Elderberry

Sambucus Nigra L

Significant synergist for vitamin C. Used for colds, flu and fever since the fifth century. Supporter of capillary and connective tissue strength and function. Overall tonic. A whole-fruit 100:1 concentrate is used to assure the highest presence of valuable phytonutrient synergists. Through personal experience, this author has reason to anticipate far reaching values for elderberry not yet mentioned in the literature. I believe this superfood to be of great value for mental and spiritual transformation and enlightenment.

100:1 concentrate, Anthocyanin Bioflavonoids, Phytonutrient Synergists, Vitamins & Minerals.

(Sambucus nigra I. - 10:1 Berry Extract - 700mg per serving is equivalent to 7,000mg of raw berries, a nice handful)

Elderberry is suppled at 700mg per serving of Iridesca. Though the vast majority of the research and interest about Elderberry focuses upon limiting the frequency and duration of colds and flu, along with other immune considerations, and we have plenty of it in the mix to activate those benefits, tis is not our focus.

Elderberry is a unique source of a rare, pre-neuro-transmitter chemistry. Deliver it in the context of certain other key nutrients, as in Iridesca, and your body is able to convert it into the electrochemical stuff of thought, strategy, creativity, memory, expression and vocabulary.

The world sometimes seems overrun by the walking dead, asleep at the wheel of life, making one sad little choice after another, lamenting their poor health and their ever - deepening state of misery, lack and drama - caught in an achingly slow downward spiral. You have an alternative! Make each little decision a little better. Plan and strategize at your best. Be more conscious in your choices. You begin to overflow with the creativity, energy and resources to take care of yourself - and, to help make the world a better place for others.

The copious berries of the Elder are a valued by many species including humans. Elderberry wine and jelly are relished in many parts of the country and many birds and mammals also enjoy the berries and help to spread the seeds. The flowers can also be eaten. Stone age sites from Europe reveal that Elder has been valued by mankind for thousands of years.

Medical Uses: Large amounts of vitamin C, flavenoids and rutin, which are known to improve immune function account for the use of the juice and flower tea as a cold remedy and tannins account for many of the other medical uses. Native Americans used the inner bark to make tea used as a diuretic, emetic and laxative and poultice it on various injuries. Modern herbalist tend to use only the flowers and fruits for similar purposes. The flowers are used in tea to treat fevers and stimulate perspiration, sooth headache and to treat colds, flue, dropsy, rheumatism, consumption, urinary infections and many other conditions. Warning: Fruits from related species that are red, unripe fruits, leaves and other parts of the plant may be dangerously purgative and should not be ingested.

Viruses can not be treated with antibiotics, or with colloidal silver, which are effective only against bacteria. The body's immune system has many natural defenses against viral infections. Infected cells produce interferons and other cytokines (soluble components that are largely responsible for regulating the immune response to viruses), which can signal adjacent uninfected cells to mount their defenses, enabling uninfected cells to impair virus replication. Elderberry stimulates favorable cytokine production.

Elderberry is a famous flu remedy from traditional medicine, its recorded medical uses going back at least to the time of the Romans. Unfortunately it has been pigeonholed by modern herbalists as a diaphoretic or diuretic, overlooking its broader potential as an immune-enhancer or “blood cleanser.” A recent clinical trial in Israel showed that a preparation not only ended cases of the flu within three days, but increased antibody production. Traditional medical uses include immune-stimulating applications including eczema, ulcers, arthritis, gout, bronchitis, colds and sore throat.

In Europe, elderberry (sambucus nigra) is a very common wild plant. It grows in parts of North America, too. Elderberry is one of the best anti-virals, particularly good against flu. It is very very easy to make huge bottles of cordial which is also delicious as hot drink when you have a bug. It is made with elderberry, not elder flower.

It is very expensive to buy as sambucol, but it is easy to make. You may need it - the threat of a flu epidemic is all too real, so make some now. Use equal weight elderberries and honey. Strip the berries from the stems, wash and crush them, bring slowly to boil until it reaches syrupy consistency. Pass it through a sieve and bottle it in clean air tight bottles. Or at least buy some sambucol.

I can vouch for the elderberry... few years back I had pneumonia 3 times within about 3 months... antibiotics could not kick it... I began to research for a food source, found several choices and settled on elderberry, knocked everything right out... large doses... very large... but I got well and that was my choice for flu and cold until I finally got my immune system built up through raw food nutrion... have not needed it in a couple of years. Lynette