What are the Elderberry Health Benefits?

All of us are searching for solutions in order to solve different problems regarding our health. Most of us have already wasted time, effort and as well money just by trying out different procedures, medications and techniques that are said to improve health and prolong life. However, spending too much money just to provide the best for our health is actually not necessary. Despite the presence of many different diseases, we can still find a lot of healthy and reliable solutions with the simple things that surround us. Some of these only require the ingestion of healthy and natural or herbal products such as the elderberry plant. But what is an elderberry and what are the elderberry health benefits?

Learning More about the Elderberry

The elderberry or scientifically known as Sambacus nigra is a type of plant under the genus Sambacus. This genus contains several species of shrubs as well as small trees. The elderberry is a native plant of many temperate or subtropical countries like those in North America, Northwest Africa, South America and Europe. Other common terms or names for this particular plant are the “black elder”, “European elder”, “European elderberry” and the “European black elderberry”. This is a fruit bearing plant that produces dark purple to black colored berries. These berries or elderberries are already used for a very long time in its respective regions as a folk remedy to a number of health problems or conditions. Because of the plant’s popularity in health, many researches and scientific investigations have been prompted in order to outline and/or prove the different health benefits that are offered by the elderberry.

The Elderberry Health Wonders

Although the elderberry can offer a lot of benefits in our health, one of the most notable advantages of using this plant is its wonderful effects against several flu symptoms particularly in influenza B. A certain study in the year 2004 has noted the significant change or improvement of the condition of patients suffering from flu after using the elderberry juice and extracts. According to research, elderberry contains a number of antioxidants that are beneficial in treating the flu symptoms. Aside from this, elderberry also contains flavonoids, which contain antioxidant properties that are useful in boosting the immune system in order to effectively fight off the viruses or even the bacteria that causes various health problems. The elderberry plant also contains a compound called anthocyanin, which is known to have anti inflammatory benefits. Because of this, some of the flu symptoms like muscle aches, fever and pain are efficiently alleviated.

In addition to the abundance of antioxidants, elderberries also contain a lot of vitamins namely vitamins A, B and C. This fruit also contain nutrients such as carotenoids, tannin, amino acids and rutin. These add up to the effective boost of the plant to the body’s immune system. However, these are not the only things that the elderberry plant can offer. It is also effective in fighting off colds, yeast infection, asthma, nasal and chest congestion, diabetes and cough. The use of elderberry also decreases the risk for high cholesterol levels particularly the prevention of the oxidation of the LDL, which is a big contributory factor to the occurrence of many cardiovascular diseases. This means that the use of this plant can help prevent the strokes and heart attacks. Aside from these, elderberry can also reduce stress, improve eyesight or vision and as well as enhance the digestion. These are some of the common benefits of the elderberry plant.

Precautions about Elderberries

Even though elderberries consist of many health benefits, the use of this herbal medicine still requires utmost precaution. This plant also contains a compound called glycoside, which is commonly found in its twigs, leaves, seeds and roots that can release cyanide into the body once ingested. Cyanide is considered a very fatal substance that can cause poisoning and eventually death. This is the reason why consuming a large quantity of these parts of the plant can cause an accumulation of cyanide in the body. Unripened berries also contain sambunigrin, which is also classified as a mild toxic glycoside. This is the reason why eating the unripened fruits is not recommended. It is also important for us to make sure that the elderberry plant we are using is the black elderberry plant since other species of the genus Sambacus can be quite poisonous. The black and dark purple elderberries are the ones that are considered safe for human use. However, too much of this plant can still cause episodes of diarrhea.

Summary

In conclusion, we can definitely say that the use of the elderberry plant is a great advantage to health. However, certain precautions in using it must be observed in order to stay away from the hazardous effects that be caused by the same plant. Medicinal or supplemental form of the elderberry can also create adverse effects in excessive use just like any other herbal medications. Nevertheless, if this plant is consumed properly then we can ensure that the overall wellness of the consumer will be significantly enhanced by boosting the immune system and protecting the body from certain diseases and ailments.