Tag Archives: Elderberry

14 Apr

Best Elderberries For Elderberry Juice And How To Choose Them

Elderberries juice contains many important nutrients and is quite delicious to drink. It is also said to have medicinal properties such as being beneficial to those suffering from flu symptoms. Various cultures around the world have used elderberry juice as folk remedies for centuries. Elderberries commonly grow in moist soil along rivers and streams, and they are a favorite berry of foragers who collect them in order to use juicers to produce fresh juice. However, caution is advised when selecting the best elderberries for juicing.

Avoid Red Elderberries

Elderberries with black or purple fruit are recommended over those with red fruit. Many reports of illness have surfaced throughout the years involving the drinking of juice produced from red elderberries. Red elderberries grow in the cooler regions of North America and the fruit is a very bright red when ripe. Some experts say that if the seeds are carefully removed from them after they are picked, there is no danger of ingesting toxins from consuming them. However, the beginner should err on the side of caution and avoid them.

Harvesting Elderberries From the Wild

Elderberries resemble small bunches of grapes, and they are most often found growing wild in rich soil near water sources. Depending on geographical location, they ripen between the months of August and October. Elderberry bushes are quite prolific, so the proceeds of the harvest of just one bush may be enough to provide an average family with several glasses of fresh juice. Elderberries are easy to pick because they grow in clusters, but after they are picked, the stems will need to be removed before they are put through a juicer. This is best done at the kitchen table after returning home from a berry-picking excursion.

best elderberries for juicing

Making Elderberry Juice

After the berries are taken home and the best elderberries for juicing are selected, it’s easy to make them into juice using a juicer in the home kitchen. Elderberry juice produces a light and slightly floral taste that almost everyone enjoys. Many people use the juice to make elderberry syrup to use as a home remedy for coughs, cold and flu.

10 Mar

Elderberry Juice Side Effects – Can You Drink Too Much Of It?

Checking for the safety recommendations and possible side effects of any juice is important before drinking large quantities. Elderberry juice has a few special characteristics that its users should know about.

Parts of the Elderberry Plant

Some parts of the elderberry plant, such as the stems, roots and leaves contain cyanogenic glycosides. These are substances that release the poison commonly known as cyanide. While these parts of the plant are not safe to consume, the berries themselves can be eaten raw or cooked. Elderberry juice that is prepared from cooked berries is generally safe and free of side effects. No standard safety level for use has been established.

Uncooked Berries and Gastrointestinal Effects

Uncooked berries can be used to make juice, but its use may lead to nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Elderberry juice side effects are particularly pronounced with the use of unripe fruit.

Elderberry juice side effects - be careful if you use raw berries

Diuretic Effects Is One Of Possible Elderberry Juice Side Effects

Because of their tendency to promote the loss of excess fluid, elderberries could potentially cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. This is probably only a risk if used for long periods and in large amounts.

Hypoglycemia

Since it is known to reduce blood glucose levels, elderberry juice should be used with caution by those who are at risk of experiencing low blood sugar. This includes diabetics who use oral medications or insulin to control their glucose levels.

Neurological Effects

Uncooked berries may cause numbness and altered sensation. When used as a laxative, raw elderberry juice side effects can include dizziness, light-headedness and stupor.

Special Considerations

Elderberry is known to boost immune system function. People who suffer with autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis or multiple sclerosis should avoid using it as it could make symptoms worse. It is not clear whether elderberry juice is safe during pregnancy and breast feeding. For safety, its use is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women. Long-term consumption of the juice has not been studied. It is believed to be safe when used for up to five days.

28 Jan

Elderberry Nutrition Facts

Elderberry Nutrition Facts

Betaine 0 mg
Calcium 38 mg
Calories 73 Calories
Carbohydrate 18,4 g
Carotene-a 0 mcg
Carotene-ß 0 mcg
Choline 0 mg
Copper 0,1 mg
Dietary Fiber 1 g
Fluoride 0 mcg
Folate 6 mcg
Iron 1,6 mg
Lutein-zeaxanthin 0 mcg
Lycopene  mcg
Magnesium 5 mg
Manganese 0 mg
Niacine 0,5 mg
Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) 14697 µ mol TE
Pantothenic Acid 0,1 mg
Phosphorus 39 mg
Phytonutrients 0 mcg
Potassium 280 mg
Protein 0,7 g
Pyridoxine Vit. B6 0 mg
Riboflavin Vit. B2 0,1 mg
Selenium 0,6 mcg
Sodium 6 mg
Sugar 0 g
Thiamine 0,1 mg
Total Fat 0,5 g
Vitamin A 600 IU
Vitamin B6 0,2 mg
Vitamin C 36 mg
Vitamin E 0 mg
Vitamin K 0 mcg
Water 79,8 g
Zinc 0,1 mg

