GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Every part of the elder tree has a food or
medicinal purpose. For centuries, the elderberry
has been used to treat colds and flu. Scientists believe that antioxidant flavonoids found
in the elderberry fight viral infection. Elderberry is most
commonly used to treat the runny nose and sore throat of the
common cold and to help to reduce the fever, muscle pain, and other symptoms of the flu. Elderberry induces sweating and stimulates
circulation; it also has
slight laxative and cough-suppressant
effects. The berries are rich in
vitamin C, flavonoids such as anthocyanins, substances
called tannins, and other phyto- (or “plant”) nutrients.
Certain compounds may help counter the effects of
some strains of influenza by binding to the virus and preventing it from attacking cells. (Recently, scientists who tested a standardized extract of the berry found that it caused a complete
cure or at least a significant improvement in symptoms of
the flu within two to three days.) The flowers contain
flavonoids, an essential oil, mucilage, tannins,
and other compounds, whose main effects
appear to be reducing fever and promoting sweating.
ROLE FOR ANTI-AGING:
An animal study carried out in 1987 reported
that elder flowers had moderately strong anti-inflammatory properties, however, no further
research to back this claim has been carried out. Recent
research carried out at Tufts University has revealed that
elderberry contains four anthocyanins that work to protect
endothelial cells, which line artery walls, from oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
THERAPEUTIC DAILY AMOUNT:
Elderberry comes in tinctures, liquid extracts,
lozenges, syrups, standardized extract capsules,
and throat sprays. Follow dosage directions on labels.
MAXIMUM SAFE LEVEL: Not established
SIDE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICATIONS:
No adverse reactions to elderberry are known to exist. Raw berries are edible but may cause
nausea and vomiting. Herbal products made from the leaves,
stems or bark of the elderberry tree should NOT be
taken internally as they contain the potentially
fatal poison cyanide.
