Elderberries are a tasty treat that also has many medicinal properties.
Elder varieties grow through out the world but the
varieties of elder bushes
that produce the blue and black berries are
what is desirable.
For centuries the plant has had the reputation of healing the body even being used to make instruments to heal the spirit.
The bark and roots are toxic be careful of them.
The fruit is usually ripe and dried to be editable, fresh fruit has a
strong flavor yet is usable. Parts typically used for
medical use are the flowers, dried and fresh ripe berries, and leaves.
Flowers, berries and leaf
will never bring you grief
Bark and root for tea
will bring you to your knees.
Michael Moore
The berries make an excellent and delicious jam and a potent wine.
But keep in mind you want to stay with the blue and purple berries, the red berry species can be toxic.
Elderberries will enhance immune function thereby aiding the body defend itself.
They have been used for an immune system boost, coughs, colds, flu, bacterial infections, tonsillitis, lowers cholesterol, improves vision, and heart heath, asthma, bronchitis, reduces inflammation of urinary tract and bladder.
Infusions of the fruit beneficial for nerve disorders, back pain.
Bioflavonoids and other proteins in the juice destroy the ability of cold and flu viruses to infect the cell.
These unique proteins act as messengers in the immune system to help regulate immune response, thus helping to defend the body against disease.
Elderberry will cleanse, moisturize and lighten the complexion, helping the complexion to clear and smooth away lines.
Elder flower cream
1 1/4 cups elder flowers
6 oz. almond oil
1-3 drops of essential oil such as lemon or lavender
Elderberry syrup
Put elderberries you have picked (or dried) in a sauce pan with enough water to almost cover them
simmer for 1/2 hour just to warm the berries to release the juice
smash the berries
let cool
strain the berries leaving the juice
add equal part of honey mix well and refrigerate.
Caution: in this case is just an awareness elderberry does contain cyanide
the concentration is in the root and bark but some in the seed as well. and is higher in the red elderberry variety.