All About Elderberry
Finally! We have Elderberry (Sambucus Nigra) tincture and glycerite available. This is a limited seasonal batch for the Fall and Winter because it's made from our fresh elderberries grown right here on the farm!! Elderberry has been used by many ancient cultures for medicinal benefits. The berries are typically found on the Elder tree or bush. These are often indicated by white/ cream colored flowers and purple-ish black berries. These berries can be harvested and used through various forms of consumption such as; jams, teas, syrups, tinctures, glycerite and more. The berries are high in vitamin C, A, B6, potassium and iron. They’re overall high in fiber and antioxidants as well.
POSSIBLE BENEFITS:
- Aids in cold and flu relief.
Elderberry has been used by many to relieve symptoms of a cold or the flu. It contains anthocyanidins, which are pigments that have shown to have immunostimulant properties. These properties help boost the immune system and fight off cold and flu symptoms. A recent article explains elderberry’s help in suppressing symptoms of different strains of the flu, “Several studies have found benefits to support the use of elderberry for flu symptoms as well. Specifically, the flavonoids in the berries bind to the H1N1 human influenza virus as well as the H5N1 avian influenza virus” (Link, MS, RD).
- Helps reduce blood pressure and sugar.
Elderberries can help in reducing blood pressure through it’s high percentage of an antioxidant called flavonols. Flavonols have been shown to improve circulation of blood to the brain and heart.
People with diabetes have used both the elder flower and elderberries to aid in reducing their blood sugar. In the article, Elderberry Benefits for Colds, Flus, Allergies and more author Rachael Link, MS, RD references, “Research published in the Journal of Nutrition evaluated black elderberry’s insulin-like and insulin-releasing actions in vitro. The study found that an aqueous extract of elder significantly increased glucose transport, glucose oxidation and glycogenesis without any added insulin”. Increase in these glucose related functions are beneficial to those with diabetes because it speeds up the process of moving sugar to your muscles and liver rather than staying in your bloodstream, which ultimately decreases blood sugar.
- Could be good for your skin.
High in antioxidants, elderberries have been shown to help with supporting skin health. Elderberries are rich in bioflavonoids (flavonoids) which are antioxidants that have shown to be beneficial for protecting the skin against UV light. Even plants use flavonoids to protect themselves against the harsh sun’s light!
There are many other benefits of elderberry and its properties that you can read about in the articles I used as reference for this blog post. The references are; Elderberry Benefits for Colds, Flus, Allergies and more, Elderberry: What it is, Benefits and Side Effects , and Bioflavonoids in Skin Care.
TINCTURE VERSUS GLYCERITE:
After reading about the benefits of elderberry, if you’re interested in trying out some products our barn store carries a limited seasonal batch of tinctures and glycerites made out of fresh elderberries from our farm! What is the difference between our tincture and glycerite? Learn more here…
Tinctures: Made in a base of alcohol and is the strongest extraction method. They also have the longest shelf life of 3 -5 years.
Tincture Ingredients: Farm Grown ^*Elderberry (Sambucus Nigra), *Alcohol & Distilled Water.
Glycerite: Made in a solvent of vegetable glycerin which have a sweet taste that most children and adults would find favorable. They have a shelf life of 1to 2 years.
This glycerite / tincture is safe for kids too (as long as they don't have any allergies or sensitivities to the ingredients, always do a test spot and check with their doctor first) - up to 3 years old give 2-5 drops, older kids 5-10 drops.
Glycerite Ingredients: *Vegetable Glycerin & Farm Grown ^*Elderberry (Sambucus Nigra)
Sediments are normal. Please shake before use. PURCHASE HERE!
*Not FDA Approved.
Disclaimer: The content and products are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Although Rare: all *safe* foods and herbs have the potential to cause allergic reactions in certain individuals. Use caution with unfamiliar products as you build up slowly to desired dose.