Elderberry

(Sambucus Nigra)

Did you see our sign out by the highway? The one that said "Is your immune system ready for school?" If you did, were you wondering what that meant? I hope you stopped in the store and asked, but if you were hesitant and didn't want to feel silly by asking, let me just explain here.

Schools are THE ONE PLACE children congregate in large groups every single week day. The majority are fine, no health risks posed to other children. There is always one or two that are the exception to that, though. Sometimes it takes a few days for symptoms to display, so we can't always know we've been exposed to a bug. Wouldn't it be nice if we could walk around in a protective bubble that would bounce those "bugs" right off and not let them stick to us? That's not so unrealistic--- And that's what I meant with the sign.

If you spent a couple weeks preparing your child's immune system like you did his/her wardrobe and backpack full of supplies, then your child DOES have a "bubble" of protection for now. For those of you who didn't think of that, its not too late! What do you need to do?

There are many options that boost immune function.... Vitamin C, Echinacea, fresh fruits and vegetables, .... but one in particular is exceptional: Elderberry.

Elderberry has many beneficial talents to observe, but one of the best is its ability to fight off colds, flu, coughs, bacterial and viral infections. It is actually a berry (grows wild at the end of my driveway! I'm sure you've seen them even if you didn't know what it was!) and some people will make jams and jellies from it. I've heard of elderberry wine and syrup and extracts too. The dark colored berries are rich in antioxidants, which helps speed healing.

Nature's Sunshine Products makes a chewable elderberry tablet that is perfect for children that are too young to swallow a capsule: Elderberry Plus. It's easy to send your young ones out the door to begin their day of school with a chewable tablet or two that will guard their health all day long. If your child decides they don't like the chewable tablets, then try the syrup. It has a bold flavor, but its a good flavor and most children enjoy it. I admit it,...I like it too! For those who don't want to taste anything and are capable of swallowing capsules, try the Elderberry Defense. In a gelatin capsule, you'll never taste the contents but will still benefit tremendously from the immune enhancing formula.

For those of you who like to make your own "concoctions", this plant is certainly one you can work with, but a little precaution is called for. Whenever using elderberries, you want to remove the tiny seeds from inside. This will require juicing and straining for a lot of recipes. The reason for this is to remove the tiny amount of toxin contained in the seeds that can cause gastrointestinal upset. The leaves, bark and roots also contain a toxin. If you wish to use elderberry, be sure of what you are doing and which parts of the plant you use for optimal safety. In general, the flowers and the berries (with seeds removed) are the part of choice for this plant.

Don't let that caution scare you out of using elderberry. Elderberry is amazing and gives the body strength to fight and defend against a whole host of health invaders. Use trusted sources and research well before attempting to use the fresh plants. That's an easy thing! Heeding that little advice will prove most valuable the next time you or your child is exposed to a "bug."