23 Dec

The Natural Health and Beauty Benefits of Elderberry Juice

Elderberries are heaving with a range of nutrients that everyone can benefit from. This berry contains fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C and many of the B vitamins. In addition, they have potassium, calcium, phosphorus, sodium and magnesium. They also contain flavanoids, carotenoids, amino acids, and tannins which all contribute to the health benefits of elderberry juice. As you can see, there are many different properties within the elderberry and each can have a major effect on your health.

Elderberries have commonly been utilized in folk medicine for treatment of various forms of illnesses. Currently Austria is the largest elderberry producing country in the world. As elderberries are edible when cooked food manufacturers of juices, jams, wines, as well as yogurts often use elderberry within their product. Recent studies have found that elderberries are strong sources of anthocyanins which is a powerful purple pigmentation that has been found to be particularly beneficial to health in many ways. Elderberries are known to have anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and possible anti-cancerous properties. In addition, elderberries have been used in the treatment of herpes simplex and HIV as these are diseases that are directly related to the immune system.

Health benefits of elderberry juice

Health Benefits of Elderberry Juice

Elderberry has been used for many years by Native Americans to treat infections of all kinds in addition to wounds. Elderberry juice or extract is commonly used to treat symptoms of the flu such as runny nose, sore throat, muscle pain and fever. In addition, elderberry is a common treatment for constipation as it has properties that work as a laxative. Elderberry has been used as a diuretic as well suggesting that it can be used for kidney health also. Elderberries promote a strong immune reaction against undesired organisms that provoke flu-like symptoms, as the berries are full of antioxidants. They not only strengthen and fortify the immune system they are also excellent sources for potassium and vitamin C.  The health benefits of elderberry juice and extract are outstanding. Three of the most common uses for elderberries and elderberry extract are listed below.

• Colds & Flu: Elderberry is most commonly used in the prevention and treatment of the common cold as well as symptoms of the flu.
• Constipation: Commonly used in Europe elderberry is used as a mild laxative and diuretic for those suffering from constipation.
• Skin Infections and Irritations: When used topically elderberry can help heal many different skin ailments such as rashes and acne.

Elderberry is also thought to help lower cholesterol, improve your vision, reduce allergies, strengthen the heart, and support the respiratory system.

Skin Benefits Of of Elderberry Juice

Elderberry is known as an effective detoxifier and has been known to clear skin infections such as common sin rashes, boils, conjunctivitis, and acne. When used externally this herb is used in skin lotions as a common astringent that may help or prevent many skin infections and inflammations. The anti-aging properties within elderberry work to protect various cells from damaging free radicals.

The ancient Egyptians used the flowers of the elderberry to heal burns and improve the complexion. The anti-oxidant properties of elderberries are excellent for anti-aging remedies and many people may find cremes and moisturizers with elderberry in them to be highly effective for improving the appearance of their skin. However, consuming elderberry will likely give you the best results. Below are a few ailments in which you can use elderberry externally:

• Sprains
• Inflamed Skin
• Acne
• Arthritis
• Wounds
• Bruises
• Rashes

Forms of Elderberry

Elderberry is available in many different forms with the most common being an extracted liquid – juice. It is also available as lozenges, syrup, and capsules. The fresh elderberry plant contains a toxic chemical that is related to cyanide so it is important to never consume raw, uncooked or undeveloped elderberries. When used for a short amount of time, generally less than a week there are no known side effects of elderberry use.

Safety and Side Effects Of of Elderberry Juice

While the health benefits of elderberry juice can be remarkable, it is important to understand that large doses of elderberry can cause uncontrollable diarrhea due to its properties that work as a laxative. In addition, uncooked berries can cause nausea and vomiting and may be toxic as a result; you should only consume elderberries if they have been cooked. Pregnant and nursing women should not use elderberry as the effects if any in pregnant women have not yet been identified.