Elderberry

Description

Elderberry Discussion:

Elderberries are divided into two categories, red and blue. The canadensis is the species we wildcraft and use, which is considered to be the more “people friendly” species. The name derives from its ancient use, which they said that it may fight nearly every condition of the human, allowing us to become an “elder”. (2) While the berry is the most common part known and used by herbalists, the leaves and twigs may be the most medicinal, depending on the intentions. For respiratory viruses, cough and cold support, vitamin c content, the berries may be best. The berry has stronger antioxidant activity than vitamin C and E. When it comes to enveloped viruses, all of the parts may be treated as equals and any part tested has shown activity against all of them. (2) Medicinally, the leaf and woody parts may be the most potent, containing the most potent antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory compounds that the plant may have to offer. The plant contains RIP’s (ribosome-inactivating proteins), which are how they protect themselves from viruses. 

It has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for ages. Commonly, throughout the world, the berry and leaf as a warm bitter, to support the dispelling of blood stasis, dispelling wind, epilepsy, dropsy, hepatitis, liver injury, inflammations, induce sweating, as a diuretic, bruising, rheumatism, dislocations, nephritis, edema, beriberi, and urticaria. The berries were also traditionally used to make wine with. (2) The leaf and root were used to treat pain, numbness, bone diseases, rheumatic issues. The leaves contain nervine compounds were used for uncontrollable movements, pain, fevers that fluctuated from hot to cold, numbness, bone disease, reducing swelling, especially of the liver and kidneys. (2) The twigs also have a place in ancient medicine, especially to support blood purifying, wounds, infection prevention, skin inflammation, jaundice, pain, headaches, measles, diphtheria, and mumps. 

Elderberry compounds may block viruses from entering and attaching to healthy cells. (1) It may support the body from viral replication, even after the virus has become active. (1) No matter what stage, elderberry is said to stimulate a cytokines release. Cytokines are substances, secreted by cells, that act as messages to the immune system. They are the root of inflammation and why it may be occurring. They are used to manipulate the immune system so that the pathogen may continue to feed, ultimately trying to get our own immune system to break down our own tissues, as they sit back and lazily feed. Some claim that the cytokine process may be the key to overcoming illnesses all by itself. Supporting the body, while reversing and lowering the cytokine cascades are crucial to getting well. The leaves are the parts used in other countries, in attempts to reduce swelling of the liver and kidneys.

It is recommended to give elderberry a few days’ time, giving it the time needed to determine its effectiveness. The leftovers are not to be tossed in the trash, as they can still be used: as a food additive, to infuse oil, tincturing, as tea, to make a poultice, as well as many other useful ways, such as using it to dye fabrics. Many sources tell us that these parts are “poisonous”, although Dr. Buhner tells us this is a complete “untruth”. He tells us that this may translate into “someone used it and became sick”. Elderberry contains HCN’s (hydrocyanic acid), is a form of cyanide that are purgative compounds, which are the cause of vomiting, nausea, and/or diarrhea. (2) The misinformation may be that the berry is the part that most studied. This includes skin uses and topical fungus. Buhner tells us to simply not eat the fresh parts. By heating, for example boiling, we may inactivate these compounds substantially. This is a plant that everyone should work up in dose with, testing individual sensitivities, of each part.

As the most studied, the berries contain very unique compounds called anthocyaninins, which are the pigmented compounds that give the berries their color, which is also found in all the other parts of the plant as well. The benefits within many types of berry compounds are anticancer, antiaging, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibiotic, analgesic, and blood sugar regulating. (2) They are highly medicinal and their peak saturation within the body is said to be within one hour after they are ingested. They are excreted through urine, absorbed into the mucosal tissues, liver, small intestine, and bloodstream. (2) The berries contain ursolic acid, which we are told down-regulates MMP-9 and inhibits COX-2, increases muscle mass, decreases fat accumulation, reduces muscle atrophy, protects the heart, analgesic, antibacterial, antiviral, antidiabetic, antioxidant, and anticancer, and is a great compound to have regularly in your diet. (2)

While the root is also useful, it may be best left in the ground to reestablish the plant, to ensure harvest for the following years. The leaf, stem, and bark are considered to be one of the best herbs to use for bone regeneration. Dr. Buhner tells us that it may help to heal broken bones within a couple of weeks. We are told to make a tea concentrate from them and use it for two weeks to support broken bones. In one of his personal social medial posts, he tells us that his life partner used 3-5 tsp. of a tincture daily and a week later, scans showed “massive bone restoration”. He also suggests using it for support with osteoporosis and for modulation of osteoblast and osteoclast formations, as it can be very powerful.

