As we continue with HOLISTICALLY SPEAKING in honor of National Nutrition Month, our 12th culinary spice is ELDERBERRY. The graphic I’ve attached shows its benefits, but here I’ll provide a brief history and a few culinary tips & tricks.
Rich in Vitamins A & C and loaded with flavonoids, this common over-the-counter (OTC) ingredient is frequently found in cold & flu formulas. When taken at the onset of symptoms, elderberry subdues cold and flu symptoms enhancing the immune system and preventing respiratory viral infections.
Elderflower acts as a cooling decongestant that is rich in quercetin and helps with allergies, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), and sinusitis. It helps to moderate excessive mucus and arrest nasal discharge and drainage.
HERBAL ACTIONS/PROPERTIES: Elderberry:alterative, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, aperient, expectorant, nutritive | Elderflower: alterative, anti-catarrhal, anti-inflammatory, demulcent, expectorant, vulnerary
SOURCES:
McBride, K. (2019). The Herbal Kitchen. Newburyport, MA: Red Barren.
Webb., M. A. & Craze, R. (2000). The Herb & Spice Companion. New York: Metro Books.