benefits of elderberry
Introduction
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. Elderberry, or elder, has been used for centuries to treat wounds, when applied to the skin. It is also taken by mouth to treat respiratory illnesses such as cold and flu. In many countries, including Germany, elder flower is used to treat colds and flu. Some evidence suggests that chemicals in elder flower and berries may help reduce swelling in mucous membranes, such as the sinuses, and help relieve nasal congestion. Elder may have antiinflamma
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Elderberry has a very high ORAC
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. Elderberry has a very high ORAC, or oxygen radical absorbance capacity, score: over twice as much as blueberry and cranberry. Elderberry also contains trace minerals and has more vitamin C than oranges. Studies have shown that elderberry supports brain health, improves immune coordination, protects blood vessels and reduces cancer cell growth patterns in the body.
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Beneficial components in Elderberries
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. Elderberries contain organic pigments, tannin, amino acids, carotenoids, flavonoids, sugar, rutin, viburnic acid, vitaman 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 an
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Health Benefits of Elderberries
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. Elderberries were listed in the CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs as early as 1985, and are listed in the 2000 Mosby's Nursing Drug reference for colds, flu, yeast infections, nasal and chest congestion, and hay fever. In Israel, Hasassah's Oncology Lab has determined that elderberry stimulates the body's immune system and they are treating cancer and AIDS patients with it. The wide range of medical benefits (from flu and colds to debilitating asth
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Are Elderberries poisonous
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. Most species of Sambucus berries are edible when picked ripe and then cooked. Both the skin and pulp can be eaten. However, it is important to note that
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Elderberry has potent antiviral effects
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. German studies have linked anthocyanins with greatly increased immune coordination. Anthocyanins have been shown to boost the production of immune cytokines. The cytokines are key messengers in the immune system to help regulate the immune response. This allows the body to defend against disease. These studies have shown the antioxidant balance of
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Elderberry protects and promotes good circulation
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. Elderberry anthocyanins protect the inner layer of blood vessels from oxidative stress. The inner membrane of the blood vessels are called the endothelium. This study and others have shown that the epithelial cells absorb anthocyanins into their membrane, which gives them a strong protection from inflammatory stressors. This effect improves circulation and reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke.
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Proven protection against influenza
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. Elderberry has been proven effective against eight different influenza viruses. The study indicated that it may provide protection against a wide range of flu viruses, solving the problem of the
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High in Vitamin C
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. Whilst the properties of elders have long been touted, it is not intended that it be taken as a substitute for a flu vaccine. Please consult your doctor. Elderberry showed that elderberry anthocyanins enhance immune function by boosting the production of cytokines. These unique proteins act as messengers in the immune system to help regulate immune response, thus helping to defend the body against disease. Further research indicated that anthocya
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Elderberry Syrup
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. Elderberry Syrup is very high in Vitamin A and C and bioflavinoids, and may be taken as a prophylactic against winter colds. Elderberries have been used for their medicinal benefits for thousands of years throughout North America, Europe, Western Asia and North Africa. In the Middle Ages, it was considered a Holy Tree due to its ability to improve health and longevity. Elderberries are full of powerful nutrition and have incredible health benefit
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Natural Support for Arthritis
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. The diuretic and antiinflammatory activity of elderberries helps explain its use in rheumatic and arthritic conditions. Elderberries are a dark blue, purplish berry that is both rich in color and nutrition. These berries contain very high amounts of the polyphenol anthocyanin, which give them their dark color. Anthocyanin's antioxidant ability allows the berries to survive periods of intense UV light radiation from the sun. These antioxidants are
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Regulating bowel activity
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. Elderberries as a syrup have a longestablished effect in regulating bowel activity, moderating extremes of diarrhoea and constipation. Elderberry has a very high ORAC, or oxygen radical absorbance capacity, score: over twice as much as blueberry and cranberry. Elderberry also contains trace minerals and has more vitamin C than oranges. Studies have shown that elderberry supports brain health, improves immune coordination, protects blood vessels a
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Immune System Booster
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. The elderberry shrub typically grows to about 10 feet tall and shows yellow and white blossoms in early summer, followed by deep blue or black berries which usually ripen around September.
