Black elderberry has long been known in folk medicine as a plant with special properties. Fruit, flowers, bark - these raw materials are also currently used in herbal medicine to support the digestive, urinary and immune systems. What properties does elderberry juice have? How does it naturally help maintain health and well-being, also in children?
Elderberry fruits for the immunity
Elderberry fruits and flowers of this plant are among the most valuable herbal raw materials. Both of these raw materials contain many valuable ingredients for health. Elderberry contains tannins, pectins, anthocyanin glycosides, fruit acids, vitamins (e.g. vitamin C) and provitamins (e.g. vitamin A), minerals (e.g. potassium, calcium, sodium, iron). Elderberry extract (e.g. juice) has diuretic, diaphoretic, analgesic and mildly laxative properties. It is also a preparation used for detoxification of the body (e.g. in the course of the skin or rheumatic diseases), belonging to the so-called blood cleaners. Elderberry fruit is also used in gastrointestinal complaints, e.g. inflammation of the intestines and stomach.
Elderberry flowers are a treasure of phenolic acids and flavonoids, sterols, tannins, organic acids, triterpenes and mineral salts. Preparations based on elderberry flowers have antipyretic, diuretic and diaphoretic properties. In addition, the components of the flower extract of this plant improve elasticity and seal the walls of blood vessels.
Side effects of elderberry
This is one of the most common doubts about the use of elderberry. It is worth knowing that the raw elderberry fruit contains certain ingredients (including sambunigrin), the consumption of which may result in food poisoning. However, this only applies to raw fruit. Infusions of flowers or fruit are used, but after processing and heat treatment. This ensures that the elderberry is free of harmful substances.
Elderberry extracts are used as an ingredient in many preparations and dietary supplements. Flower extracts can be found in preparations that facilitate coughing. Elderberry juice supports the body’s immune system, which is why it is often used as an ingredient in preparations for immunity stimulation, also those for children. Elderberry fruit is added to diaphoretic, anti-inflammatory preparations and those that help fight constipation. Interestingly, elderberry tincture can also be helpful and itsvalued not only for health-promoting properties but also for its original and specific taste.
Elderberry fruits support the functioning of the immune system. The juice of this plant can be purchased in medical or herbal stores in the form of a concentrate and, after dilution, be given to drink as an alternative to sweet drinks. Elderberry extract is a common ingredient in preparations stimulating immunity for toddlers, it can be given from 3 years of age.
