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By Kathy Torres
We live in a world today in which dietary supplements are numerous and often it can be confusing as to which are truly valuable to overall health. If you’re like me, you grew up with the understanding that adding a multi-vitamin to your daily food intake was a good way to “fill in the gap” on what you may have missed. And… other than a little extra Vitamin C when you had a cold, you were good to go. That is, if what existed in your 3- meals-a-day diet was from the infamous food pyramid. Man, how things have changed!
The focus on nutrition and health today is constantly evolving, resulting in many benefits to modern health, while encouraging us to seriously consider what we are putting in our bodies, however, it can be overwhelming trying to figure it all out! There are multitudes of available supplements for our daily food intake that have led to another avenue of improving overall health, sometimes even providing solutions to health issues that might have warranted prescription drugs. A return to natural remedies (as in those days before mega-pharmaceutical companies) is popular and proving to be very effective.
Elderberry, Simbucus canadensis, is a multi-stemmed shrub or small tree (grows in zones 3-9), producing white flowers and black berries. It has a long history of medicinal use by virtually all human cultures for centuries, “Plants were probably deposited in Europe, Asia, and North America by retreating glaciers by 9,000 B.C.E. Seeds from Elderberry found in Neolithic pole-dwellings in Switzerland suggest that the plant was in cultivation by about 2000 B.C.E.” Note: B.C.E. = B.C. “Historically, Elderberry was known as the medicine chest of the country people and was used to cure just about anything. Elderflower water was applied to the skin to remove freckles and keep the complexion fair. The Romans created a hair dye made from the dark juice of the berries.” Click on this link History Herb Society for more information on this plant.
The Elderberry tonics and syrups began to appear in stores in recent years due to effectiveness in reducing cold and flu symptoms and was often used during the Covid-19 pandemic. While more scientific research is needed, some of the health issues, in addition to upper respiratory ailments, that may potentially be affected by Elderberry are:
- Immune System
- Heart Health
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Digestive Health
- Weight Management
- Metabolic Health
- Urination
- Headaches
- Sinus Infections
Right now, you might be thinking… what’s in this tonic? The medicinal properties of Elderberries are reportedly attributable mostly to their high content of flavonoids, micronutrients with antioxidant properties found naturally in plants. Antioxidants destroy unstable molecules called “free radicals” that can damage cells. Fruits with red, purple, blue or black hues tend to be rich in flavonoids/antioxidants. Elderberry is also full of Vitamin C and fiber. The health effects of these nutrients include cardiovascular, neurodegenerative and inflammatory disorders, as well as anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, anti-viral, and immune-stimulatory. This information was gathered from a report by the National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine. See link NIH Report #1.
We started carrying Elderberry Tonic in the Wingard’s Produce Market a few years before the pandemic and have added to the product line since then. Elderberry is now available in many forms in addition to the original tonics and syrups. Local pharmacies and grocery stores, as well as vitamin stores offer tablets, capsules and gummies. Teas may also be found if you prefer.
The NIH confirms that studies have supported the antiviral properties of Elderberry fruit, making it necessary to further study other properties. “Considering the growing fashion for natural, organic and health-promoting food, it can be concluded that Elderberry as a natural component of food products fits perfectly into this trend and has a good chance to increase its role as a beneficial component of a healthy diet.” See link NIH Report #2.
Despite the many positive effects of elderberry, it may not be for everyone. Always discuss with your physician and pharmacist before adding supplements to your diet, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription medications and/or other supplements.
Every part of the elderberry plant contains cyanogenic glycosides, a substance that releases cyanide. Ingestion of uncooked berries or other parts of the plant can cause dangerous levels of cyanide to build up within the body. While the flowers contain slightly less of this element, the stems, leaves and bark of the elderberry plant are particularly dangerous and should never be consumed uncooked, especially by small children. Additional details on precautions and possible drug interactions may be found at this link MOUNT SINAI.
We are learning more and more every day about taking care of our bodies by eating healthy foods. The rewards and benefits from plant-based foods versus the harmful effects of many processed foods are well-known and we are encouraged by doctors and nutritionists to increase our intake of fruits and vegetables. When we are not as likely to do that, natural supplements may be something to consider. These substances have survived the test of time, so maybe we can take advantage of the wisdom of past civilizations to improve our health and ability to fight illness. We desire and deserve a long, healthy life, don’t you think? Let’s do everything WE can to make it happen!
We hope you’ll visit Wingard’s Produce Market and check out Elderberry and other natural dietary supplement products offered for you and your family.
Additional Links:
Elderberry & Weight Management WSU
NIH Report – Elderberry Usefulness & Safety