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May Fight Influenza
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. A standardized elderberry extract may offer a safe, natural alternative to treat influenza type A and B, suggest A. Jakay Rones and associates, based on their doubleblind, placebocontrolled study published in the winter 1995 issue of Journal of Alternative and Complimentary Medicine, New York. The efficacy of this elderberry extract was assessed on a group of subjects during a major outbreak of influenza virus in Panama in 1993. The authors found
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Elderberry for Weight Loss
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. Elderberry may help you loose weight, according to an observational study conducted by C. Chrubasik and associates from the Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany. The study included 80 participants who consumed daily elderberry juice enriched with elderberry flower and berry powder extracts, as well as asparagusbased extracts. The authors found that this herbal formula significantly improved not only the weight, but the
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Considerations
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. Drinking elderberry tea is considered safe, however, if you consider talking elderberry extracts or syrups, consult a qualified professional first to find out your optimal dosage, possible side effects and drug interactions. Elderberry is available as a liquid, syrup, and tincture, as well as in capsule and lozenge forms. Dried elder flower is usually standardized to at least 0.8% flavonoids. Sambucol is standardized to 38% elderberry extract for
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Fighting Flu with Elderberry
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. Elderberry's effectiveness in treating the flu, but several studies indicate that the herb shows promise as a flufighter. In a 2004 study of 60 people suffering from flulike symptoms, for instance, scientists found that those who used elderberry extract for five days (taking 15 ml in syrup form four times daily) saw their symptoms subside four days earlier than study members assigned to a placebo treatment.
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How to Treat the Flu
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. Since the influenza virus can lead to serious health problems (including pneumonia, a potentially lifethreatening condition), it's critical to seek medical treatment if you're experiencing flu symptoms such as fever, extreme tiredness, and body aches. While a prescription flu medication is the best way to knock out the flu, natural remedies like elderberry,ginseng, and echinacea can provide additional relief of your symptoms.
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How to Use Elderberry
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. To help relieve flu symptoms, begin taking a standardized elderberry extract (found in most health food stores and shops that specialize in herbal remedies) as soon as you start to feel sick. Available in syrup and capsule form, elderberry can cause mild indigestion or allergic reactions in some individuals. However, such side effects are rare.
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Elderberrys Other Benefits
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. Elderberry may help boost immunity by increasing the body's production of cytokines (proteins involved in regulating the immune system's response to disease and infection), according to a 2001 study on the elderberry extract Sambucol. The study's authors suggest that Sambucol may deliver an immuneenhancing effect when administered to people with cancer or AIDS, but this theory still needs to be tested in clinical trials.
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Plant Description
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. Elder is a large shrub or small tree that grows up to 30 feet tall in wet or dry soil in a sunny location. Elder is native to Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia, but it has become widespread in the United States. Deciduous leaves grow in opposite pairs and have five to seven leaflets. Flowers are white and flattopped with five primary rays. Berries are green, turning red, then black when ripe.
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Parts Used
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. The berries and flowers are used as medicine. Berries must be cooked before they are taken. Raw berries contain a chemical similar to cyanide. If you have an autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, you should ask your doctor before taking elderberry, as it may stimulate the immune system.
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Colds and Flu
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. Elderberry may help treat cold and flu symptoms by reducing congestion and possibly making you sweat more. One study suggested that using a standardized elderberry extract, Sambucol, could shorten the duration of flu by about 3 days. Sambucol also contains other herbs plus vitamin C, so no one knows whether elderberry by itself would have the same effect.Another preliminary study found that a lozenge with elderberry extract (ViraBLOC) helped redu
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Bacterial Sinusitis
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. The use of a proprietary product, Sinupret, to treat bacterial sinusitis along with an antibiotic (doxycycline or Vibramycin) and a decongestant. People who took the combination did better compared to those who did not take Sinupret. However, Sinupret contains other herbs along with elderberry, so no one knows whether taking elderberry alone would work as well.
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Available Forms
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. Elderberry is available as a liquid, syrup, and tincture, as well as in
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Precautions
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. The use of herbs is a timehonored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, you should should herbs only
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Possible Interactions
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. If you are being treated with any of the following medications, you should talk to your health care provider before taking elderberry. Elderberry also contains flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties and may help prevent damage to the bodys cells. However, very few studies have been done in humans, so researchers don't know how effective elder may be.
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Diuretics
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. Diuretics help the body get rid of excess fluid and increase the amount of urine your body makes. Elderberry may also act as a diuretic, so taking it along with a diuretic could make that drug stronger and raise your risk of dehydration. European elder (also called black elder), is the one used most often for medicinal purposes. Avoid dwarf elder (Sambucus ebulus), which can be toxic. Use a trusted preparation of elder because raw or unripe fruit
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Elderberry Juice Constituents
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. The innumerable health benefits of elderberry juice can be attributed to the various essential nutrients that it contains. It contains large amounts of vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B, amino acids, flavonoids, tannin, rutin and carotenoids. Other nutrients include organic pigments, sugar, viburnic acid, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, and antioxidants known as anthocyanins and quercetin.
