Elderberry
Elderberry is used for its antioxidant activity, to lower cholesterol, to improve vision, to boost the immune system, to improve heart health and for coughs, colds, flu, bacterial and viral infections and tonsillitis. Flavonoids, small constituents that are present in elderberries act as antioxidants and support the immune system. One of these flavonoids is quercetin, which has been investigated in many clinical studies. It’s believed that quercetin reduces inflammatory processes that are observed in arthritis and cardiovascular diseases. Because of its modulatory effect on inflammatory reactions, it reduces pain and swelling.
Elderberries contain organic pigments, tannin, amino acids, carotenoids, flavonoids, rutin, viburnic acid, vitamin A and B and a large amount of vitamin C. They are also mildly laxative, diuretic, and diaphoretic.