Зміст
Elderberry grows throughout Ukraine, in parks, forests, gardens and on roadsides. Elderberry is one of the most powerful medicinal plants. Fruits, in particular, contain tannins and organic acids, mineral salts (such as potassium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, copper, manganese), a lot of vitamin C and a lot of group B. As well as a lot of polyphenolic compounds, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and essential oils How to make elderberry juice?
Elderberry juice – recipe:
- 3 kg of ripe fruits
- glass of water
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 500 g sugar
To obtain juice, we choose ripe berries. We throw away overripe and unripe fruits.
Remove ripe fruits from the branches, for example, with a fork (an excellent method that makes the work much easier). Rinse them, put them in a saucepan, mash them slightly and pour a glass of water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15–20 minutes. Let it cool and transfer it to a thick sieve, where we leave it for several hours or overnight to allow the juice to drain – it’s better not to press, otherwise the seeds will get into it.
Do you know why it is better to avoid elderberry seeds? Because they contain ingredients that react with enzymes present in the stomach, which release hydrocyanic acid, which is harmful to health. And secondly, the pectins they contain can curdle the juice and create jelly instead of the drink.
Bring the liquid that has drained from the sieve to a boil again, add lemon juice and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves, and pour the hot juice into sterilized jars or bottles. Pasteurize in the oven at a temperature of about 120 degrees Celsius for 15 minutes or in a saucepan with boiling water, placing the dishes on the lids, preferably on a cloth placed on the bottom, so that they do not move, and the glass does not move. Break. Store for up to a year in a dark and cool place.
Elderberry juice – properties
Thanks to antioxidants – free radical killers – especially anthocyanins, of which black elderberry contains a record amount, up to 1374 mg per 100 g of fresh fruit – it has a number of healing properties. The best part is that its use does not cause any side effects, which cannot be said about most pharmacological drugs. Here’s what it can do:
- Has antiviral and antibacterial properties
Already in the Middle Ages, the diaphoretic and antipyretic properties of black elderberry were known. It helps with colds like no other natural product and shortens the duration of the disease. Research shows that standardized black elderberry extract given to patients with flu-like symptoms speeds up recovery by 3–4 days! How does this happen? Well, the substances contained in black elderberry berries – probably, among others: tannins, caffeic and gallic acids and triterpenes – suppress the reproduction of viruses and their adhesion to cells, thereby limiting the spread of infection.
Therefore, the use of juice for respiratory infections gives good results – it has a cleansing and expectorant effect, cleanses the airways and reduces the number of inflammatory foci in the lungs. An increase in serum antibody levels and an increase in IgA antibodies were also noted. There was also a decrease in temperature, headache and muscle pain, as well as a general improvement in well-being.
- Supports proper functioning of the immune system
Elderberry juice not only quickly copes with bacteria and viruses. Because it is rich in vitamins C and B, minerals such as phosphorus and potassium, it strongly stimulates the production of cytokines – proteins that stimulate cells of the immune system. During the cold season, it is worth taking it preventively to strengthen the body.
- Relieves sinusitis
More and more research show that the antibacterial and antiviral properties of black elderberry also provide good results in reducing sinusitis symptoms. Its use reduces local inflammation, thins secretions and has a cleansing effect. This shortens the duration of symptoms and improves well-being.
- Regulates glucose concentration
Regular consumption of elderberry juice is also beneficial for diabetics. It increases the secretion of insulin by the pancreas, which prevents blood glucose levels from becoming too high. It regulates its level, as well as a number of other processes. Therefore, daily consumption of black elderberry juice is recommended for diabetics as a support to standard treatment.
- Reduces cholesterol levels
Systematic intake of elderberry preparations can also reduce the concentration of triglycerides and the so-called bad LDL cholesterol. Improves the lipid profile, which is recommended for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Thanks to flavonoids, especially anthocyanins, it may reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.
- Recommended for cancer prevention.
In recent years, there has been more and more talk about the effectiveness of black elderberry in reducing the risk of even cancer. The active substances it contains have a strong anti-inflammatory effect, reduce oxidative stress and improve the overall immunity of the body.
- Has analgesic properties
The analgesic effect of elderberry extract has been described for rheumatic diseases, migraines, and sciatica. The effect is less than when taking painkillers, but it is there. However, a huge advantage in this case is the absence of the risk of addiction and other side effects.
- It has a cleansing, diuretic and laxative effect.
Elderberry is included in some herbal mixtures that support the digestive system. This is due to another important health benefit that elderberries have: they have a detoxifying effect and help remove toxins from the body. Drinking their juice helps improve the functioning of the digestive and urinary systems, and also supports the functioning of the liver and kidneys. The use of black elderberry juice for constipation also gives good results.
How to drink elderberry juice
There is no research on the best way to use elderberry juice. It is believed that it is useful to use it for preventive purposes as part of the daily diet – drink in small quantities, for example, a tablespoon per day, as an addition to tea or water. For colds and flu in adults, the dose can be increased to 50 ml or 150 ml per day (after consultation with a doctor). It is best to take elderberry juice in 3–4 doses half an hour before meals.
Is elderberry juice safe for children?
According to traditional medicine, this is one of the best herbal preparations that can be prescribed to children: it is natural and has strong and proven healing properties. However, scientific bodies such as the European Medicines Agency (EMA) recommend caution when giving elderberry to children due to a lack of sufficient research. In the case of a sick child, for example a one-year-old, it is better to contact a pediatrician.
Elderberry juice – contraindications
A contraindication to drinking elderberry juice may be an allergic reaction to its ingredients. It is also worth following the recommended doses. Drinking too much juice, especially at the beginning, can lead to diarrhea or nausea.
Elderberry – what to pay attention to?
However, the wonderful health benefits of black elderberry are not all you need to know about it. It also has its dark side. Well, it can cause terrible nausea, diarrhea and dizziness. This is because raw elderberries contain sambunigrin and prunasin – poisonous cyanogenic glycosides; it is better to induce vomiting as soon as possible and get rid of the stomach contents. The product after heat treatment – cooking removes all toxic compounds.
