Elderberry: The Natural Way to Beat a Cold
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.)
has been useful
to man since prehistoric times.
Not only was it used for its delicious wine and "hot toddies," but
the syrup from the berries was used for coughs, aches and other common cold symptoms. The
shrub originated in Europe but it was not long before its popularity spread and it began
to be harvested in North America.
Elderberry is most popular for its properties as an
anti-inflammatory, expectorant, mild laxative, diuretic and diaphoretic.
The Elderberry is considered by many herbalist to be an
excellent fighter to the common cold and flu, providing quick relief.
Its anti-inflammatory properties come from the blossom
which contains ursolic acid.
Traditionally, a tea would be made from the flowers and drank for its mild laxative and
diuretic properties. Also, when a person would have a severe cold, they would take the
elderberry tea and drink it before going under heavy blankets to "sweat out" the
virus. Gargling elderberry juice or tea also was used to aid a sore throat.
The elder is called the "tree of medicine"
and contains many active constituents such as terpenes, glycosides, rutin and
quercetin, mucilage and tannin as well as vitamin C. Today's health care practioners
consider this detoxifying herb to be the answer to the common cold and flu which plagues
millions of people each year.
Mars, Brigitte "Elder-Small Tree, Big Medicine"
Let's Live (March 1996): 72-75.
Tierra, Michael Planetary Herbology Lotus Press (Twin Lakes, WI) 1988: 158-9.
Click Here
Signup • Lost
Password • Edit Profile
for any specific ingredient, concern, vitamin, herb, etc...
• Health Club • Home •
Vitamins • Herbs • Minerals • Amino Acids • Enzymes • Hormones
Homeopathics • Ayurveda • Glandulars • Fatty Acids • Xtra-Cell
• Natural Medicines • Library • Physicians Only
Read The Latest Health Research • Prescription Drug Support Formulas Frozen Cellular Extracts • Xtra-Cell • Top Products •
Contact Us • Customer Service • Privacy Policy • Conditions Of Use
Pricing, Availability and Returns • Privacy Companies
Development Team
Nutrition Dynamics, Inc.• 510 West Court Street • Seguin, Texas 78155
800.926.2906
Copyright © 1998-2008 • All Rights Reserved • Patent Pending