Elderberry is dense in flavonoids, which have shown to bind to H1N1 viruses, similar to a magnet to metal. (2) Buhner actually compares this activity to be similar to the drug Tamiflu. (2) Other compounds that deserve a mention are betulin, caffeic acid, cyanin, ferulic acid, glycyrrhetic acid, isoquercetrin, kaempferol, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, malic acid, oleanolic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, quercetin, rutin, shikimic acid, tannic acid, tyrosine, undecylenic acid, and ursolic acid are all also “strongly antiviral”. (2) They are also active against herpes simplex virus, Coxsackie B1 & 3, Enterovirus 71, hepatitis C, hepatitis E, Japanese encephalitis, West Nile encephalitis, poliovirus, rhinoviruses, Junin virus, vesicular stomatitis virus, adenovirus-3, porcine circovirus, porcine epidemic diarrhea virus, cytomegalovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, tobacco mosaic virus, SARS, and other coronaviruses, dengue, fowlpox, rotavirus, canine distemper virus, murine norovirus, feline calicivirus, and Ebola. (2) 

The compounds in elderberry have synergistic actions. For example, while one compound may inhibit infusion, while another acts as a virucidal, and at the same time another may stimulate specific immune responses. (2) This is a prime example of why it may be best to use plants in their whole forms. 

We utilize Elderberry in our Cherry/Berry C™ colloidal vitamin C, Viral Solutions™ signature blend products, and we make an Elderberry~Ease™ syrup!

References:

1. Study: Elderberries block flu virus from attaching to and entering human cells. (December 2019). Retrieved from http://wwwreturntonow.net/2019/12/30/study-elderberries-block-flu-virus-from-attaching-to-and-entering-human-cells/.

2. Buhner, S. (2012). Herbal Antibiotics. North Adams, MA. Storey Publishing.

Product Variations:

We highly recommend getting 2 different variations of the following to know exactly what a specific herb will, or will not do for you, as well as to achieve saturation.

Standard Tincture – Herbal compounds extracted in an alcohol base. Alcohol offers a superior absorption rate. We recommend allowing your dose to sit under the tongue for 3+ minutes, then swallowing it down with a drink of water. Otherwise, you may add it to 4 oz. of water, juice, or a smoothie. Microscopic compounds are readily available to be absorbed through tissues, into the bloodstream, and then circulated to organs.

Lipospheric Tincture – This is a standard tincture that is put through an energetic process. We collide the herbal compounds with oxygen molecules, to encase them both within an oxygenated bubble. The difference can be clearly seen because the tincture lightens in color. The lipospheres’ may have the capability to surpass the bioavailability of a standard tincture, although it exhibits all of the same benefits.

Glycerite – Herbal compounds extracted in vegetable glycerin. This contains NO alcohol and NO sugar. The taste of glycerin resembles syrup, which makes it ideal for children. This version may be best for those highly sensitive or are seeking a nonalcoholic extraction. Doses may need to be up to three times higher than a tincture to receive similar benefits. They can be taken in the same way as tinctures, which is in 4 oz. of water, juice, or a smoothie.

Vegetarian Capsule – Size 00, vegetarian capsules, hand-encapsulated, to order. The capsule is swallowed with at least 4 oz. of water or juice, which is broken down by stomach acids. Once the herbal compounds go through digestion, they then get absorbed by tissues.

Herbal Tea – Teabags are handmade to order and can be brewed up to three times each. The constituents will be continually extracted with each brew. Be sure to squeeze the bag gently upon finishing your cup of lovely tea. The label specifies the brewing instructions, which highly depends on the parts of the plant that are used in the tea. Keep in mind, this is medicinal tea and there are no additives. It may be best to drink as is, without adding a sugar substitute. Don’t forget the slurry, medicinal residue that settles to the bottom of the cup!

Loose Herbal Powder – We take pride in the freshness and quality of our herbal powders, as we hand-grind down each herb to order, as well as in any above process. Our inventory of herbs is always purchased, when possible, in whole form, if it is not wildcrafted by us. We ethically wildcraft many herbs, which ensures the highest content of medicinal compounds and freshness. We also attempt to include every part of the plant, if possible. We believe wildcrafted, and full spectrum to be the superior version of any herb. If an herb is wildcrafted, it will indicate so on each label by the abbreviation “WC”. The same goes for full spectrum, as each label indicates the parts used. We give multiple part options for each herb individually as well. 

All variations are animal & child-safe, at the appropriate dosage. View our child’s dosage guide by Clicking Here. 

Always use herbs wisely and with common sense, as they are to be respected. We hope that you have learned something new by reading these variations! Attaining herbal knowledge may help you, a child, family members, or a friend sometime in the future! Lastly, most of our herbs and products have been tested by an energetic practitioner, using a bio resonance scanning system. The results showed that our products tested up to 360% more powerful than other brand names! Our customers choose us over them because we create products that are unique, from an honest place of the heart, emanating a healing energy, that is intended to help you!

Happy Cleansing!