© Hans
Elderberries contain anthocyanins, which give them their deep purple color and have strong antioxidant properties.
August 11, 2024
Jana Ackermann
Local superfood, rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants: Black elderberry has these healing abilities.
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Elderberry is considered a “natural pharmacy” in herbal medicine. Elderflowers are especially known for their effectiveness against colds, and the berries of the black elderberry can also have healing powers. To highlight its many advantages, the Black Elderberry was named the Medicinal Plant of the Year 2024 by the Theophrastus Association for Natural Medicine.
The Black Elderberry — it is the most well-known of our native species — is associated with more traditions than any other European plant , except perhaps the mandrake. It has accompanied humans since ancient times: Excavations of Stone Age dwellings, built 12,000 years ago, have already revealed remnants of elderberry seeds and branches.
The elder was considered a sacred tree that offered protection from spirits and warded off evil, which is why it was often planted near houses and farms. Particularly in Germanic and Celtic myths, the elder was seen as the dwelling of gods and spirits, especially the goddess Holda or Hulda, who was revered as the patroness of nature and the home.
As an old household tree, the Black Elderberry can be found virtually at the door and in many gardens. It is also native to field edges, hedges, and sunlit forest areas and can reach a height of ten meters. It is recognized by its white to pale yellow flowers, which bloom in late spring, and its black berries, which are ready for harvest in early autumn.
Whether picked and processed yourself or bought as juice - elderflowers and berries are literally bursting with health-promoting ingredients. The berries, for example, contain anthocyanins, which give them their deep purple color and have extremely strong antioxidant properties. With their high content of antioxidants they even top aronia berries or blueberries.
In addition, the flavonoids contained in elder have a positive effect on the venous system; menopausal and menstrual complaints can be alleviated by phytoestrogens. Also, vitamins are abundant in the berries, including vitamin A, the group of B vitamins, vitamin E - and with 37.1 mg of vitamin C per 100 g, elderberries are even among the top suppliers of vitamin C.
The long list of medicinally valuable ingredients is supplemented with significant amounts of minerals and trace elements such as iron, Magnesium , potassium, calcium, phosphorus, zinc and manganese.
© Tatiana Syrikova
In case of a cold, it is recommended to drink 150 ml of very warm elderflower tea three times a day.
The elderflower - one can make tea infusions, syrup or vinegar from it, for example - scores alongside anthocyanins and flavonoids with essential oils as well as mucilage and tannins. The diaphoretic and fever-reducing effect of the flowers alleviates symptoms of colds and flu, while the stimulated diuresis supports the body in detoxification.
This also explains the positive effect on arthritic complaints.The main focus of its healing power is its preventive effect on colds and flu infections. Other main areas of application for black elder include respiratory diseases, infectious diseases, urinary tract infections, abdominal pain, inflammations of all kinds, allergies, arthritis, edema, nervous disorders and digestive complaints.
Meanwhile, almost all indicators have been confirmed by scientific studies - and thus black elder remains a valuable medicinal plant whose importance has remained unchanged for millennia.
In order to benefit as much as possible from the antiviral and antibacterial effects of elder, the flowers can be dried or pressed and prepared into a tea. The so-called "sweat tea" eliminates all signs of colds from the body. In case of a cold, it is recommended to drink 150 ml of very warm elderflower tea three times a day.
In the kitchen, elderberries with their tart-sour taste can be used to make compote, sorbet, or juice. It's important to note that the berries should not be consumed raw as they contain the toxin sambunigrin, which is converted into cyanide in the body and can lead to stomach aches or diarrhea. By heating to temperatures above 80 degrees, sambunigrin is broken down and loses its toxic effect.
For an elderberry juice, the fruits are boiled with a little water and simmered covered for 15 to 20 minutes. Pour through a fine sieve and bring to a boil again to minimize microorganisms. Sweeten with honey or maple syrup to taste and fill hot into clean glass bottles.
If you want to make it easy, you can also rely on the capsules available on the market, such as those from the Rubyni brand. Whether picked and prepared yourself or consumed in capsule form, the more than 50 health-promoting ingredients of black elder speak for taking a fresh look at the domestic superfood. It has definitely earned the title "Medicinal Plant of the Year 2024".
