Elderberry: The Superfood for Spring – Boost Your Immunity

July 7, 2023 | Rebecca Chapman
Fresh elderberries on the vine ready to be processed and packaged into Pure Life Pharmacy's Elderberry Powdered Drink Mix

Ah, Spring, it’s time to embrace the warmer weather, blooming flowers, and the rejuvenating energy that comes with it. And what better way to give your immune system a little spring cleaning than by incorporating a fantastic superfood into your daily routine?

Enter elderberry – the immune-boosting powerhouse making waves in the health and wellness world. Let’s dive into the remarkable benefits of elderberry, share expert tips on using elderberry products, and even sprinkle in some scrumptious recipes to help you enjoy this berry-licious superfood. So, put a spring in your step, and let’s explore the wonders of elderberry together!

What is Elderberry

So, what is Elderberry? Elderberry is a small, dark purple berry from the Sambucus tree, commonly known as the elder tree. There are several species of Sambucus, but the most widely known and studied for its health benefits is Sambucus nigra, native to Europe and North America. These berries have been used in traditional medicine for centuries due to their potent health-promoting properties.

Elderberries are rich in essential nutrients, including vitamins A, B, and C and minerals like potassium, calcium, and iron. They also boast a high concentration of powerful antioxidants, such as anthocyanins, which give the berries their deep purple color. These antioxidants help protect the body against free radicals, which can cause damage to cells and contribute to various health issues.

The numerous health benefits of elderberries have made them a popular choice for immunity support, combating cold and flu symptoms, reducing inflammation, and promoting overall well-being and good mental health.

The Immune-Boosting Benefits of Elderberry

Elderberries offer several immune-boosting benefits, making them popular for maintaining a strong and healthy immune system. The high levels of vitamins and antioxidants in elderberries help the body fight off harmful substances and protect against illnesses. They can also help reduce the time it takes to recover from colds and flu and lessen the severity of the symptoms.

  1. Fighting cold and flu: Elderberries can help alleviate cold and flu symptoms by shortening the duration of the illness and reducing the severity of symptoms.
  2. Reducing inflammation: Elderberries contain compounds that help lower inflammation in the body, which can benefit people with joint pain or other inflammatory conditions.
  3. Protecting cells: The antioxidants in elderberries help defend the body’s cells from damage caused by free radicals, promoting overall health and well-being.
  4. Supporting heart health: Some studies suggest that elderberries can improve heart health by helping to lower cholesterol levels and maintain healthy blood pressure.

Elderberry Products at Pure Life Pharmacy

At Pure Life Pharmacy, we offer a variety of high-quality elderberry products to suit your needs and preferences, including:

  1. Elderberry Powdered Drink Mix: Our best-selling product, this versatile mix can be added to water, juice, smoothies, or recipes for an immunity boost.
  2. Elderberry Syrup: A popular option for those who prefer a liquid supplement, our elderberry syrup can be taken on its own or mixed into your favorite drinks.
  3. Elderberry Capsules: For a convenient and mess-free option, consider taking our elderberry capsules.
  4. Elderberry Gummies: A tasty and fun way to enjoy the benefits of elderberry, our elderberry gummies are perfect for adults and children.

How to Use Elderberry Products from Pure Life Pharmacy

Our licensed pharmacists at Pure Life Pharmacy recommend using our elderberry products in the following ways:

  1. Dosage recommendations: For adults, mix one scoop (scoop included in a container) of the Elderberry Powdered Drink Mix in 2 to 4 oz of water or your preferred beverage once or twice a day. Use half a teaspoon of the same liquid for children (ages 4-12). Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially for children or if you have any pre-existing health conditions.
  2. Cooking with elderberry: Incorporate our elderberry products into various recipes, like smoothies, oatmeal, or even homemade energy bars, for a nutritious boost.

Elderberry Recipes to Try

Get ready to tickle your taste buds with some mouth-watering recipes we’ve compiled just for you! We’ve crafted a delightful selection of elderberry-infused treats that are not only scrumptious but also brimming with immune-boosting goodness. From refreshing smoothies to comforting oatmeal and energizing snack bars, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Add a flavorful twist to your daily routine while reaping the incredible benefits of elderberries!

Harness the incredible health benefits of elderberries, and you’ll be well on your way to a stronger immune system and improved overall well-being. Don’t forget to try our delightful elderberry recipes, which make incorporating this superfood into your daily routine both enjoyable and easy. Visit us in-store or on our website and let elderberry become your secret weapon for a healthier, happier you!

References

  1. Zakay-Rones, Z., Thom, E., Wollan, T., & Wadstein, J. (2004). Randomized study of the efficacy and safety of oral elderberry extract in the treatment of influenza A and B virus infections. Journal of International Medical Research, 32(2), 132-140. https://doi.org/10.1177/147323000403200205
  2. Krawitz, C., Mraheil, M. A., Stein, M., Imirzalioglu, C., Domann, E., Pleschka, S., & Hain, T. (2011). Inhibitory activity of a standardized elderberry liquid extract against clinically-relevant human respiratory bacterial pathogens and influenza A and B viruses. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 11(1), 16. https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-11-16
  3. Hawkins, J., Baker, C., Cherry, L., & Dunne, E. (2019). Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) supplementation effectively treats upper respiratory symptoms: A meta-analysis of randomized, controlled clinical trials. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 42, 361-365. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2018.12.004
  4. Vlachojannis, J. E., Cameron, M., & Chrubasik, S. (2010). A systematic review on the sambuci fructus effect and efficacy profiles. Phytotherapy Research, 24(1), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.2729