Why You Need to Add Elderberry to Your Winter Routine
These unseemingly, tiny berries are packed with anthocyanins that are responsible for not only their dark purple color, but their exceptionally high levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Anthocyanins studies and clinical trials have also demonstrated a positive effect on cardiovascular health, diabetes and overall immunity. Historically known as the “medicine chest of the country people,” the usage of this fruit dates back thousands of years and were a common ailment amongst Ancient Greeks, Chinese medicine experts and Native Americans. The most common treatments are for fevers, colds and the flu, due to their antiviral and antiproliferative properties. Current trends in health and wellness, coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic, have sky rocketed the education and sales of more traditional remedies, with elderberry being the top-selling herbal supplement of 2020.
So how can you add elderberry to your winter routine? You have a few different options but before you choose, remember that not all supplement companies are made equal. Ensure you are purchasing a effective product with no preservatives or unhealthy additives (see our supplement ingredient guide for more information). This is a great opportunity to support small businesses and ensure a high quality product for yourself and your family. Here are three ways to incorporate it into your daily routine;
Pop a gummy or two in the mornings
Add concentrated syrup to your favorite seltzer or smoothie, mix it into yogurt, drizzle it over your morning oatmeal, or take it with a spoon
My personal favorite, a loose leaf tea blend
Sources:
https://www.herbsociety.org/file_download/inline/2084e920-b3bf-48da-8596-037fd76e46b7
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10096080/
https://daily.jstor.org/plant-of-the-month-elderberry/
https://www.lifeextension.com/wellness/recipes/elderberry-syrup