Every fall, I try to make sure that I make an extra large batch of Elderberry Elixir. Elderberry is a highly medicinal plant and is a go-to herb for many people throughout the cold and flu season. This is because it is a highly versatile plant and has many uses and properties that benefit those with respiratory illness, among many things.
Here are just five of the reasons you may want to add Elderberry to your life:
Immune System Regulation
Elderberry is an excellent immunomodulator, meaning it can assist the body in regulating it's immune response to the appropriate level needed for the situation. Research supports this important benefit, which is crucial for those needing to avoid immune system stimulation.
Natural Fever Reducer
Elder flowers are a tried-and-true diaphoretic, encouraging perspiration and the release of heat from the body, useful for colds, flus and fevers. A traditional tea formula for naturally lowering a fever is equal parts elderflower, yarrow and mint.
Anti-Viral
Elderberry is a powerful anti-viral. It directly inhibits the influenza virus by disarming the virus of its ability to invade healthy cells and multiply. Studies have shown that the use of Elderberry in cases of influenza significantly shortens the duration of the illness.
Anti-Inflammatory
Elderberry contains anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant agents, which can benefit a large range of conditions from allergic reactions to atherosclerosis. Studies have confirmed that the anti-inflammatory constituents in elderberry can lower inflammatory markers and insulin resistance. In fact, research has confirmed that Elderberry may be one of the strongest anti-inflammatory fruits.
Gentle
Elderberries and elder flowers are gentle enough to be used with babies, children, and the elderly, as well as those with compromised immune systems. This makes it an excellent choice when more stimulating herbs are not appropriate.
There are many other benefits of Elderberry and Elderflower as well, such as diabetes management and liver protection and possibly even the topical treatment of skin cancer.
I like to take elderberry preventatively, starting in early fall. I take about 1 teaspoon of Elderberry Elixir or syrup everyday throughout the fall and winter months. I find that my family and I have far fewer colds, coughs and flus when we do this consistently.
In the next post in this series, I'll share with you how to make my favorite, super easy Elderberry Elixir recipe.
Have you used elderberry? Did it work well for you? What is your favorite recipe? What is your favorite way to take Elderberry?