Published on 01/10/22

Oh so very elderberry: the berry with a long tradition of wellness.

That’s essentially what we do at Nature’s Way Canada, however we weren’t the first to recognize the healing properties and health benefits of the plants and minerals that surround us.   The stems, leaves, flowers and roots of plants have been used to treat illness or enhance overall health for thousands of years. In the days/centuries before modern medicine, indigenous healers used what was all around them for nourishment and for health.

Over the last few decades, people have become increasingly interested in more natural ways to enrich their healing and health. Ginger root for nausea. Peppermint for aches and pains. Turmeric for its anti-inflammatory properties. Some of these have become such a part of our self-care, we don’t even really think of them as herbal remedies any more (looking at you, aloe vera).

Elderberries (scientific name Sambucus nigra) grow in clusters on shrubs or trees in gardens and in the wild across Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa1. The plant’s berries and flowers have been used for centuries: flowers and twigs in teas and in baths, and berries to make syrups or tinctures – all to alleviate the symptoms of flu and cold (such as coughs, sore throat and mucus buildup of the upper respiratory tract.)[1]

 Elderberries are a source of many nutrients.

Vitamins: A, B1, B2, B6, B9, C, and E

trace elements: cooper, zinc, iron

minerals: potassium, calcium, magnesium

phytochemicals: carotenoids, phytosterols, polyphenols1

 Today, we know that elderberries are a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins, trace elements, and phytochemicals2. And unlike what was available to our grandparents, there are a number of elderberry products we can choose right off the shelf. Nature’s Way Sambucus products use only berries that are 100% hand-picked and inspected for optimal ripeness from fruit that is packed with elevated levels of naturally-occurring anthocyanin – a subgroup of flavonoids with beneficial antioxidant properties.[2]

Our elderberry products are created using pure, high-quality ingredients backed by rigorous testing. They come in various forms – liquid, capsule and gummy – to give you and your family options.

 With 50 mg of Black Elder (Sambucus nigra subsp. nigra, Fruit), 90 mg of Vitamin C and 7.5 mg of Zinc in each serving, Sambucus Immune Support Gummies pack the same goodness traditionally used in herbal medicine to relieve symptoms of cold and flu and provide immune support. Plus, Sambucus Immune Support Gummies are delicious!3

 Sambucus Original Syrup is a delicious tasting syrup traditionally used in herbal medicine to help relieve symptoms of cold and flus by promoting sweating to help relieve fever caused by common colds and flus, and relieving symptoms such as coughs, sore throat and mucus buildup of the upper respiratory tract. The elderberry extract is standardized to 14% antioxidant flavonoid called anthocyanins.4

Sambucus Elderberry Capsules are an effective herbal medicine to help relieve symptoms of colds and flus, including cough and sore throat. This convenient capsule form contains medicinal ingredients that come from both the fruit and the flower of the elderberry (Sambusus nigra) plant.5 Sambucus Elderberry Capsules are non-GMO Project Verified.

Delicious tasting Sambucus Cold and Flu Care Kids Gummies contain 50 mg of Black Elder, 90 mg of Vitamin C and 7.5 mg of Zinc for each serving of two gummies. The addition of Vitamin C and Zinc also provide immune support. Bonus? It's a taste your kids will love and the gummies are gluten-free and gelatin-free.6

It has never been easier to access the benefits of traditional herbal medicine than it is today. While herbal remedies have been relied on for centuries for their healing properties, many of our formulas have been clinically researched and are backed by science. This has allowed us to strike a unique balance between traditional medicine and modern science, perfect for those looking to embrace their own wellness from the inside out.

Make sure that you consult with your healthcare provider or dietician if you have specific questions about how a dietary supplement could benefit you and your family, or before making any changes to your diet or exercise routine. 

 

References:

  1. Vlachojannis JE, Cameron M, Chrubasik S. A systematic review on the sambuci fructus effect and efficacy profiles. Phytother Res. 2010;24(1):1-8. doi:10.1002/ptr.2729
  2. Tiralongo E, Wee SS, Lea RA. Elderberry Supplementation Reduces Cold Duration and Symptoms in Air-Travellers: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Nutrients. 2016;8(4):182. Published 2016 Mar 24. doi:10.3390/nu8040182
  3. https://shop.natureswaycanada.ca/collections/cold-flu/products/sambucus-cold-and-flu-care-original-gummies-60-gummies
  4. https://shop.natureswaycanada.ca/collections/cold-flu/products/original-sambucus-cold-and-flu-care-syrup-4-fl-oz-120-ml
  5. https://shop.natureswaycanada.ca/collections/cold-flu/products/sambucus-elderberry-cold-and-flu-care-capsules-90-capsules
  6. https://shop.natureswaycanada.ca/collections/cold-flu/products/sambucus-cold-and-flu-care-kids-gummies-60-gummies-60-gummies