Elderberries Boost Night Vision and More |
| Written by Susannah Singer | |
| Friday, 29 August 2008 | |
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Elderberries are small, dark berries that grow in clusters on elder trees (also called elderberry bushes). The European Elder is found in temperate climates across Europe and North America. It is a hardy plant often growing in the moist soil along roadsides and streams. The hardy nature of the elderberry is seen in the fact that some live to be 80 to 100 years old! The American elder, slightly sweeter than the European elder, grows most anywhere east of the Rockies. The European Elder however, is the one most often used in extracts and syrups. They produce a white flower in the spring and clusters of dark blue berries in the late summer. For centuries, elderberries have been used in folk medicine for a variety of ills, including arthritis, asthma, constipation, and as a cure for the common cold. In 400 B.C., Hippocrates referred to the elderberry as his "medicine chest." Elderberries are a rich source of vitamin C and potassium, and have shown to be effective in strengthening the immune system. Elderberries also reduce the risk of atherosclerosis by keeping platelets from adhering to the blood vessel walls. This reduces risks caused by bad cholesterol. But perhaps its most famous benefit is providing the body with anthocyanins. These are antioxidants that protect the body cells from damage caused by stress, poor diet, or environmental toxins. Elderberries not only help in dealing with stress, but they actually improve vision, especially at night. This is because elderberries help the body make rhodopsin, also known as visual purple, a chemical in the rods of the retina designed to see in reduced light. Both the flowers and berries are beneficial. The white flowers may be battered and fried or stirred into muffins or sponge cake mix. They give a light, sweet flavor. Some even press then into tonics. Elderberry may be purchased as a dietary supplement or as a juice or concentrate. The suggested dosage is 400 mg daily. The ripe berries, cleaned and cooked, can be made into many things: extracts, syrups, pies, jams, or used as garnish, dye, or flavoring. Some eat them uncooked but they do contain toxins and it is better to be safe by washing and cooking them before eating. Also, elderberries are bitter and need sweetener to be palatable. Many like to cook them with other fruit like apples or pears to sweeten them. The tiny seeds in the berry leave a gritty taste, even after cooking, but the seeds are safe. Avoid ingesting red elderberries. They contain toxins that could cause sickness, even after being cooked. The purple, black, and blue berries are safe when washed and cooked first. Also, the leaves, unripe berries, stems, twigs, and roots should not be eaten.
The Article Author:
There are many ways you can enjoy the power of the elderberry. The important thing is to verify that the form in which you buy the elderberry will give you all the benefits the elderberry herb has to offer.
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