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Help your body fight disease
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. Elderberries are a rich source of vitamins A and C, which are crucial in helping the body maintain optimal health. Plus, the bioflavonoids in elderberry syrup boost the body's immune system by increasing antioxidant levels and viruses that damage cell walls. A daily dose can assist you in preventing both acute and chronic disease
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Treats Upper Respiratory Infections
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. Fight your cold symptoms. Elderberry syrup makes colds and other upper respiratory symptoms more tolerable by reducing mucous secretions. Also, elderberries may fight swelling of the respiratory passages, which means less discomfort and trouble breathing and soothe a cough.
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Improves Flu Symptoms
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. Decrease the length and severity of your flu symptoms. Common flu symptoms like fever, chills, sore throat, muscle aches and fatigue may go away faster if you take elderberry syrup as recommended on the bottle. According to a study in the Journal of International Medical Research, patients given elderberry syrup recovered an average of 4 days faster from the flu than those not taking the supplement. Elderberries have even been shown in the labs t
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Elderberry tea
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. Drinking elderberry tea is considered safe, however, if you consider talking elderberry extracts or syrups, consult a qualified professional first to find out your optimal dosage, possible side effects and drug interactions. Elderberry, or elder, has been used for centuries to treat wounds, when applied to the skin. It is also taken by mouth to treat respiratory illnesses such as cold and flu.
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Helps in treating many common diseases
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. Elderberry juice helps in treating many common diseases. Red elderberry is good for skin and hair. Though there are many benefits of elderberry, knowing about elderberry side effects is also important. If you regularly suffer from the common cold, elderberry juice can help you. Yes, citrus fruits and berries are very useful in preventing and curing a number of common diseases.
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How does it work
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. Elderberry might affect the immune system. Elderberry seems to have activity against viruses including the flu, and might reduce inflammation. In many countries, including Germany, elder flower is used to treat colds and flu. Some evidence suggests that chemicals in elder flower and berries may help reduce swelling in mucous membranes, such as the sinuses, and help relieve nasal congestion. Elder may have antiinflammatory, antiviral, and anticanc
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Dosage
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. You can consume restricted amounts of the juice on a daily basis. For daily maintenance you can have two teaspoons of juice per day. However, in case you have flu the intake of this juice is increased. During flu, adults can have one tablespoon, four times a day. For children, the dosage during flu is one tablespoon two times a day. For elderberry juice concentrate or syrup, two teaspoons of the concentrate or syrup can be consumed along with a g
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Healthy Skin
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. Elderberries are perfect for diets for healthy skin, especially if you're looking for a natural acne remedy. The antioxidants are effective in preventing human cell damage, giving skin a glowing and healthy look. It clears your complexion and dark spots, and you look young for long as it delays the occurrence of fine lines.
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Hair Loss
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. If youre tired of excessive hair loss and looking for ways to regenerate hair, this juice is one of a few great foods for healthy hair. It not only stops it, but also repairs damaged hair and gives your mane new life. While a prescription flu medication is the best way to knock out the flu, natural remedies like elderberry,ginseng, and echinacea can provide additional relief of your symptoms.
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Elderberry oil has a rich
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. Elderberry oil has a rich, silky skin feel whilst being readily absorbed and not too greasy. Clinical studies demonstrate that Elderberry oil provides excellent natural emollience; it increases skin smoothness and elasticity whilst improving skin barrier function by reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL). The functionality of Elderberry oil
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Reduce the onset of flu symptoms
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. Black Elderberries have almost 5 times as many anthocyanins as Blueberries and twice the overall antioxidant capability of Cranberries. Recent clinical studies have demonstrated that Elderberry extract may help improve the immune system and reduce the onset of flu symptoms. The byproduct of this nutrient rich extract is the seed, which is the source of the nutrient rich oil.
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Health giving properties
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. Black Elderberry has been praised for its health giving properties; it has been used to treat a variety of ailments including colds, flu, fever and burns. More recent research has discovered that the fruit is rich in anthocyanins, a group of flavonoids that act as natural antioxidants which are believed to help protect cells from free radicals and support the bodys immune system.
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Applications
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. Elderberry seed oil is a highly valuable edible oil which is often used to enhance and refine other edible oils. Elder berry seed oil is added to natural products that have an antiinflammatory and decongesting effect. Elderberry is a plant. The berries are used to make medicine. Do not confuse elderberry with American Elder, Elderflower, or Dwarf Elder.
