The Potential Immune Boosting Power of Elderberry

It may be surprising to learn that the flower and fruit of the Elder tree is one of the oldest medicines used by humans. Hippocrates, Pliny, and Dioscorides all wrote about this plant around 400 BCE. Elder has had more folklore attached to it than any other plant in Europe besides mandrake. Even today, Elder is one of the world’s most valuable plants for healing.

Elder (Sambucus nigra) is referred to as “Nature’s Medicine Chest” and has been valued by traditional herbalists and healers through the centuries as a remedy for many ailments, including colds, flu, and bronchial congestion. One quality of Elder is astringency. It tightens tissues within the body and also acts to stimulate circulation. 

According to legend in Europe, it was considered ill-advised to chop the branches of the Elder tree for fear that the Elder Mother spirit of the land inhabited the tree. To avoid invoking her wrath, woodcutters during Medieval times would recite a charm in order to appease her.

Indigenous Native American tribes had a wide variety of uses for Elder, including fever reduction and the expulsion of congestion in the lungs. They passed this knowledge along to immigrants to the New World. 

What is Elderberry?

There are approximately 30 different species of Elder that can be found throughout Europe, North America, Canada, and Alaska. These trees or leggy bushes flower in spring, and the berries are harvested in the fall.  

Elderberries are bluish-black to purple. The purple berries, which grow in clusters on the tree or thick brush, have been traditionally made into jellies, jams, or wine since the seventeenth century. The fruits of this plant contain natural sugars, tyrosine, hydrocyanic acid, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. 

Traditional herbalists and healers have used a jelly or compote made of berries to treat sore throats and bronchial conditions. Elderberries can reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol, support cardiovascular function, stimulate the immune system and potentially help reduce the length of cold or flu. 

Potential Benefits of Elderberry

Besides the potential immune-boosting qualities of elderberry, this powerful herb has also been used in the following ways.

• As an antioxidant
• Antiviral
• To support heart and cardiovascular function
• Lowering cholesterol
• Reduce high blood pressure
• Anti-Cancer
• Strengthening the Immune System
• Supporting proper bowel function

Elderberry has shown apparent antiviral properties since antiquity and in modern scientific studies. In 2009, a group of researchers gave half of a small group of patients suffering from flu symptoms 175 mg of daily elderberry extract four times a day for two days. The other half of the group was given a placebo twice a day. Those in the placebo group had no alleviation of symptoms, and in fact, some worsened, while those given elderberry extract noticed a significant improvement and relief. The evidence from this and similar studies supporting the value of elderberry to boost immunity and address common cold and flu symptoms appear to be substantial.

While this herb has always been valued for its immune-boosting powers, during the Covid-19 pandemic, interest in elder or elderberry reached an all-time high. Unfortunately, despite belief that elderberry may be helpful for the virus, no scientific evidence supports that elderberry can treat or ward off Covid-19.

Elderberries are widely available in their raw form; however, it is definitely not a good idea to eat elderberries raw as they are potentially toxic. This toxicity is mainly because of cyanide-producing glycosides found within the fruit and seeds. Those who have consumed raw elderberries have reported nausea, dizziness, and stupor. This can make raw elderberries particularly dangerous to children. To make them safe, it is advised to cook and prepare them first. 

Experience Elderberry For Yourself

To gain the benefits that elderberry might offer, it is always best to only consume elderberry products obtained from a reputable source that knows how to process this powerful plant correctly. Our Sir Jason Winters Elderberry Gummy Vites are made from the highest quality ingredients and prepared to make it easy to boost your immune system without any guesswork.

Two of our Elderberry Gummy Vites contain 100 milligrams of all the goodness of elderberry fruit, added Vitamin C, and zinc citrate. These gummies will taste great whether you chew them or suck on them while you’re sick. They’re a tasty way to give yourself just that extra bit of an immune boost when you’re fighting off seasonal cold and flu.

Right now and for a limited time, you can get our Sir Jason Winters’ Elderberry Gummy Vites at substantial savings. A regular 90-count bottle of Elderberry gummies is priced at $24.95. You can get it now for just $9.95 for each bottle! You would save nearly 60% off the regular price! At this price, why not get a couple of bottles? With the cold and flu season on the horizon, these savings won’t last forever. 

Once the introductory offer is over, you can still get 5% off our regular-priced Elderberry Gummy Vites by taking advantage of our convenient subscription service. You decide whether you want to receive your supplements bi-weekly or monthly, and we will deliver them to your home, office, or anywhere you choose. 

Give yourself and those you love the gift of good health today with Sir Jason Winters!

Note: This product contains coconut oil. Do not take it if you are allergic to tree nuts. Please be sure to read the label or product description on our website to determine any potential allergens.

Disclaimer: The statements made in this blog have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 

Please note that all information provided on this website is not intended to recommend, diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition or to replace the advice of a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional. Do not exceed the recommended dose of this or any other Sir Jason Winters product. Keep all dietary supplements out of the reach of children.

Resources

Bond, Carol. “Medicinal Qualities of Elder.” Medicinal Qualities of Elder. Dr. John R. Christopher’s School of Natural Healing. Web. 28 July 2022.

Chevallier, Andrew. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. London, England: Dorling Kindersley Limited, 1996. Print.

Christopher, John. School of Natural Healing. 20th Anniversary ed. Springville, UT: Christopher Publications, 1996. Print.

Tierra, Michael, and David Frawley. Planetary Herbology: An Integration of Western Herbs Into the Traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic Systems. Twin Lakes, WI: Lotus, 1988. Print.

Wieland LS;Piechotta V;Feinberg T;Ludeman E;Hutton B;Kanji S;Seely D;Garritty C; L. “Elderberry for Prevention and Treatment of Viral Respiratory Illnesses: A Systematic Review.” BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Web. 26 July 2022.