By Felicia, on October 5th, 2012
It is flu and cold season again and before you grab the nearest pharmaceutical, look to nature first. The Elder tree berries are truly one of nature’s wonder cures.
While the leaves, bark, roots and branches are toxic to humans (2), the berries provide essential “organic pigments, tannin, amino acids, carotenoids, flavonoids, sugar, rutin, viburnic acid, vitamin A and B and a large amount of vitamin C. They are also mildly laxative, a diuretic, and diaphoretic. Flavonoids, including quercetin, are believed to account for the therapeutic actions of the elderberry flowers and berries. According to test tube studies2 these flavonoids include anthocyanins that are powerful antioxidants and protect cells against damage.”(1)
Because of these benefits, the immune system becomes stronger and can attack viruses like the flu, cold, diabetes and in certain studies can even help combat the AIDS virus. (1) The bonus is the juice from the berries is delicious and can be used in syrups, soft drinks and liquor. (2)
So, before you run to the drugstore or the pharmacy, check out what nature has provided first.
Sources:
(1) The Elderberry
(2) Wikipedia: Sambucus
(3) Cornell: Elderberries