Elderberries were a hot topic last flu season, and for good reason! Did you know those who took elderberry within the first 48 hours of flu symptoms kicked the flu up 4 days quicker than those who didn't? If you've ever had the flu, you know how miserable it is! Feeling better 4 days sooner is life changing!
Here are a few more things you may not know about elderberries:
1. Elderberry use as a medicinal herb goes back to the beginning of time, literally! Researchers have been able to trace its use back to prehistoric times. Most traditionally, it's credited to Hippocrates, also known as "the father of medicine" in Ancient Greek times. Elderberries have been used in Europe and Asia for centuries to combat ailments, especially the flu, but also include cancer. Elderberries contain bioflavonoids and other proteins in the juice that help destroy the ability of cold and flu viruses to infect a cell! How cool right?!
2. Elderberries have incredible antioxidant powers! Elderberries are higher in flavonoids than blueberries, blackberries, goji berries, and even cranberries. Elderberries contain vitamins A, some B vitamins, selenium, zinc, ( both of which are highly beneficial for healing from illness ), iron, calcium, are loaded with vitamin C and are infamous/known for their ability to boost the immune system!
3 Elderberries contain chemical compounds (Bioflavanoids ) called anthocyanidins, which are are known to have immunostimulant effects, calm inflammation and irritation, and also act as an expectorant to help clear out all that pesky phlegm, making them a huge asset during cold and flu season! Elderberry packs a strong punch, and helps to boost your immune system so it can fight off any intruders quickly and efficiently.
4. Elderberry has been indicated to relieve constipation! While more research is needed on this one, we think its a notable find for all those mom's of toddler's searching for a natural way to help their little one.
5. It has been studied as a cancer preventative! Elderberry extract is rich in anthocyanins and has been shown to have a broad spectrum of therapeutic, pharmacologic and anti-carcinogenic properties. Laboratory studies specifically indicate that the elderberry has some chemopreventive properties!
Here at Simply Ginger we LOVE our organic elderberries! We take Elderberry at the first sign of illness and when we have been exposed to any illness as well! I take a tablespoon every couple/few hours when sick and my kiddos take a teaspoon every couple/few hours.
Elderberry can be prepared and administered in a variety of ways, including tinctures, teas, and syrups. We prefer elderberry syrup as it's easy to make, easy to store, and tastes so good that even the little's ones ask for it!
Do you want the healing benefits of elderberry but are not sure where to start?
We carry an Organic Elderberry Syrup Kit that contains all the powerhouse ingredients you'll need except filtered water and local organic honey, including directions for making the syrup!
These power packed little berries were a hot commodity for several months last year as the flu made its way through our communities. Be sure to stock up before flu season hits, as elderberries sold out across the country and prices skyrocketed!
Our kit can be stored for 10 months + in the freezer, so grab a few now so you don't find yourself scrambling for one when someone gets sick!
And if you aren't the DIY type, that's okay too! Take a look at our Kids Immune Boost Tincture for a quick elderberry boost that comes ready to use!
From <https://simplyginger.myshopify.com/admin/blogs/8585052204/articles/11611373612>