Natural Medicines

Elderberry

What is it

European elder is a tree native to Europe and parts of Asia and Africa, and it also grows in the United States. There are several different types of elder, such as American elder, but European elder is the type most often used as a supplement.

Common uses and effectiveness

Parts of the elder tree—such as the berries and flowers—have historically been used for pain, swelling, infections, coughs, and skin conditions. Current folk or traditional uses of elderberry and elder flower include flu, colds, fevers, constipation, and sinus infections.
The dried flowers (elder flower) and the cooked blue/black berries (elderberry) of the European elder tree are used in teas, liquid extracts, and capsules.
A specific syrup containing elderberry juice (Sambucol, Nature’s Way) taken by mouth seems to reduce the symptoms and length of flu symptoms when given within 24-48 hours of the first symptoms. Some research also shows that an elderberry lozenge (ViraBLOC, HerbalScience) also reduces symptoms of the flu. Symptom relief seems to occur within 2 to 4 days of treatment for most people.

Herbs and Spices

Here, at Medicine Man Pharmacy, we carry a large variety of herbal and homeopathic medicines. From Bilberry Leaves to Valerian Extract, we have it all. People for centuries have been treating their ailments with various herbal combinations, and have been quite successful. The list of herbal medicines seems to be infinite. A product, such as Milk Thistle, a popular herb for liver disorders, has at least fifteen different names, not to mention the scientific names it goes by. All of this could be very confusing. At Medicine Man Pharmacy & Compounding, we help our customers decipher truth from fiction, by using the most up to date databases and latest scientific references of herbal products.