It’s no secret that elderberries have been on the radar, and for good reason.
Elderberries are one of the most commonly used medicinal plants in the world. Today, elderberries are used as a powerful healing agent for cold and flu symptoms, but that wasn’t always the case. Although elderberries were, and remain, highly beneficial for those reasons, they weren't originally used that way.
The earliest record of elderberry use came from the Native Americans and ancient Egyptians. The Native Americans used it to treat infections, whereas the ancient Egyptians used it for burn relief. One thing that was learned quickly and universally about elderberries, though, was that they need to be cooked in order to be consumed.
Elderberry is a purple/blue flowering berry plant that is traditionally native to Europe but can also be found in other parts of the world. The health benefits of elderberry are numerous, which explains why it’s so frequently praised by health professionals and folk medicine practitioners alike. Elderberries support heart health, fight inflammation, protect you from infections, boost your immunity and provide a generous dose of vitamin C.
There are a multitude of ways to incorporate elderberries into your diet. Elderberries can be found in, or added to, teas, juice, supplement pills, gummies, jams, lozenges, or even on top of a salad. From a study on elderberries with the Cleveland Clinic, it was noted that in one randomized study of 60 adults with flu-like symptoms, those who took 15 mL of the elderberry syrup four times a day saw symptoms clear up on average four days earlier than those who took a placebo syrup.
If you’re not already sold on elderberries and their superior qualities, know this: incorporating elderberries into your routine can help fight cancer, protect against bacteria, support your immune system, and even help your skin avoid UV radiation. It’s natural, beneficial, and can be easily matriculated into your day-to-day. Grab a box of elderberry tea, gummies or syrup from the store the next time you go and try it for yourself.