Elderberry: Nature’s Powerhouse Flower
Elderberry, or Sambucus, is a seemingly innocuous and modest flowering shrub found throughout the temperate northern hemisphere. The plant species is easy to grow and is generally fuss-free, except for its long blooming period and sporadic berry production, which can outshine even the most showy blooms and colorful foliage. Despite being a modest flower, the Elderberry harbours an incredibly powerful group of phytonutrients, vitamins, minerals and natural remedies.
Nutritious Fruits of Nature
The Elderberry is most commonly recognizable by its blue-black berry clusters, which appear in mid to late summer. Despite its tart taste, the Elderberry has a long-standing tradition as a natural remedy for upper-respiratory infections, colds and flu-like illnesses. Scientists later discovered that the Elderberry contains a complex mix of antioxidants and vitamins, making it effective for combating inflammation and boosting the immune system. Moreover, the Elderberry is thought to contain more antioxidants than any other berry, in addition to containing high levels of vitamin C, potassium, iron and dietary fibre.
Health Benefits
Due to its powerful and nutritious nature, the Elderberry has been used for centuries as a form of natural health and wellness. Because of the rich set of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, the Elderberry has been praised for its ability to aid in oxidative stress, preventing certain types of cancers, and its anti-inflammatory properties.
Moreover, the Elderberry has potent antiviral properties and can improve upper-respiratory conditions, like cold and flu, by quickly neutralizing the effects of viruses. Furthermore, due to its high Vitamin C content, Elderberry can also aid with vision health, mental alertness, and cognitive functioning.
In particular, Elderberry is highly beneficial for skin care. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce skin inflammation and acne. Elderberry is also packed with anti-aging components, which can help reduce wrinkles and prevent skin damage. Additionally, Elderberry is used as a natural insect repellent and to rejuvenate the skin.
Uses of Elderberry
Elderberry is incredibly versatile and so can be used for a variety of purposes. For instance, Elderberry juice, syrup and jelly are traditionally used to ease the symptoms of colds and flus, while Elderberry tea is an increasingly popular choice for those looking for an aromatic and flavorful cup of tea. Additionally, Elderberries can be used as a staple in baked goods, as a natural sweetener, and for jams and jellies.
Tips for Harvesting and Storing Elderberries
When harvesting Elderberries, it is important to wear long sleeves and gloves, as some varieties can cause skin irritations. The best time to harvest Elderberries is shortly after they turn dark blue or purple in color. Immediately after harvesting, it is important to rinse the berries in cold water and remove the stems, leaves and any twigs.
As for storage, it is ideal to keep Elderberries refrigerated in an airtight container and use them within one week. Alternatively, Elderberries can be frozen, dried or cooked and turned into jams, syrups and jellies.
Conclusion
Overall, the Elderberry is a modest yet powerful flowering shrub with a vast array of nutritional and health benefits. Not only can it be used to alleviate upper-respiratory conditions like colds and flus, Elderberry also has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immune-boosting properties. Furthermore, due to its versatile nature, Elderberry can be used for a variety of dishes, drinks and recipes. When harvesting and storing Elderberry, it is important to keep them in airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. With its vast nutritional and health benefits, the Elderberry is a natural powerhouse in the world of flowers.