Elderberry is a shrub that’s often used to prepare many dishes, but it also has some important medicinal properties. It can be used to make herbal remedies for coughs and colds, as well as reduce fevers. For this reason, elderberries are popular wellness products among those looking to improve their immune system or avoid getting sick during the flu season.
It’s not just natural medicine that makes elderberry beneficial; there are also plenty of benefits for your skin. Elderberries contain antioxidants that help protect against aging and even fight off signs of sun damage like wrinkles and sagging skin.
Want to learn more about the benefits of elderberry? Keep reading.
Top Benefits of Elderberry
High in Nutrients
Researchers have studied elderberry because of its high antioxidant content, which helps fight off infections like colds and flu while improving immunity. Over time this can ward off chronic inflammation, a cause of aging skin changes such as wrinkles. Because it contains so much fiber—about nine grams per cup—it will keep you full longer after eating just one serving. This can help you lose weight and reduce your risk for chronic diseases like heart disease or type-two diabetes.
Easy to Use in Recipes
Elderberry’s tangy, sweet flavor makes it a great addition to many dishes. It works well with fruit pies and jams, of course, but it can also be used alongside meat recipes—try making an elderberry barbecue sauce. Elderberries are very easy to use; they don’t need special preparation before cooking (unlike some other herbal remedies). If you make a lot of cooked dishes at home like soups, stews, or casseroles, consider adding this ingredient. You’ll get all the benefits without having to do any extra work.
Topical Benefits Elderberry is one of the few ingredients that can be used topically and orally or internally. Topical elderberries work similarly to many other antioxidant formulations: they fight off free radicals and help protect your skin. Elderberry extract may also reduce inflammation, helping with the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
High in Antioxidants
Elderberry contains a number of antioxidants, including anthocyanins, phenolics, and flavonoids. Antioxidants can help fight off infections like colds and flu while improving immunity. They also reduce inflammation which is the cause of many skin problems such as wrinkles and sagging skin.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Elderberry has anti-inflammatory properties which can help reduce the signs of aging. Elderberries contain anthocyanins, phenolic acids, and flavonoids—all compounds that have been studied for their ability to fight off free radicals. These ingredients are also effective at reducing inflammation, helping protect your skin from sun damage like wrinkles or sagging skin.
Improve Symptoms of Asthma and Allergies
Elderberry is often used to reduce symptoms of asthma and allergies. It’s especially effective at fighting off the common cold, reducing fever while improving your immune system.
Improve Mood, Reduce Stress
One study found that elderberries are particularly good for calming the nervous system by improving moods among frequent stress sufferers. Elderberry extract was also shown to help lower cortisol levels in people who work long hours or have demanding jobs. This can keep you calm no matter how much pressure you’re under.
Boost Your Immune System During Flu Season
During flu season, it’s important to avoid getting sick—especially if you already suffer from health problems like asthma or allergies. Elderberry has many benefits, which make it a great addition to any diet. Drinking elderberry tea can help your immune system fight off the common cold while improving allergies or asthma symptoms. Elderberries are also effective at reducing inflammation throughout the body, which is why they’re so beneficial for skin health.
Remember, elderberry is not a substitute for vaccines. If you’re planning on traveling abroad this flu season, consult your doctor about getting vaccinated first. This will give you some extra protection against new or potentially dangerous strains of influenza viruses. You should always follow proper food safety precautions when cooking at home—make sure to wash all produce thoroughly before use. Avoid using any moldy parts since these are more likely to contain mycotoxins linked with some types of cancer.
