Why Elderberry

The Grand berry of All Berries

Elderberry is the dark purple berry of the European or black elder tree, which grows in the warmer parts of Europe, North America, Asia, and Northern Africa. Elderberry has been used in folk medicine to treat colds and flu. It is promoted as a dietary supplement for colds, flu, and other conditions. There are ongoing studies to see how it can help with the COVID-19 pandemic. Some also say that it may be useful in treating toothache, sciatica, and burns, among other things.

If nature has taught us anything, we depend on it to sustain health, balance and a full healthy life.

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What is in the Elderberry?

Many of elderberry's health benefits can be attributed to anthocyanin. As an antioxidant, anthocyanin works by clearing the body of free radicals that damage cells at the DNA level. It has antiviral properties that is believed to prevent or reduce the severity of certain common infections. Elderberry also exerts anti-inflammatory effects, reducing swelling and pain by tempering the body's immune response.

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What Are The Studies Saying about Elderberry?

There are continuous studies on the effects of all fruits and vegetables, including Elderberries. This fruit is wildly popular in Europe and other parts of the world outside of America. A 2012 study suggested that elderberry could help prevent influenza infection by stimulating an immune response.5 A 2016 study from Australia reported that, among 312 long-haul airline passengers, those who used elderberry extract 10 days before and five days after their flight had 50 percent fewer sick days resulting from a cold than those who didn't. In addition, passengers who used elderberry had less severe colds based on a scoring of upper respiratory tract symptoms. A 2019 study on elderberry for both cold and flu suggested that the fruit substantially reduced upper-airway symptoms.

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Common Uses of Elderberry and It's Supplements

Have The Flu?

Elderberry juice syrup has been used for centuries as a home remedy to treat the cold and flu, both of which are caused by a virus. The syrup is believed to reduce the severity and duration of the infection if taken within 48 hours of the first symptoms. Some preliminary evidence from small studies supports this claim.

Constipated? Elderberry Can Help

Elderberry tea, made from dried elderberry may act as a laxative in the treatment of constipation. This laxative effect is attributed to a compound in elderberry known as anthraquinone. Found in rhubarb and senna, anthraquinone inhibits the absorption of water in the intestines. This stimulates muscles contraction (peristalsis) to promote clearance of the bowel.

Do You Need Pain Relief?

Anthocyanins in elderberry are known to reduce inflammation. Anthocyanins do so by inhibiting the production of nitric oxide by the body's immune cells. Nitric oxide serves as a signalling molecule that triggers inflammation in response to injury or disease. By tempering this response, pain and swelling may be relieved. Topical elderberry tinctures and salves have long been used in folk medicine to treat dental pain, cuts, bruises, and burns. There are even some who claim that elderberry syrup can treat sciatica and other forms of neuropathic pain.

How elderberry can treat or fight influenza

Medical Information on Elderberry

Disease Prevention

Alternative practitioners have long promoted elderberry's antioxidant effects. They believe that elderberry can reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. While we at Rell Brook believe in this there are not enough studies and data back up this belief.


Are There Side Effects of Elderberry?

Ripe, cooked elderberry fruit is considered safe if consumed in moderation. The overconsumption of elderberries may cause diarrheic, stomach ache, and abdominal cramping due to their laxative effects. If elderberry is used for medicine, only ripe or dried berries should be used. Certain parts of the elderberry plant (including the leaves, root, bark, and stems) contain a type of poison known as cyanogenic glycoside. Even unripe berries contain trace amounts of this, which, if chewed, can release cyanide into the body. Elderberries must be cooked before consuming, as the raw berries can also make you ill. Poisoning from elderberries is rarely life-threatening but may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrheic, dizziness, numbness, abdominal distention, and difficulty breathing. Call your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms after consuming an elderberry extract or unripe fruit. Elderberry is not recommended for children, pregnant women, or nursing mothers. While no adverse events have been reported in these groups, there is not enough data to confirm that it is safe over the long term.

Dosage and Preparation from elderberries

Elderberries have long been cultivated for food and to make natural medicines. The latter are available in many forms, including syrups, teas, capsules, gummies, tonics, tinctures, and topical ointments. The ripe berry is tart and typically sweetened (like cranberries). Treatment should start no later than 48 hours of the first appearance of symptoms. However, there are no universal recommendations as to the appropriate dosage to treat specific medical conditions. While we, at Rell Brook wholeheartedly believe in the amazing benefits of Elderberry, it is not a substitute for seeking medical care.

Remember guidelines on elderberry by FDA

Elderberry-based medications are classified as dietary supplements by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Under this classification, they are not meant to be sold or marketed as a treatment for any medical condition.

Medical Help

Don’t rely on elderberry or other dietary supplements for prevention or treatment of COVID-19. Always consult with your healthcare provider when feeling ill

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