The Exceptional Elderberry

Thirteen years ago, we began our garden at Sweet Blessings Farm. We removed trees, dead and scrub, to make room for raised beds and fruit trees and bushes. Soil was also amended with compost, ash, soil from around the property, animal waste and lots of worms. The next year we planted one elderberry bush in an area that has lots of sun and room to grow. Little did we know that our sweet little elderberry bush would grow and grow and grow. While the bush is dormant in the winter, in the spring and summer it can grow up to 8-10’ in height and diameter. Today we have over 9 bushes that take up a huge portion of the garden area. This year I harvested over 16 gallons of fresh berries, and I am not quite finished yet. Along with the fresh berries we harvested several bunches of elderberry flowers in the spring to be used in tea making.

This past March I decided to take a chain saw to my bushes and cut them back. They were so tall last year that I was hard to harvest without a ladder and I am aging out of ladder climbing. I cut them back to my chest height. Each year I have trimmed them, but this was quite a trimming. I did take several of those trimmings and propagated them. I now have over 30 plants successfully growing in my herb garden taking up valuable space for other herbs. All these plants will be for sale in Sept. If you take my elderberry class on Aug 24th,2023 you will receive a free bush to take home. In a future post I will share my propagating ideas.

Elderberries offer a range of health benefits, making them a popular choice in natural remedies. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. Boosts Immune System: Elderberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, particularly vitamin C, which can help strengthen your immune system.

2. Cold and Flu Relief: They are often used to help prevent and ease cold and flu symptoms due to their antiviral properties.

3. Heart Health: The antioxidants in elderberries may help reduce inflammation and support heart health.

4. Digestive Health: Elderberries are high in dietary fiber, which can aid digestion and promote gut health.

5. Anti-inflammatory: They contain compounds that can help reduce inflammation, which is beneficial for conditions like arthritis.

6. Skin Health: The vitamins and antioxidants in elderberries can help improve skin health and reduce signs of aging.

   
   

However, it’s important to note that raw elderberries, as well as the bark and leaves, are toxic and should not be consumed. Always ensure elderberries are properly cooked or processed before use.

Elderberries contain several compounds that can benefit skin health:

1. Anthocyanins: These are powerful antioxidants that help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, which can lead to premature aging1.

2. Flavonoids: Elderberries are rich in flavonoids like quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin. These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that can improve skin health2.

3. Vitamin C: Elderberries are high in vitamin C, which is essential for collagen production and helps maintain skin elasticity.

4. Polyphenols: These compounds also have antioxidant properties that protect the skin from environmental damage and improve overall skin health.

These bioactive compounds work together to help reduce inflammation, protect against UV damage, and improve skin hydration and elasticity.

Elderberries are packed with antioxidants, which help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. Here are some key antioxidant properties of elderberries:

1. Anthocyanins: These compounds give elderberries their dark purple color and have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

2. Flavanols: Elderberries contain flavaonols like quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin, which are known for their antioxidant properties.

3. Polyphenols: These compounds also contribute to the antioxidant activity of elderberries, helping to neutralize free radicals.

4. Vitamin C: Elderberries are rich in vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that supports the immune system and skin health.

These antioxidants work together to help reduce inflammation, support the immune system, and protect against various diseases.

Elderflower tea offers a variety of health benefits, making it a popular choice for those seeking natural remedies. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. Boosts Immune System: Elderflower tea is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, which can help strengthen your immune system.

2. Cold and Flu Relief: It has antiviral and antibacterial properties that can help alleviate symptoms of colds and flu.

3. Reduces Inflammation: The anti-inflammatory properties of elderflower tea can help reduce inflammation in the body, which is beneficial for conditions like arthritis. Also, releases heat and disrupts the root cause of imbalances in the body.

4. Supports Respiratory Health: Elderflower tea is often used to soothe respiratory issues, such as sinus infections and sore throats.

5. Aids Digestion: It can help with digestive issues, including bloating and stomach cramps.

6. Detoxifies the Body: Elderflower tea is known for its diuretic properties, which can help detoxify the body by promoting the elimination of toxins.

7. Skin Health: The antioxidants in elderflower tea can help improve skin health and reduce signs of aging.

On August 24th, 2024 The Exceptional Elderberry class will take place. In this class, we will highlight their powerful medicinal properties, make syrup, tinctures, salves, and sip on some Elderflower tea.

I look forward to seeing you there!