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Health Benefits of Elderberry

Chandramita Bora
Elderberries have been known to mankind for centuries for their astounding health benefits. However, only recently they have become a subject of scientific studies. Here you can find out the healing properties of elderberries.
Elderberry or Sambucus Nigra is a plant of the genus Sambucus, which contains several species of shrubs and small trees. The plant is a native of temperate and subtropical regions, like North America, Europe, Northwest Africa, and South America.
The elderberry tree is also known as the 'black elder', 'European elder', 'European elderberry', and 'European black elderberry'. The plant produces dark purple or black berries, that are known as elderberries.
The berries have been used for a long time in North America, Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia, as a folk remedy for a number of ailments. As a result, the berries have become a subject of several scientific research and investigations, which have thrown light on their potential benefits.

The Goodness of Elderberries

It is believed that the berries of the elderberry plant can treat flu symptoms, especially the symptoms produced by the influenza B virus. In a study carried out in the year 2004, significant improvement was observed in the condition of the flu patients, who were given the elderberry extract.
The berries contain flavonoids, which have strong antioxidant properties. They can boost the immune system to fight viral and bacterial infections. At the same time, they are a rich source of anthocyanins, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, the berries can alleviate symptoms like muscle aches, pain, and fever caused by flu or influenza.
Elderberries are not only abundant in antioxidants, but they also contain vitamin A, B and C, and nutrients like amino acids, carotenoids, tannins, and rutin. Apart from nourishing the immune system, their extracts are found to be effective in treating conditions like the common cold, yeast infections, asthma, cough, nasal and chest congestion, and diabetes.
The berries can help reduce the level of cholesterol, and prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. The oxidation of LDL cholesterol is considered an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. So, elderberries can provide protection against cardiovascular and heart diseases, including strokes and heart attacks.
Stress reduction, vision improvement, improvement in digestion, are some other important benefits of the berries.

Precautions to be Taken

Before consuming the berries or their extracts, one should always keep in mind that the leaves, twigs, seeds and the roots of the elderberry plant contain a compound, called glycoside, which if consumed in a large amount can release cyanide in the body. So, the consumption of these plant parts can cause the collection of a high level of cyanide in the body.
The unripened berries also contain a compound called, sambunigrin, which is a type of mildly toxic glycoside. Therefore, the unripened berries are not fit for human consumption. Only the ripe berries can impart all the health benefits mentioned in here. Moreover, a few species of the genus Sambucus can be quite poisonous.
So, make sure that you consume the berries of the Sambucus Nigra or the black elderberry plant. The black or purple-colored elderberries are generally considered ideal for human consumption, but their excessive use can cause diarrhea.
The excessive use of elderberries can cause some side effects. However, the immense benefits of the berries cannot be denied. If consumed judiciously, and under the guidance of an appropriate medical authority, elderberries can improve health and well-being by strengthening the immune system.
Disclaimer: This is for informative purposes only, and should not be replaced for the advice of a medical professional.