As one of the human race’s earliest plant companions, the elderberry has been used for medicinal culinary, and cosmetic purposes from the Stone Age to Modern Times. The first recorded medicinal use of elderberries was by Hippocrates in the fifth century BC. The Romans believed that anyone who cultivated the elderberry would die of old age instead of sickness. Native to North America, Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa, the elderberry has been considered the “medicine chest of the country people” for centuries. Various cultures, including the Native Americans, have used the elderberry plant to treat colds, flu’s, asthma, constipation, colic, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, diabetes, upper respiratory problems, rheumatism, and nervous disorders such as insomnia and migraines, dye clothing purple; soothe sunburn; weight loss; and made music with flutes made from hollowed out stems. Elderberries contain organic pigments, tannin, amino acids, sugar, rutin, viburnic acid, and a large amount of vitamin C.

They are also mildly laxative, a diuretic, and diaphoretic. During the 1960’s thousands of tons of elderberries were picked from the wild in Pennsylvania and New York and used to flavor and color Concord grape jelly – until a pure grape process was developed.
Because elderberries have been a folk remedy for centuries, the medicinal benefits of elderberries are being investigated and rediscovered (Medical Herbalism 8:41 pg, ll). Bioflavinoids and other proteins in the juice destroy the ability of cold and flu viruses to infect a cell. People with the flu who took elderberry juice reported less severe symptoms and felt better much faster than those who did not. Elderberry juice was used to treat a flu epidemic in Panama in 1995 (J Alt Compl Med 1995: 1:361-69). Elderberries were listed in the CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs as early as 1985, and are listed in the 2000 Mosby’s Nursing Drug Reference – for colds, flu, yeast infections, nasal and chest congestion, and hay fever. In Israel, Hadassah’s Oncology Lab has determined that elderberry stimulates the body’s immune system and they are treating cancer and AIDS patients with it. The wide range of medical benefits (from flu and colds to debilitating asthma, diabetes, and weight loss) is probably due to the enhancement of each individual’s immune system. Testimonials from our customers support the historical medicinal claims and are truly amazing in the ways elderberries help people. The majority of the testimonials relate tremendous relief from debilitating asthma and chronic allergies. Several customers are also using our elderberry juice concentrate to treat their pet’s allergies and viral infections. Elderberries are safe for all ages. Large doses of elderberry juice relieve constipation so you don’t have to worry if you take too much. Our elderberry syrup is a great natural cough syrup with a taste the kids love and no alcohol or other added drugs. Elderberries are believed to sensitize the body’s insulin receptors – so that more of the insulin produced by the body can be used. Diabetics need to carefully monitor their blood sugar levels when using elderberries – particularly the wine. Your family doctor should be consulted if you have any questions about using the wine.( In medical studies quoted in the book “Protein Power Plan”, a dry red wine is proven to sensitize insulin receptors.) We always recommend that you work with your doctor in using Elderberry Concentrate for Diabetes, as it is a very serious disease. (Different people need different amounts to achieve optimal results. We have many customer comments and letters about how this has helped control their sugar levels – both with and without additional medications.)

For an adult, one teaspoon of our Elderberry Juice Concentrate mixed in four or more ounces of soda pop, juice, teas, or etc, provides a daily preventative dose for most colds and flus. If you are wanting additional benefits for other ailments, or if you have been exposed to a virus, you may take more – as your body needs it. Remember, it is a food, and not a medicine. It has not been shown thus far to interact with prescription medications, and the only side effects we have found occur if you take more than your body needs. It will flush your intestinal tract and you may experience some diarrhea. People who are allergic to strawberries or other berries should not take Elderberry either. We welcome your questions and comments.