The elderberries are a highly nutritious food containing many beneficial nutrients. Their thick skin makes them difficult to keep fresh and they are commonly used dried, as extracts, in tinctures, and in powdered form. In North America, native peoples used elderberries in many different ways. The stems were turned into flutes and whistles and used to start fires, and smaller stems were used as fire-starting sticks. They rubbed the inside of their cedar root baskets with the berries to make them waterproof. The branches were used to make arrow shafts.
Of the many known species, only the red elderberry plant is toxic, including the stems, roots, foliage, and berries, which can cause nausea if eaten. The berries range in size from small to pea-sized. Black elderberry is shiny in color while blue elderberry has a dusty tint. The plant produces flowers ranging from white to cream in color.
Beware of similar plants that are toxic
Elderberries have several similar plants that can be extremely poisonous. Aralia spinosa, commonly known as devil’s walking stick, has berries and flowers that closely resemble elderberries but this plant has thorns while the elderberry plant does not. Phytolacca americana, commonly known as pokeberries, grows in long finger-shaped clusters while elderberries grow in hand-shaped clusters. Cicuta maculata has no bark while the elderberry plant is woody and has bark; both have serrated leaves but the veins of water hemlock end in notches between the teeth while elderberry veins end in points or fade before reaching the tip. Water hemlock stems can be striped and have purple spots.
Properties and benefits of elderberry
- The elderberries are a rich source of nutrients, containing vitamins A, thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine B6, folic acid (B9), and C. The following minerals are also found in elderberries: calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc. They also have dietary fiber, fats, and proteins.
- Elderberries have several healing properties. The tincture is used in flu treatment and in reducing the duration of flu symptoms by several days.
- It also strengthens the immune system.
- Elderberries reduce the effects of allergies, protect against bacteria and infections, lower blood sugar, assist in weight loss diets, balance the digestive system, and slow the spread of cancer.
How to consume elderberries
There are several forms of elderberries that are used. They are turned into powder, put into capsules, and made into tablets. There are liquid blends of extracts, dry powder mixed with alcohol and sweeteners. Elderberries are also processed into concentrates and mixed with other juices. Elderberries are used as ingredients in jams and jellies, syrups, pies, and wine.
