Bulk Herbs: Elderberry, Whole Sambucus nigra Format: Whole Berries Size: 1 oz package Also Known as: Sambucus spp (Nigra for berries and Canadensis for flowers) American Elder, Common Elder, Black Elder, Bour Tree, Sweet Elder, and European Black Elder Farming Type: Organic Origin: Bulgaria, Albania, Croatia European elder is a plant native to Europe, Northern Africa, and Western and Central Asia. Its flowers and berries have a long history of use in traditional European medicine. Elderberries have also been used to make preserves, wines, winter cordials, and to add flavor and color to other wines. Native Americans used the flowers, berries, and bark of elderberry trees to treat fevers and joint pain for hundreds of years, but elderberry's real claim to fame is as a cure for the flu. Israeli researchers have developed five formulas based on elderberry fruit that have been clinically proven to prevent and ameliorate influenza of all types. Extensive research shows that the elderly stop the production of hormone-like cytokines that direct a class of white blood cells known as neutrophils to cause inflammation, especially in influenza and arthritis. On the other hand, older people increase the production of non-inflammatory, infection-fighting cytokines by up to 10-fold. Elderberries are known to be effective against eight influenza strains. This suggests that elders are more susceptible to flu vaccines in preventing flu because flu vaccines are only effective against known strains. In contrast, the virus is continually mutating into new strains. Vaccines have another drawback: over half of the people who get them report side effects. Dr. Madeleine Mumcuoglu, of Hadassah-Hebrew University in Israel, found that elderberry disarms the enzyme that viruses use to penetrate healthy cells in the lining of the nose and throat. Taken before infection, it prevents infection. Taken after infection, it prevents the spread of the virus through the respiratory tract. In a clinical trial, 20% of study subjects reported significant improvement within 24 hours, 70% by 48 hours, and 90% reported a complete cure within 3 days. In contrast, subjects receiving the placebo required 6 days to recover. Note: According to the Botanical Safety Handbook*, the unripe and raw fruit, seeds, bark, and leaves contain a component, sambunigrin, which may cause vomiting or severe diarrhea if ingested. In Magick, Elderberry is ruled by Venus and water. It is used in protection and exorcism magick. Carrying elderberry is said to protect a person against evil and negativity. Excellent when used in home protection sachets and baths. It is also said that if you have difficulty falling asleep or are plagued by bad dreams, elderberries placed under your pillow will help. An easy blessing spell is to scatter the berries to the four winds in the four directions while speaking the name of the person being blessed. Elderberries have been used in magick since ancient times. Keywords: Exorcism, protection, sleep, healing, and prosperity For educational purposes only. The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated this information.
