Build Your Immune System Through Berries

Years ago, Elderberry, a tree with dark purple berries, and native of England, was referred to as "nature's medicine chest", because its uses seem almost endless. Elderberry was, both, a culinary and medicinal marvel. It was put in cakes and pies and made into teas and tinctures, and it has a fragrant odor when made into a wine. It is often used as a calming tea at night, as it emits a pleasant and soothing fragrance as it steams away from the cup. For some time it was believed that Elderberry's uses ended at treating inflammatory conditions - both internally and topically. Eczema, arthritis and boils could all be treated effectively with a cream of Elderberry, but today modern science has learned that Elderberry can do much more than just calm your poison ivy. This little purple berry with the soft white spring time petals can cure some of man's deadliest diseases.

Elderberries are full of flavanoids - the natural name for what gives food its flavor. Flavanoids are also full of anti-oxidants and will effectively build up a tired and weakened immune system. There have been hints from recent studies that elderberries will one day help to combat the HIV virus and certain cancers. For now, the fragrant English berries can be used to fight the common cold and flus.

It reduced significant sinal mucus and many who suffer from sinus infections and bronchitis will find Elderberry tea a great alternative to guafenesin, the main ingredient in Mucinex. Combined with Echinacea, this herb can used daily during certain illnesses to build a weakened immune system. It can even be used daily for those who are not suffering illness in order to keep a healthy immune system strong.

The University of Maryland Center for Alternative Medicine states on their website that Elderberry can be used in a tincture to treat mononucleosis, encephalitis, mumps, measles, meningitis, and rubella. Within each study, a positive and powerful fight between Elderberry and the attacking virus can be clearly seen. Within time, this herb is certain to make its way into mainstream American healthcare - either by way of the medical profession or by clear-thinking people who want a safe alternative to other, often unhelpful, chemical medications.

Elderberry can be found as a dry herb, in a comforting and tastefully gentle tea, in tinctures, and in combination with other herbs in a cough syrup. Used with licorice, it can be an excellent expectorant for those suffering from all manner of upper respiratory ailments. If you are looking for a safe and effective treatment for many ailments, look no further than Elderberry.