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Common Name
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. Elderberry is known as Sambucus and some of its species like S.nigra and S.canadensis are wellknown. European elder (also called black elder), is the one used most often for medicinal purposes. Avoid dwarf elder (Sambucus ebulus), which can be toxic. Use a trusted preparation of elder because raw or unripe fruit as well as the leaves, seeds, and bark contain a chemical related to cyanide, which is poisonous.
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Occurrence Of Elderberry
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. Also known as elder flower, elderberry bears creamcolored flowers and then dark purple berries during the autumn. These trees are believed to be native to Europe, though they have adapted well in the Americas, and are also grown in England In the UK, elderberry is used for its medicinal properties and for making pies and wine.
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Uses Of Elderberry Plant
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. The flowers and the berries of elderberry are extensively used in making medicines for curing various health problems. An essential oil is extracted from the flowers Buttery in consistence, elderberry extract or oil has alkenes, fatty acids and palmitic The leaves and seeds of elderberries have cyanidin glycosides Most of the parts of the elderberry tree, such as the leaves, bark, flowers and berries are used in herbal medicines.
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Medicinal Uses
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. The flowers have been used in Europe for many years to cure fever and colds It is also used as an expectorant to cure asthma and bronchitis. People prefer to use elderberry in herbal mixtures and as elderberry syrup to treat bronchitis, sinusitis and influenza.
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Elderberry can act as a laxative
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. Elderberry can act as a laxative, as a medicine to cure skin disorders, can aid in weight loss and as a diuretic. elderberry has been used to treat and bring relief to congestion, water retention, inflammation, and to relieve pain. Elder may reduce blood glucose levels, and as such the NIH advises people taking drugs like insulin to control blood glucose to be careful about using elderberry supplements. Using elderberry in addition to these drugs
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The leaves of elderberry
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. The leaves of elderberry are often used with creams and in sitz baths to cure eczema, boils, arthritis and other inflammatory problems. The bark of the elderberry tree has been known to be used to cure constipation and water retention It is also used to induce vomiting.
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Elderberry tree are used for making medicines
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. The flowers as well as the berries of the elderberry tree are used for making medicines The berries contain flavonoids, which are known to protect the body from free radicals, boost the immunity, and add flavor to food. Initial studies have shown that elderberry can be used to treat herpes, viruses and maybe even HIV.
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Used to cure and prevent upper respiratory infections
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. This herb is often used to cure and prevent upper respiratory infections. Research shows that elderberry can decrease mucus secretion and can even reduce the swelling in the mucus membranes and can decrease nasal congestion. some individuals may experience an allergic reaction to black elderberry, notably in the elder stems, based on the NIH. Indications of this typically include a rash or difficulty breathing. If you experience any sort of alle
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How Elderberry Benefits You
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. The elderberry has been used by ancient folks to cure countless ailments. Only recently have serious studies been done by researchers and scientists to find out more about its potential benefits. Elderberry is used for
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Cardiovascular
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. The elderberry extract lowers lowdensity lipoprotein (LDL), also known as the bad cholesterol. High LDL levels contribute to the formation of plaques, leading to atherosclerosis or the thickening of the arterial walls from fat deposits. This condition increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and coronary artery diseases.
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Antioxidant Benefits
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. The polyphenols, carotenoids and flavonoids in elberberries provide their potent antioxidant property, protecting the cells from damage caused by free radicals. These antioxidant actions delay the aging process of the skin. Its high anthocyanin concentration and vitamin A, C and E content protect against ageinduced macular degeneration, hence improving vision.
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Treatment of wounds
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. Other uses for elderberries include the treatment of wounds as a topical application, lowering blood sugar levels in diabetes, acting as a laxative and helping in weight loss, curing yeast infections and having diuretic properties to get rid of excess water in the body. Elderberries also have excellent antiinflammatory properties.
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What Makes Elderberry Work
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. Elderberry is a rich source of phytochemicals that provide preventive measures and therapeutic treatments for several types of illnesses. It is high in polyphenols, specifically the flavonoids, carotenoids, proteins, and vitamins A, E and C. Elderberry has a theoretical danger of causing birth defects, spontaneous abortions, or premature labor. The NIH warns breastfeeding and pregnant women not to utilize elderberry.
