Also Known As -Sambucus nigra
Hand picked and sun dried.
Overview - Elderberry fruit has been used for centuries in North America, Western Asia, Europe and North Africa. Medicinal benefits of Elderberry fruit extracts have been used to stimulate the immune system and protect against free radicals that attack healthy cells. In fact, certain studies have proven its effectiveness in fighting viruses such as herpes, AIDS and HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus. It's antioxidant activity is useful in lowering cholesterol, improving vision, heart health and for coughs, colds and other viral and bacterial infections and tonsillitis. People who have taken Elderberry fruit have reported less severe symptoms and have felt much better, much faster than those who did not. It was used in 1995, in Peru to stop a flu epidemic! So, at the first sign of a cold or or virus, treat yourself to Elderberry and it should help alleviate the symptoms within 72 hours. This herbal extract has also been used to help with weight loss, and as a treatment for headaches and migraines, rheumatism, gout, edema, hepatic disease, syphylis, epilepsy, toothache, asthma and to help wounds heal faster. As a revitalizing stimulant and rejuvenating tonic, it promotes circulation, kidney function and good lymphatic system health. Since eating the berries doesn't give you the same concentrated benefits it more beneficial as an Elderberry fruit tincture.
Medicinal Uses - Internally – When the bark is infused in water, it can be taken as a purgative. It has also been used as a diuretic, and has been used successfully with epilepsy. As a homeopathic tincture it has been proven effective for asthmatic children. Tea from Elder flowers was taken as a spring tonic. Vinegar was used to cure sore throat. A herbal tea from the dried berries is used to cure diarrhea, colic, nerve disorders and inflammation of the urinary tract and bladder. A thickened syrup is taken for coughs and colds.
Externally – When the bark is made into an ointment, it proves to be very emollient and good for the skin. Elder Flower Water is used to remove freckles and sunburn, and was a common skin preparation in days gone by. It whitens and softens the skin. When the leaves were made into an ointment, it was applied to bruises, chilblains and sprains, along with other wounds of the skin.
Other Uses – The Romans used the berries to dye their hair black. The berries are also used frequently for jam and pies.
Parts Used - Bark, berries, flowers – Bark: The bark should be harvested in autumn from young trees. It should be dried in warm but not hot sun, and taken in at night. Flowers: Use with other herbs for an heral tea. Used mostly to distill into Elder Flower Water, the flowers make a slightly astringent liquid that is frequently used for eye and skin lotions as well as for mixing medicines. Leaves: Leaves are gathered in June and July, and are used both fresh and dried. Berries: Berries are used freshly cooked and dried for medicinal use in cough products.
Precautions - The fresh plant is poisonous. Berries should be cooked. The stems are very toxic as they contain cyanide. Improperly prepared berries can induce nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Women who are pregnant or nursing should exercise caution with elderberry remedies.
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