Sambucus Canadensis: American Elderberry
Sambucus Canadensis, a native North American shrub, grows wild in North America and Cockeyed Farms is proud to be the first commercial producer in the state of Louisiana.
Elderflower has a history of being used in traditional medicine all over the world for many years. Its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties garner extensive praise as a popular remedy in many different cultures for fighting the common cold and flu virus, sinus infections, and other respiratory disturbances. Elderflower also has diuretic and laxative properties, is helpful in relieving occasional constipation, and is an incredible asset and addition to every supplement regimen. Elderflower has antibacterial and antiviral properties and may also help alleviate some allergies and boost the functioning of the immune system. Topically, elderflower might help reduce pain and swelling in joints due to some forms of arthritis and is used to stop bleeding. As an oral rinse, elderflower can be used for its antiseptic properties as a mouthwash and gargle. Elderflower also reduces blood sugar levels, very similar to the way insulin works.
The elderberry shrub is increasingly cultivated as a living edible hedge, landscaped into permaculture yards. As a common ornamental shrub, elderberry brings wonderful nutritional and medicinal value from the elderberries and elderflowers. There’s evidence that the elderberry may have been cultivated by prehistoric man. There are also recipes for elderberry-based medications dating back to Ancient Egypt. However, most historians typically trace its healing abilities back to Hippocrates, the ancient Greek known as the “father of medicine,” who described the plant as his “medicine chest” because of the wide array of health concerns it seemed to cure. Whether we’re talking cavemen, ancient Egyptians or ancient Greeks, this natural remedy definitely goes way back, so it’s no wonder it’s known as one of the top antiviral herbs on the planet. Health benefits of the elder plant include naturally improving colds, the flu, sinus issues, nerve pain, inflammation, chronic fatigue, allergies, constipation and even cancer. When used within the first 48 hours of onset of symptoms, the extract has actually been found to reduce the duration of the flu with symptoms being relieved on an average of four days earlier.