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Anthocyanins
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. A flavonoid antioxidant that has a more potent capacity to protect cells against damage than the vitamins E or C; it is found in high concentration in the elderberry, fives more than that in blueberries and twice the antioxidant function of cranberries. Elderberry causes few side effects when used in recommended dosages for five days or less, based on the University of Maryland Medical Center. At times, however, for people using it for lengthy in
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Quercetin
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. Another important flavonoid that has antiinflammatory and antiallergic properties, it also protects against calcium depletion that leads to osteoporosis, helps in maintaining a healthy heart, reduces the risk for cancer and most recently, has been found to sustain energy, increasing muscle strength and endurance. Elderberries have the highest concentration of quercetin among the berry family.
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Glucoproteins
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. Plant lectins that have antiviral properties, protecting the cells from being infected by the cold and flu viruses. The analysis included 80 individuals who had daily elderberry juice enriched with elderberry blossom and berry powder extracts, together with asparagusbased extracts. The authors found this formula substantially enhanced not just ones fat percentage, but it also helped the participants blood pressure and their mental and physical st
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Viburnic acid and tannin
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. Present in elderberries, these elements improve breathing and provide relief from nasal congestion. elderberry extract (ViraBLOC) helped decrease the length of the flu within 24hours of symptoms beginning. Within the laboratory, one study indicated that elderberry could destroy the H1N1 virus in test tubes, but investigators do not know whether it will work against H1N1 in individuals.
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Care and Safety In The Use Of Elderberry
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. As a precautionary measure, you should consult with your physician before taking an elderberry preparation if you are diabetic, you have been diagnosed with cancer, asthma or have an autoimmune condition. As with any other supplement, medications may be compromised with mixed with elderberry.
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Vitamins A and E and Vitamin C in large amounts
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. Promote overall wellbeing and support skin and eye health, enhance the immune system and increase resistance against diseases. Elderberries are rich in flavonoids that are organic compounds with antioxidant qualities that safeguards cells against injury or infections. Elderberry also includes vitamin A, B, considerable quantities of vitamin C, and aminoacids. All these nutrients can allow you to stay healthy by improving your immunesystem.
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Flowers
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. The flowers have been used in Europe for many years to cure fever and colds It is also used as an expectorant to cure asthma and bronchitis. People prefer to use elderberry in herbal mixtures and as elderberry syrup to treat bronchitis, sinusitis and influenza. elder might have laxative effects, folks shouldnt take elderberry in addition to laxative products.
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It also cures infections
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. It also cures infections, diabetes, rheumatism, inflammatory diseases and neuralgia.Elderberry can act as a laxative, as a medicine to cure skin disorders, can aid in weight loss and as a diuretic. This shrub typically grows to approximately ten feet tall and reveals yellow and white flowers in early summer, followed by strong blue or black berries which generally ripen around September.
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Leaves uses
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. The leaves of elderberry are often used with creams and in sitz baths to cure eczema, boils, arthritis and other inflammatory problems. Elderberry might affect the immune system. Elderberry seems to have activity against viruses including the flu, and might reduce inflammation.
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The bark of the elderberry
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. The bark of the elderberry tree has been known to be used to cure constipation and water retention It is also used to induce vomiting The flowers as well as the berries of the elderberry tree are used for making medicines The berries contain flavonoids, which are known to protect the body from free radicals, boost the immunity, and add flavor to food. Initial studies have shown that elderberry can be used to treat herpes, viruses and maybe even H
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Elderberries are rich in the phytochemicals
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. In particular elderberries are rich in the phytochemicals known as flavonoids. The class of flavonoid that elderberry is loaded with is anthocyanins. The elderberry is the most concentrated source of anthocyanins. These anthocyanins act as a potent immune system booster protecting cells and keeping the body from harm. According to research by Dr. Rechkemmer, president of Germanys Federal Research Institute for Nutrition and Food, the purpleblack
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Elderberry and the Panama Flu Epidemic
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. During the 1995 Panama flu epidemic the government employed the use of the elderberry to fight the flu. This elderberry juice greatly reduced the time of the flu as well as the severity thus helping to end the epidemic. Its not just the flavonoids that researchers think are at work with elderberry.
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How Elderberry Works for Optimal Health
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. In particular elderberries are rich in the phytochemicals known as flavonoids. The class of flavonoid that elderberry is loaded with is anthocyanins. The elderberry is the most concentrated source of anthocyanins. These anthocyanins act as a potent immune system booster protecting cells and keeping the body from harm. According to research by Dr. Rechkemmer, president of Germanys Federal Research Institute for Nutrition and Food, the purpleblack
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