The Elderberry—a Natural 'Medicine Chest'

elderberries growing

The “Miracle Fruit” of the Millenia

Elderberry, Sambucus nigra, European elder. This berry of many names has a long history of use as a healing plant across the world. Even Hippocrates, the “Father of Modern Medicine,” referred to this plant as a “medicine chest” in 400 B.C.E.

What's So Special About the Elderberry?

A Nutritional Powerhouse

What makes these berries so special? For starters, they are packed with nutrients. Elderberries are great sources of Vitamin C and Dietary Fiber, plus they contain several different antioxidants. On top of that, they’re low in calories and fat. Mandl, Elise. “Elderberry: Benefits and Dangers.” Healthline, 2018, www.healthline.com/nutrition/elderberry. Here’s a quick rundown of what just one cup of elderberries contains:

  • 870 mg of vitamin A
  • 406 mg of potassium
  • 52.2 mg of vitamin C
  • 9 mg of folate
  • 55 mg of calcium
  • 2.32 mg of iron
  • Barrell, Amanda. “Health Benefits of Elderberry.” Medical News Today, 2018, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323288.php.

A Natural Flu-Fighter

Another reason elderberries are growing in popularity, especially around cold and flu season, is their ability to support the immune system. Recent studies at the University of Sydney have proven this to be true. Dr. Golnoosh Torabian said, “What our study has shown is that the common elderberry has a potent direct antiviral effect against the flu virus…It inhibits the early stages of an infection by blocking key viral proteins responsible for both the viral attachment and entry into the host cells.” University of Sydney. "Elderberry compounds could help minimize flu symptoms, study suggests." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 23 April 2019. .

In another study, patients aged 18-54 were given elderberry to help relieve influenza-like symptoms. After a 5 day trial, the team found that “(s)ymptoms were relieved on average 4 days earlier and use of rescue medication was significantly less in those receiving elderberry extract compared with placebo. Elderberry extract seems to offer an efficient, safe and cost-effective treatment for influenza.” Zakay-Rones, Z, et al. “Randomized Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Oral Elderberry Extract in the Treatment of Influenza A and B Virus Infections.” J Int Med Res. , 2004, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15080016.

The University of Sydney is not alone in these studies, however. Researchers and scientists across the globe are fascinated by this amazing fruit and all of its beneficial properties. That’s why we at Purely Beneficial have created Elderberry 750, a powerful way to utilize all of the valuable assets of the fruit without having to grow your own.

Stay healthy this holiday season!