Elderberry

"The medicine chest herb"

The Elderberry is small tree that grows to 12 feet and is native to North America. The European elder (nigra) grows to 30 feet, is found throughout Europe, Asia, North Africa, and has been naturalized into the United States. Elderberries are edible purple- black, soft-skinned berry from the black elder. The tree has been called a medicine chest due to its preventative and healing properties.

Health Benefits:

• Has powerful antioxidant properties and enhances immune system function.
• The juice from the berries is an old fashioned cure for colds, and is also said to relieve asthma and bronchitis
• Infusions of the fruit are beneficial for nerve disorders, back pain, and fights inflammation of the urinary tract and bladder.
• Bark is an old treatment for epilepsy
• The root is used for kidney ailments