Elderberry
Elderberry is commonly used to treat respiratory infections, colds, and flu.
Health Benefits:
Antiviral
Respiratory illness relief
Health Condition:
Method of Use:
Tea
Ingest
Tincture
Alternative Names:
Sambucas nigra (Caprifoliaceae)
Cultural Narrative
One community member described using elderberry to boost immune system functioning and to reduce inflammation. She described growing it in her garden from which she harvests the berries and boils them into an elixir that she can add to her coffee or water.
Elderberry thrives in woods and hedges and be found in most temperate regions. It is often cultivated. The plant is propagated from cuttings in the spring while the flowering tops are harvested in late spring and the berries are picked early fall. All parts of the elder plant can be used for homeopathic remedies. While limited, some research has shown that elderberry extract has helped individuals recover from influenza. Whereas the berries themselves have been used in syrups to help recover from respiratory infections and colds. The flowering tops are known to be used for congestion, addressing allergies and helping aid arthritis
Content here is for informational purposes only. As with all medicines, please consult with your physician before use.