Elderberry Benefits

Discover the amazing health benefits of Elderberry, whose scientific name is “Sambucus nigra” is a special type of herbal shrub that is native to Australia, Europe, and North America. The herb which typically grows up to approximately 10ft tall produces black or dark blue berries with a distinct sharp-sweet flavor.

This distinct flavor makes them a key ingredient in most jams, syrups, cocktails and beverage products. Unlike other berries found in the “Sambucus” genus, elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is nontoxic in nature hence safe for use and consumption.

The plant’s berries, leaves, roots and even flowers are used in alternative medicine. Elderberry contains amino acids, vitamin A, B, and C, flavonoids, organic pigments, carotenoids, tannin, viburnic acid, rutin and sugar all which provide the herbal remedy with its numerous potent health benefits.

Full Elderberry Benefits and Side Effects

The elderberry herb has been used as a powerful natural remedy for treating common diseases for hundreds of years now. This informative article is going to focus on educating you entirely on the plant’s scientifically proven health benefits while also answering the question “What is elderberry good for?”

1. Protecting the cardiovascular system

Elderberries contain impressively high fiber levels that aid in getting rid of excess harmful cholesterol from the body while making room for good (HDL) cholesterol. By doing so, the natural herbal remedy minimizes or even eliminates the chances of developing atherosclerosis among other common cardiovascular disorders.

The herb’s high potassium levels also protect the heart through minimizing artery and blood vessel tension. The potassium found in the herbal remedy acts as a potent vasodilator that not only reduces blood pressure but also improves the heart’s overall health.

A particular scientific study that was carried out at the Austrian “Graz University” revealed that the herbal remedy contains generous amounts of “cyanide glycoside.” This is a substance which has been scientifically proven to significantly reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol oxidation, hence; works to prevent stroke and heart attack while also alleviating common coronary artery diseases.

2. Elderberry benefits for skin

The natural herbal remedy is widely used as a key ingredient in most cosmetic skin care products. This is because it contains potent bioflavonoids that have been scientifically proven to be particularly effective for improving the skin. Elderberry which is a natural detoxifier can prevent and even treat various distressing skin disorders, including skin rashes, boils, acne, scars, and conjunctivitis.

The natural herbal remedy also contains potent antioxidant compounds which combine with its vitamin A components to make an effective skin care solution that can be topically applied to prevent or lessen wrinkles, improve skin tone and even help in getting rid of age spots.

3. Cancer prevention

Elderberry’s powerful antioxidant compounds make it a potent natural herbal remedy, especially for preventing and inhibiting the growth of cancerous cells. These potent antioxidants also effectively combat harmful free radicals that are likely to deteriorate healthy cells and become cancerous if left unmonitored. A scientific study that was carried out by the “Purdue University” revealed that of all small fruits and berries, elderberry has the leading antioxidant levels(¹).

It has also been discovered that the natural herb contains beneficial proteins that are anticarcinogenic in nature due to the fact that they effectively inactivate certain types of cell reproduction activities.

4. Improving Digestive Health

The natural herbal remedy is fully packed with dietary fiber that has been scientifically proven to improve gastrointestinal system health, reduce excess gas and also eliminate constipation all which are common digestive issues. Apart from all these amazing benefits, the dietary fiber contained in elderberries can increase nutrient uptake efficiency, especially in the gut, thus helping you get more out of the food you eat.

5. Boosting the Immune System

Elderberry contains high concentrations of anthocyanins, antioxidants, flavonoids and nutrients that actively work together to boost the immune system. These highly beneficial compounds offer protection against common autoimmune disorders, hence; helping you live a healthier life. The anthocyanin compounds found in the herbal remedy actively enhance the overall immune system function through boosting cytokine production.

Cytokines are essential proteins that act as immune system messengers. These messengers are responsible for regulating immune system response, thus defending the body against various diseases.

6. Improving blood circulation

A scientific study that was carried out and published in the “Free Radical Biology and Medicine” journal in the year 2000 revealed that the anthocyanin compounds found in the natural herb can protect the endothelium (inner protective layer) of blood vessels against oxidative stress. This is because the epithelial cells present in the blood vessels absorb the anthocyanin compounds into the endothelium thus forming a protective barrier against inflammatory stressors. By doing so, the anthocyanin compounds end up improving blood circulation while also preventing the risk of stroke and heart disease.

7. Improving respiratory health

The juice extracted from the natural remedy is quite effective for alleviating various respiratory issues including sore throat, bronchitis, cough and cold among others. Elderberry contains potent bioflavonoids that can be used to soothe irritation and inflammation while also acting as potent expectorants for getting rid of phlegm that may end up trapping foreign substances in your glands. The natural remedy is quite effective in dealing with a wide variety of respiratory issues that it is widely recommended even for people with asthma.

The anthocyanin bioflavonoids, found in elderberry actively combat the flu and cold viruses, thus preventing them from invading vulnerable body cells. Elderberry also contains potent antibacterial properties that make it an effective treatment for bronchitis, asthma, tonsillitis and sinusitis.

8. Promoting weight loss

Elderberry has been scientifically proven to help in accelerating weight loss. This is because the herbal remedy contains high dietary fiber levels, which can be combined with the potent metabolism boosting effects of the plant’s mineral and nutrient content to promote weight loss. The fiber found in the natural remedy also prevents you from binge eating as it can make you feel fuller than you actually are.

Elderberry Side Effects

It is important that you only purchase elderberries from a reputable licensed store. This is because only a few plants in the “Sambucus” genus are edible, hence; you may not want to put your health and life at risk. It is also wise to first cook the elderberries before eating as they may contain harmful cyanide traces. The herb’s leaves, roots, and bark contain relatively toxic cyanide glycosides and alkaloids which can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea if consumed in large quantities.

Breastfeeding mothers and pregnant women are advised against using the beneficial herb unless under the direct supervision of a health practitioner or licensed herbalist.

CONCLUSION

The elderberry herb is a nutritious plant with various scientifically proven health benefits. You can use the potent natural remedy to alleviate a wide variety of health issues. Apart from that, the natural remedy also contains multiple nutrients and minerals that can be consumed to improve your overall health.