Sambucus is a genus of flowering plants in the family Adoxaceae. The various species are commonly called elder or elderberry.
The genus was formerly placed in the honeysuckle family, Caprifoliaceae, but was reclassified as Adoxaceae due to genetic and morphological comparisons to plants in the genus adora.
There are about 30 types of elder plants and trees found around the world. The European version (also known as Sambucus nigra) is the one most closely tied to your health and healing. It history dates as far back as 400 BC, and Hippocrates, the “Father of Medicine,” called the elder tree his “medicine chest.”
In folk medicine today, the elderberry is widely considered one of the world’s most healing plants.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF ELDERBERRY
The berries and flowers of elderberry are packed with antioxidant and vitamins that may boost your immune system. They can help tame inflammation, lessen stress, and help protect your heart.
Experts recommend elderberry to help prevent and ease cold and flu symptoms.
It’s also been used as a treatment for:
● Constipation
● Joint and muscle pain
● Infections that affect how you breathe
● Headaches
● Fever
● Kidney problems
● Epilepsy
● Minor skin conditions
● Stress
● HIV and AIDS
EFFECTIVENESS
Elderberry gets a lot of support as a healing agent through word of mouth and old wives tales, but its success in medical test is less conclusive. More research is needed.
In other words, if you want to fight the flu, don’t forget your flu shot.
Still, if you want to add a little pep to your immune system, many doctors say it’s safe to take elderberry as part of a healthy diet plan that includes foods with vitamin B, vitamin B6, and vitamin E.
FORMS AND FUNCTIONS
Just as uses for elderberry are broad, the forms it comes in are many, including syrups, gummies, lozenges, pills, and teas. It’s also used in:
● Food coloring
● Body lotion
● Jams
● Wine
DANGERS
While opinions vary on whether elderberry is helpful, most doctors believe it’s safe to have in small doses. But unripe or uncooked berries or flowers from the plant can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Large amounts can cause even more serious poisoning.
Other things to keep in mind include:
● If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you shouldn’t take it.
● Other parts of the elder tree including the branches, twigs, leaves, roots, and seeds, are toxic. They contain a type of cyanide called glycoside.
● People with immune problems might have reactions to elderberry.
● If you get a rash or have trouble breathing after you have some, you might be allergic to it.
● Because it’s a diuretics, be careful when you take it if you’re on medicines that make you pee more.
Talk with your doctor if you’re thinking about taking elderberry.
