Elderberry, Coughs, Colds, Flu and More
The important health benefits of Elderberries include their ability to alleviate allergies, boost the immune system, protect against bacteria and infection, lower blood sugar, help with weight loss by moderating the digestive process.
Elderberry juice treated the flu epidemic in Panama in 1995. Elderberry, is used for its antioxidant activity to lower cholesterol, improve vision, boost the immune system, improve heart health and for coughs, colds, flu, bacterial and viral infections and tonsillitis. Bioflavonoids and other proteins destroy the ability of cold and flu viruses to infect a cell and can lesson severe symptoms from cold or flu viruses.
Elderberry is used for respiratory ailments, arthritis, blood cleansing, sore throats, hoarseness, laryngitis and is high in Vitamin C so it may be taken regularly for immune health. The flavonoids in Elderberries bind to the H1N1 human influenza virus as well as the H5N1 avian influenza virus and flushes them out the body.
Elderberry extract reduces oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Oxidation of LDL cholesterol is implicated in atherogenesis, thus contributing to cardiovascular disease. Elderberries are diaphoretic, opens the blood vessels, therefore lowering blood pressure, it's also diuretic and slightly a laxative.
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds found in Elderberries can help alleviate joint pain and soreness from inflammation. The high levels of essential minerals help promote bone strength and the development of new bone tissue.
Elderberry’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties helps sinus issues. A sinus infection, in which the cavities around the nasal passages become inflamed look to the antiviral properties of Elderberry which promotes faster relief for a sinus infection. The flowers of the elder plant are known to be an effective herbal allergy remedy. Since allergies involve an overreaction of the immune system as well as inflammation, Elderberry’s ability to improve the immune system can calm inflammation providing allergy relief.
The active antioxidant ingredients in elderberries work directly on the pancreas to regulate insulin and glucose levels. Both the Elder flower and the berry have traditionally been used to treat diabetes. Elderflower stimulates glucose metabolism and the secretion of insulin, therefore lowering blood sugar levels. Elderberry significantly increased glucose transport, glucose oxidation and glycogenesis without any added insulin. The process by which excess sugar is cleared out of the bloodstream and into your muscles and liver, which helps maintain normal blood sugar.
Suggested Tincture Dosage: 1 dropperful 3 times daily.
√ Allergy Relief
√ Blood Sugar - Lowers
√ Cold Relief
√ Eyes - Improves Vision
√ Flu Relief
√ Hearth Health
√ Immune Boost
√ Sinus Infection Aid
Elderflower Ointment
1/4 lb. Coconut Oil
1/2 lb. flowers of the Elderberry
15 drops Lavender Essential Oil
Place in a pan. Set the pan in a larger vessel of boiling water.
Simmer until a pale green. Some say until pulped. Strain through muslin and store in small jars. Add Lavender Essential Oil, if desired. This is good for face, hands, bruises, sores, bites and baby rash.
ELDERBERRY SYRUP MADE FROM TINCTURE
For the Tincture
Pour 4 oz. boiling water over herbs and soak overnight
• 3 TBS dried elderberries
• 1 TBS dried elderflowers
• 2 tsp grated fresh ginger
In a muslin, jelly bag, or cheesecloth strain the herbs from the liquid. Squeeze gently to get as much fluid from the herbs as possible.
Add herbal liquid to 1/2 cup sugar in small saucepan and bring to boil, add:
• 2 oz Elderberry Tincture
• 1/4 lemon, juiced
Cook out alcohol for 2 minutes stirring continually. Bottle and store.
