Elderberry

I had never heard of Elderberries before, but their appearance kind of reminds me of black currants. The Elderberry grows on large shrubs which can be found in the moderate to subtropical parts of Europe and the North America.

The beauty of the clusters of flowers and fruit, in combination with the intricate foliage, appeals to a lot of people and hence can be found in many gardens where they attract numerous different species of birds and butterflies.

Elderberry,
Sambucus nigra.

Both the white flowers and black/deep dark blue berries have some healing properties and provide antioxidants, tannin, amino acids, carotenoids, flavonoids, quercetin, rutin, viburnic acid, vitamin A, B, high quantities of vitamin C, and sugar.

It is said that they enhance the immune system, lower cholesterol, improve vision and heart health, fight coughing, hay fever, nasal and chest congestion, colds, sore throat, flu, asthma, bacterial and viral infections, tonsilitis, yeast infections, treat cancer, diabetes, urinary and/or kidney problems, ease (Rheumatoid) Arthritis symptoms, improve vision, and aid in weight loss.

In spite of all these health benefits, you have to be careful digesting too much Elderberries or the flowers; this can cause some severe problems, which I will share with you as soon as possible.

A tonic is used for topical treatment against infections, to ease inflammations, reduce swelling, and to cleanse the skin speeding up the healing and/or purifying the complexion.

It is good to know you can have a pure and clean complexion with so little effort, but it is even more gratifying and rewarding having a pure and clean heart!

Matthew 5:8
Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.