A great number of people still look to traditional medicine for a solution to colds, stomachaches, and other ailments. According to a study done in 2007, around 38% of US adults use some form of herbal or traditional medicine. This percentage is much higher in Asian countries, and every culture around the world has its own collection of natural remedies.
We’ve lost sight of many traditional recipes over time. Some were proven to be ineffective or harmful. But there are still herbal remedies that are worth learning about. Sometimes, the answer to a medical issue is as simple as eating a piece of fruit or preparing a tisane.
Elderberry – What Is It Good For?
Elderberry is a particularly popular medicinal plant. Its medicinal use has a long tradition, and the plant’s beneficial effects have been backed up by science.
Here are a few of the conditions that could be helped by elderberry:
- Hay fever
- Digestion issues and constipation
- Heart problems
- Urinary problems
- Nerve pain
- Sinus pain or toothaches
- Immune system issues
- Cancer
Researchers have also discovered that taking elderberry extract might be helpful to diabetes patients. Due to the plant’s antiviral properties, elderberries are most commonly used to treat the symptoms of the cold and the flu.
However, elderberry can be dangerous if you consume the berries or the leaves raw. It’s important to learn all you can about the risks and rewards of this natural remedy before you start using it.
6 Things You Need to Know About Elderberry
In this section, we will look at the ways people prepare and consume elderberry. We’ll take a closer look at elderberry syrup and discuss safe storage. For example, how long does elderberry syrup last in the fridge? How can you be sure it’s safe to drink? Finally, we’ll discuss the benefits of introducing this plant to your diet.
1. What’s the best way to consume elderberry?
Eating elderberry berries raw is dangerous, and you also shouldn’t consume the bark and leaf uncooked. It is fine to eat the flowers fresh, and many people also put elderberry flowers into their salads.
You can also consume the flowers by creating elderberry syrup. To make this syrup, you simply boil the flowers with a great deal of sugar. Some people also add ginger, cinnamon, cloves, or other spices.
Creating a homemade tea with elderberry flowers is another option. Simply pour boiling water over dried elderberry flowers and let it steep for at least ten minutes.
You can also turn the berries edible by cooking them and juicing them. If you’re on the hunt for a refreshing beverage, consider elderberry juice or elderberry wine. Pies, jams, and chutneys are safe and delicious options as well.
To make syrup out of dried berries, use water, spices, and raw honey. You then distill it before use.
2. How much elderberry syrup, tea, and juice should you drink?
If you’ve prepared these drinks correctly, there’s no reason to worry about taking too much of them. But here are the right dosages for treating ailments, based on laboratory experimentation:
For Constipation
You can take 150 ml of elderberry tea three times a day over a period of five days.
For Flu
Adults should take 15 ml of elderberry berry juice four times a day for 3-5 days at a time. For children, it is better to only take it twice daily.
Note that the dosages vary depending on the concentration and additional ingredients. If you’re using a store-bought elderberry product, follow the instructions.
According to the American Botanical Council, it is better not to consume elderberry for more than five days in a row, as the effects of constant use haven’t been clinically tested.
3. How long does elderberry syrup last in the fridge?
If you have syrup made from elderberry flowers or elderberry berries, it’s crucial to store it in the fridge. Homemade and fridge-stored elderberry syrup is safe to use for six months. In the case of store-brought elderberry products, consider the instructions.
To make sure nothing’s gone wrong with the syrup, always check for mold. If you’ve been keeping it for a few months, it helps to do a quick scent and taste test before consuming it. In situations when you’re uncertain, it helps to re-boil the syrup.
4. Can you drink elderberry juice when you’re pregnant?
For now, there is no research done on using elderberry products during pregnancy. Some experts recommend avoiding it, but it’s best to ask your physician for advice about this. Some pregnant women choose to consume elderberry juice to treat the flu, and it might be safer to use than over-the-counter drugs.
If you do opt for using elderberries while you’re pregnant, be extra careful to avoid raw berries or leaves.
5. What are the side effects of elderberry products?
Properly prepared elderberry juice, syrup, and pie shouldn’t have any negative effects on your health. But if the berries are undercooked, you may experience nausea, dizziness, weakness, or vomiting. If you experience any of these issues while consuming elderberry products, stop taking them immediately.
6. What makes elderberry so useful?
Elderberry can improve your overall health in a few different ways.
Antioxidant Effects
Since this plant has a powerful antioxidant effect, it protects your cells from aging and improves your immune system.
Antiviral Effect
While they can’t prevent the symptoms altogether, elderberry products can help you heal from the flu or a cold. They may also help with other viral infections, so they’re often recommended to immunocompromised people.
It Improves Your Skin Health
Considering that elderberry is rich in vitamin A, consuming it can soothe the skin and protect it from the effects of aging. Some use elderberries to treat acne. Additionally, it can help with gum swelling and lesions.
It Also Supports Digestion
Because it’s high in dietary fiber, consuming the berries of this plant helps digestion.
Conclusion
Elderberry is an important staple of traditional medicine, and it continues to have a number of uses. Adding it to your diet can help you keep in top shape, and it helps treat flu and cold symptoms. If you’re looking for a way to improve your diet, don’t miss out on this plant.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92773/
https://hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/ncnu07/pdfs/charlebois284-292.pdf
http://cms.herbalgram.org/press/files/elderberry-scr.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5297648/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/elderberry
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-434/elderberry
https://www.livestrong.com/article/128286-side-effects-black-elderberry/
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