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  • From: tradingpost <tradingpost@lobo.net>
  • To: livingontheland@lists.ibiblio.org
  • Subject: [Livingontheland] Elderberries for your health
  • Date: Tue, 22 Oct 2013 12:44:03 -0600


Elderberries for your health
http://www.taosnews.com/lifestyle/article_6ec0cbb0-3774-11e3-8cb8-0019bb2963f4.html

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra or Baya del sauco) is shrub that grows 8-30 feet tall and is in the Adoxaceae family.

Formerly elderberry was considered to be a member of the honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae).

It is one of the earliest plants cultivated by human beings and has been used a food, medicine and cosmetic purposes since the stone age. The Romans believed that anyone who grew elderberry would die of old age instead of illness.

Historical use of elderberry as medicine included being used for the treatment of colds, flu and coughs and the intensely blue color of the pigments in the berries has been and still is used as a dye for textiles.

The berries contain large amounts of vitamin C and the bioflavonoids rutin and anthocyanin. It is the presence of the purple pigment anthocyanin that has been the subject of modern day research that suggests that elderberry has anti-viral properties that may help prevent or shorten the duration of the flu.

Research in Israel has shown that these anthocyanins increase the body’s production of antibodies that destroy virus and bacteria and interfere with a virus’ ability to enter our cells in order to manufacture more viruses.

Elderberry is available as a syrup or elixir and is safe for anyone to consume, but if you are taking prescription medication, especially blood thinning drugs consult your health care practitioner before herbs and dietary supplements.

Consult your health care practitioner about the use of herbs or supplements, especially if you are pregnant, taking prescription medication, or administering herbs to children.





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