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In folk medicine and naturopathy, elderberries play a very prominent role among the most important medicinal plants. For many hundreds of years they have enjoyed almost superstitious respect and reverence; According to this, elderberry bushes should never be felled, and in the old days anyone who walked past an elderberry bush would respectfully doff their hat. We will show you here that elderberries actually have unique health-promoting properties and deserve our full attention.
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Elderberries: ingredients of the miracle berries
Elderberries are the perennial favorites of local folk medicine. Even the well-known medieval naturopath Hildegard von Bingen relied on the healing effects of elderberry in the treatment of many different diseases. The deep blue berries of the elder bush are in season between August and September and we not only like them in jams, juices or teas, they can also add a sweet counternote to game dishes as chutneys. The delicious berries have plenty of health-promoting nutrients, about 100 grams:
- Carbohydrates (7 grams)
- Protein (1 gram)
- Vitamin C (25 milligrams)
- Vitamin A (60 Micrograms)
- Iron (1.6 milligrams)
- Potassium (300 milligrams)
- Calcium (35 milligrams)
Elderberries: 3 health effects
1. Strengthens the immune system and relieves cold symptoms
Elderberries are true all-purpose weapons against infections and diseases. They boost our immune system with a variety of vitamins. Above all, the high proportion of vitamin C helps to strengthen the immune system. Elderberries and fresh juices made from them seem to be particularly effective against colds and flu infections. Essential oils and tanning agents also have an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect. A few years ago, researchers were able to observe in studies that the consumption of small amounts of concentrated elderberry extract can relieve the symptoms of a flu up to 4 days earlier.
2. Inhibits inflammation and relieves rheumatic complaints
Antioxidant ingredients also play an important role in the healing effects of elderberries. Anthocyanins, the pigments that give elderberries their violet-shimmering, dark blue color, scavenge free radicals and thus protect our cells from DNA damage. Anthocyanins also protect against inflammation in our bodies and can provide relief, especially for complaints related to rheumatism or osteoporosis.
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3. Boosts kidney and bladder health
Another plant-based pigment found in abundance in elderberries is sambucyanin. It has a proven diuretic effect, which explains why we need to seek a quiet place much quicker after consuming elderberry juice than after drinking a glass of water. In addition, elderberries contain large amounts of the mineral potassium. Potassium regulates the water balance in our body and ensures signal transmission from the nerves to the muscles. The combined influence of sambucyanin and potassium stimulates kidney and bladder function. Pollutants are flushed out of our urinary system through more frequent urination. This is extremely beneficial for kidney and bladder health.
4. Prevents the development of herpes
Almost everyone carries the herpes virus. Whether and when herpes breaks out depends on the individual immune system and genetic predisposition. In many people, however, herpes always occurs when the immune system is severely weakened. Then it is easy for the viruses to reach the surface of the skin and cause painful inflammation there. Elderberries contain a lot of vitamin A and vitamin C. Both together strengthen the immune system and protect the skin cells – the best protection against herpes.
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