kitchen 8 ounce elderberry syrup bottle on shelf