What's so great about elderberries?

Black elderberries (sambucus nigra) are an excellent immune booster! Elderberries contain many vitamins (A, B and loads of C), as well as powerful flavonoids such as anthocyanins that are powerful antioxidants and protect cells against damage. Our bodies use these vitamins and antioxidants to fight back infection.

 

For example, Vitamin C is vital for the function of leukocytes – white blood cells that help fight infections – and you need a lot more when you’re sick. (a) Flavonoids work by several mechanisms. They can block attachment and entry of viruses into cells, interfere with various stages of viral replication processes or translation and polyprotein processing to prevent the release of the viruses to infect other cells. Different flavonoids have been found to inhibit the virus through various mechanisms. (b)

 

What science has to say.

Studies show that supplementing with elderberry can lessen the severity and duration of both colds and flu. 

• A 2004 study of elderberry extract in flu patients revealed that symptoms of the flu were relieved 4 days sooner than flu patients who didn’t receive elderberry. (c)  
• Supplementing with elderberry has also been shown to improve sinus infections, aid in skin and hair health, and more! (d) 
• Elderberry is a cost-effective treatment for the flu, and it tastes great too! The elder plant has many medicinal uses including: treatment of colds and other infections, allergic conditions (allergies, sinusitis), and more! (e)

Responsible sourcing.

We source our organic, wild-grown elderberries straight from a family-owned farm in Poland.  Joanna and her family harvest the berries each fall and dry the berries using solar power.  We visited the farm in 2019 to cultivate our relationship and see the quality firsthand. Read more about our farmers HERE!