The most popular form of elderberries come from the common elderberry, or Sambucus nigra. Naturalized to America from Europe, the elderberry bush thrives in wet, marshy areas. The bark, leaves, flowers and berries of this shrub have been used for centuries. However, the parts most utilized today are the elderberry's flowers and berries, which are being explored as much for their health and healing properties as for their delicious culinary uses.
Features
Blooming in May and June, elderberry flowers grow in large clusters of tiny, fragrant white flowers, resembling Queen Anne's lace. Small, edible dark purple and black berries appear in the late summer and early fall. Like cherries or plums, elderberries are "drupes," containing a single seed inside their flesh.
History
Elderberries have been prized by many cultures throughout history. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, North American Indians, especially the Cahuilla tribe, depended on dried elderberries as their principal diet for much of the year. The Cahuillas would use the berries as a basket dye, and the branches to make arrows. During the Middle Ages, Europeans dubbed the elderberry a "Holy Tree," as they believed it provided the key to good health and long life.
Consumption
Elderberries are a favorite food of songbirds and other wildlife. Humans commonly use the berries in jams, jellies and pies. Elderberry flowers can be brewed into tea, added to baked goods or battered and fried. The BBC h2g2 website offers recipes for beverages made from elderberry flowers including "elderflower presse" and "elderflower champagne," and names elderflower wine as "traditionally the most popular of Britain's country wines."
Benefits
Both elderberry flowers and berries contain flavonoids, comprised of vitamin P and citrin, which both boost immunity and have antioxidant properties. Elderberry flowers and berries are used to treat a variety of ailments, including influenza, bronchitis and high cholesterol. Elderberries are often used to treat colds, as they contain high amounts of vitamin C and help reduce mucus. Elderberries have also been shown to lower blood sugar, and both HIV and cancer fighting properties of elderberries are being explored. Elderberry supplements are commonly taken as a capsule, extract, cream or brewed into tea.
Dangers
While elderberry flowers and berries have been used as folk remedies and alternative supplements throughout history, the U.S. National Library of Medicine cautions that the safety and effectiveness of elderberry studies has not always been proven and that more research is needed. Possible side effects of taking elderberry supplements include dizziness, stomach problems and allergies. Avoid consuming unripe elderberries, as they can be poisonous.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Elderberry
- University of Florida, School of Forest Resources and Conservation: Elderberry
- MedlinePlus: Elderberry and Elder Flower
- Jefferson Davis Community College: Wildflowers of the Escambia- Elderberry
- USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service: Common Elderberry
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