Which Elderberry Plant Is Best For Medicine

When it comes to maintaining a strong immune system, black elderberries (Sambucus nigra) are the preferred choice. These fruits are high in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, notably Vitamin C, potassium and phenolic acid, which combats oxidative damage.

What kind of elderberry is best?

Best Elderberry Varieties to Grow at Home

• Adams.
• Black Beauty.
• Black Lace.
• Blue.
• Instant Karma.
• Lemon Lace.
• York.

Which elderberry plants are edible?

However, the two most common edible species of Sambucus in the United States are the relatively small native American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) and the larger, more widely cultivated European elderberry (Sambucus nigra).

Are there different types of elderberry trees?

The two most common types of elderberry plants are the European elderberry (Sambucus nigra) and the American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis). The American elderberry grows wild among fields and meadows. It attains a height of between 10 and 12 feet (3-4 m.) tall and is hardy to USDA plant hardiness zones 3 to 8.

What is the most potent form of elderberry?

The most potent form of elderberry is raw elderberry syrup (Dr. Mobley suggests syrup made with organic, fresh-pressed elderberries). The syrup is absorbed most quickly by the body—whereas if you take elderberry gummies, capsules, lozenges, or teas, they're less potent and/or take longer for the body to digest.

Is there a difference between black elderberry and elderberry?

What is the difference between elderberry and black elderberry? The black elderberry has notably higher amounts of antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and phenolic acid than other species of elderberry, making them one of the best sources of anthocyanins and flavonoids.

Do you need two types of elderberries?

Do I need two elderberry bushes? You need two different varieties of elderberries from the same genus to get fruit. This means two different types of Sambucus Nigra or Sambucus Canadensis for cross-pollination and a fruit-bearing crop.

What is the difference between elderberry tree and elderberry bush?

In general, American elder refers to the North American shrub (Sambucus canadensis), and elderberry tree is used for the non-native tree (Sambucus nigra), which can grow more than 20 feet tall and equally wide. Elderberries are native to North and South America, Asia, Australia, Europe, northern Africa and Tasmania.

How to tell the difference between American elderberry and European elderberry?

What's the difference between American elderberry and European? American elderberry has a compact bush-like habit, growing to 6 to 12 feet tall while the European elderberry grows taller (well above 15 feet tall) with an upright tree-like habit. American elders also bloom earlier and have sweeter-tasting drupes.

Which elderberry is toxic?

In all varieties of elderberry, the seeds, stems, leaves and roots are considered toxic. Ingestion of any parts of the elderberry plant may induce nausea, vomiting, loose stools and possibly coma due to the cyanide-inducing glycoside that resides within the plant. Hospitalization may be necessary for those affected.

Can you eat elderberries right off the plant?

Elderberries need to be cooked, dried, or processed in some way before they can be consumed safely. Like many other parts of the plant, the berries are mildly toxic when eaten raw. While eating a few raw ones won't kill you, it will likely leave you with an unpleasant stomach ache and some unfortunate nausea.

What plant looks like elderberry but is poisonous?

Elderberry look-alikes The first look-alike is called pokeweed (Phytolacca americana), a plant that produces larger berries that hang in a long cylinder. Pokeweed is highly toxic and is reported to have a highly unpleasant taste — make sure you steer clear of these berries.

Are there any poisonous elderberry look alikes?

Aralia spinosa, often called devil's walking stick, is commonly confused for the American elderberry. And just one glance at the plant reveals why: Aralia's dense clusters of dark purple berries hanging from vivid burgundy stems look strikingly like the American elder.

How can you tell if elderberries are edible?

If you want to identify an elderberry plant in your area, look for clusters of small white flowers, drooping purple fruit, and hard, woody bark. Never eat the seeds, stems, leaves, or roots of the elderberry plant, as they are poisonous in high doses.

Is black lace elderberry medicinal?

The flowers produce purple-black berries in the fall. The flowers and cooked fruit can be used for flavoring and are said to have medicinal benefits.

Why should you not take elderberry everyday?

There is a downside to consuming too much elderberry, and that is an upset stomach. Just like with any high fiber fruit, eating too much can cause stomach pain, upset stomach, and diarrhea.

Can elderberry raise blood pressure?

Elderberry can lower blood pressure. The antioxidants, such as polyphenols found in elderberry, lower blood pressure by reducing oxidative stress. Elderberry also lowers uric acid in the bloodstream. Both oxidative stress and uric acid have been found to be a main cause of high blood pressure.

What does elderberry do for your lungs?

Elderberry supports lung health through the gut-lung axis Evidence supporting this connection comes from studies showing that those with the highest intake of anthocyanins had lower rates of declining lung function, compared to individuals with the lowest intake of anthocyanins.

Who shouldn't take elderberry?

There is also no safety data on the use of elderberry in children under the age of 5 years. People with certain autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatiod arthritis (RA), and lupus, should avoid elderberry.

Who should not take elderberry?

But it might not be helpful in some people, including those with lung conditions or children under 12 years of age.