Elderberry

There are over twenty species of elder trees in existence today. Formerly thought to be in the honeysuckle family Caprifoliaceae, elder is now
classified in the Moschatel family Adoxaceae. The flowers, leaves, berries, bark, and roots have all been used in traditional folk medicine for
centuries. The fruit goes into elderberry wine, brandy, and the popular drink Sambuca, which is made by infusing elderberries and anise into
alcohol. When cooked, elderberry can be used to make pies and jam. Raw berries contain hydrocyanic acid (cyanide) and sambucine alkaloids,
which can cause diarrhea and nausea. Their harmful effects can be deactivated simply by cooking the berries.

Elderberry gets its name from the Anglo-Saxon word “aeld” meaning “fire,” perhaps referring to its fiery red branches that hold the berries.
Interestingly, Egyptians used elder flowers for healing burns. Many Native American tribes used elderberry, and its variants, in teas and other
beverages. In the Middle Ages, legend held that its tree was home to witches and that cutting one down would bring on the wrath of those residing
in the branches. As early as the seventeenth century, the British became known for homemade wine and cordials that were consumed for various
health challenges including fighting the common cold. For the past several centuries, reference to the medicinal benefits of elderberry can be found
in a variety of pharmacopoeias throughout greater Europe.

Where Are Elderberries Grown?

Elderberries are grown commercially in the Russian Federation and throughout Europe, particularly in Poland, Hungary, Portugal, and Bulgaria.
They are also grown, on a smaller scale, in North America, in Nova Scotia, New York, Ohio, and Oregon.

Why Should I Eat Elderberries?

The berries contain more vitamin C than any other fruit except rose hips and black currants. Elderberries also contain vitamin A and carotenoids,
flavonoids, tannins, polyphenols, and anthocynanins. Many of these phytochemicals have been shown to be powerful antioxidants with antiinflammatory,
antiulcerative, antiviral, and anticancer properties.

Home Remedies

Hippocrates and other healers have used elderberry as an anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, diuretic, and laxative agent, as well as for the
treatment of dysentery, stomach ailments, scurvy, and urinary tract problems. Warm elderberry wine is a remedy for sore throat and influenza, and
induces perspiration to reverse the effects of a chill. The juice from the berries is an old-fashioned cure for colds, and is also said to relieve asthma
and bronchitis. Infusions of the fruit are beneficial for nerve disorders and back pain, and have been used to reduce inflammation of the urinary tract
and bladder.

Lifesaver!

INFLUENZA: Several studies have shown the effectiveness of elderberry in killing influenza strains A and B. In one study, sixty patients who had

influenza-like symptoms for less than two days were randomized in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. In those receiving elderberry extract,
less medication was required and symptoms were relieved an average of four days earlier compared to those who had received the placebo. In
another study with an elderberry-treated group, over ninety-three percent of participants experienced significant relief, including the absence of
fever, within two days.

COLITIS: Rats with colitis received an extract of elderberry for one month. Compared to the control group, the elderberry-fed group had a fifty

percent reduction in damage to the colon.

Tips on Using Elderberry

SELECTION AND STORAGE:

• Avoid picking berries that have become overripe. Wash well and strip from the stalks using a dining fork.
• Elderberries can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.

PREPARATION AND SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

• They can be frozen, canned, and made into pie filling.
• Elderberries can be added to apple pie or blackberry jam.