Elderberry.... Snake oil, or Cure all?

  
   Last year, i had a horrible case of Bronchitis, I was in bed for weeks, and ultimately sick for 6 months of the year with my Asthma, Allergies, and chronic bronchitis.  I was drinking green smoothies, and eating well as I always try to do, so I was frustrated and angry that I was so sick.

     One day a friend stopped by with a bottle of Sambucus (a blend made mostly of Elderberry and some raspberry and other things.)  I started taking it, and immediately I felt some improvements.  So I started dosing myself 5 times a day.  Within a few days I was well, so I quit taking it.   I got sick again within a week, so I started taking it again, and again I was well in about 3 days.  This time I was smart enough to realize what had helped and I continued taking low doses for several months afterwards.

     I had never had Asthma growing up, I did have allergies, but never to the point that I couldn't breathe.  They'd get pretty miserable in the spring for a couple weeks and then I was ok.  Since moving to the specific part of Utah that I now live in, I have had problem after problem, and was diagnosed about 4 years ago with allergy induced asthma.  It got so bad initially that I had to take steroids in order to breathe.  And as you get to know me, you will know that I was incredibly angry about having to be dependent on drugs.  I don't do drugs!  I have spent years researching and learning and teaching myself and others how to take care of normal everyday ailments without drugs.  I don't run my kids to the Dr. every time they have a sniffle.  In fact I rarely ever take them unless they break a bone or need stitches.  Pretty much everything else I can handle.   My youngest child has never been on an Antibiotic and is almost 10.
     Back to the story... I started researching Sambucus (which is actually the name of a variety of Elderberry, Sambucus Negra) and this is what I found out:
     Elderberry is a powerful antioxidant, it lowers cholesterol, improves vision, boosts the immune system, and improves heart health.  It is a fantastic remedy for Asthma, Allergies, Coughs, Colds, Flu, Bacterial and Viral infections and Tonsillitis because it specifically supports a healthy respiratory system.  It can alleviate chest congestion, and  also works to fight Strep Throat.  Elderberries have been used as an ancient remedy for centuries in North America, Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa
     Elderberry  has Bioflavonoids and other proteins in the juice that destroy the ability of cold and flu viruses to infect a cell.  People with the flu who took elderberry juice reported less severe symptoms and felt better much faster than those who did not.
     Elderberries contain organic pigments, tannin, amino acids, carotenoids, flavonoids, sugar, rutin, viburnic acid, vitaman A and B and a large amount of vitamin C. They are also mildly laxative, a diuretic, and diaphoretic. Flavonoids, including quercetin, are believed to account for the therapeutic actions of the elderberry flowers and berries. According to test tube studies2 these flavonoids include anthocyanins that are powerful antioxidants and protect cells against damage.
   Elderberries were listed in the CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs as early as 1985, and are listed in the 2000 Mosby's Nursing Drug reference for colds, flu, yeast infections, nasal and chest congestion, and hay fever.  (Above info gathered from herbwisdom.com/herb-elderberry.html)
     Also, for those who have Elderberry growing in your yard, keep in mind that most sites will tell you that Elderberries are only edible after cooking.  They have some traces of Cyanide in the berry that is realeased upon digestion or cooking.  So if you cook first, you only get the health benefits of the berry.  Here is an interesting resource for making Elderberry wine.

     Back to the story:  I took a prescription strength allergy pill for over 3 years straight just so I could keep my airways open.  But the goal all along was to get OFF the drugs.  It is now pre-spring here in the valley, and I have felt little bugs in my throat on occasion, or a shortness of breath indicating the possibility of an oncoming Asthma attack, but I just double up on my Elderberry, and it never progresses any further.  (No allergy pill in over 6 months!) This season will be the true test, but I am confident that if I actually remember to take it often, I will make it through the season with my lungs at full function.   Now obviously you have to be smart about your health.  When pollen is at the worst, I can't just go rubbing my face in the grass, and sleeping outside under the stars.  But I think I can do normal activities if I keep this stuff in me.  I'll report back in a few months!

And just for resource, I prefer to use the Elderberry from "Natural Sources" which I purchase online at Vitacost.com as they have the best price.  Click on the image to go there and view the current pricing details.

Click Here to purchase

 

Now just to cover my @$&  I need to say that these statements have not be evaulated by the FDA and that this information is not intended to be used as medical advice as the author is not a physician.  Elderberry has not been proven to treat, diagnose or cure any of the above mentioned ailments.  Blah blah blah, yadda yadda... :-)