Steeped in lore and legend, no one knows exactly how long the elder tree has been used by humans. But as far back as herbalists can trace, it has been revered.
In the first century A.D., a famous Roman naturalist named Pliny the Elder chronicled its use in the Roman Empire.
He said that cooked elderberries were used for food, of course, but would you guess that the berry juice was used to make black hair dye? The juice was also used for dying fabric, a practice that modern indie yarn dyers still use today.
The stems and branches of the elder made airy musical pipes and whistles. Both the Roman shepherds of Pliny's day and Native American musicians across the Atlantic were delighted by the tones produced by the hollow stems of the older branches.
Elder also made flexible wood for harps. In fact, the modern botanical name for elderberry, Sambucus, comes from the Greek word sambuca, a type of harp.
But elderberry is most celebrated for its robust health-promoting qualities.
Almost 500 years before Pliny wrote about using the elder for health, the famous “father of medicine” himself, Hippocrates, prized the many uses for the elder tree so much that he referred to it as his “medicine chest” because there were so many uses for it.
An entire handbook on the health-supporting uses of elder was written by German physician Martin Blochwich in 1644. It covers at least 31 different uses, from supporting healthy skin to promoting respiratory health.
Over the past three decades, science has contributed hundreds of studies to the wealth of traditional knowledge about elderberry, confirming that this little berry has remarkable potential to impact your health for the better.
Elderberry has enjoyed wide popularity in modern Europe for many decades, and today, it is rapidly gaining popularity all over the U.S.
Here's why…
Antioxidants and Anthocyanins – Modern Science Confirms Centuries of Traditional Practice
Scientific interest in elderberry began to take off in the early 1990s. Since then, hundreds of studies and trials have documented what the ancient practitioners taught…
Elderberry provides wide-ranging support throughout your body to help you stay healthy.
Research has shown that the European black elderberry is loaded with polyphenols, special compounds found in plants that provide your body with a broad spectrum of health benefits.
It also boasts one of the highest concentrations of antioxidants in any plant to help your body fight free radicals and protect against oxidative stress.
At the top of elderberry's impressive list of antioxidants is a group of unique polyphenols called anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are a type of natural pigment called flavonoids that give fruits and vegetables their color and help defend against free radicals in your body.
Generally speaking, the brighter or deeper the color, the higher the flavonoid concentration. With its deep, virtually black color, elderberry gives a bright visual clue announcing the rich supply of flavonoids it contains, including:
- Nearly four times the anthocyanins contained in other commonly-consumed berries to help support a healthy immune response, among other benefits.
- The flavonoid quercetin, which helps support a healthy inflammatory response and may help support normal blood sugar levels and cardiovascular health.
- Rutin, which may help support cardiovascular health and healthy circulation.
- Catechins, another important class of flavonoids, which help defend your body against the formation of free radicals.
Research shows that a higher consumption of anthocyanins may support an already healthy inflammatory response, optimal cardiovascular and cellular health and lower body weight.
Elderberry is also rich in immune system-supporting minerals – especially magnesium – and vitamin C.
Famous for Seasonal Immune Support, Elderberry Can Help You Maintain Your Health All Year Round
Many people associate elderberry with managing seasonal health issues, and they're absolutely correct to do so.
Studies suggest that elderberry promotes healthy levels of cytokines, proteins that act as messengers within your immune system to promote a efficient and timely response.
In one study involving patients experiencing symptoms such as sniffling, coughing and acute headache for 48 hours or less, those who received a dose of elderberry several times a day for five days felt better four days earlier, on average, than those who didn't.
But research suggests these purple-black berries may be valuable for far more, including:
- Supports a healthy immune system*
- Promotes a normal healthy stress response*
- Supports performance, enabling longer, harder workouts*
- Supports cardiovascular health*
- Promotes healthy cellular aging*
- Supports an already healthy inflammatory response*
Elderberry has also been shown to help support digestive health. Since much of your immune system is located in your gut, elderberry may support immune function by nourishing your gut's microbiome.
How the Antioxidants in Elderberry Help Protect Your Mitochondrial and Cardiovascular Health
Anthocyanins in elderberry perform many beneficial actions in your body, but they're especially well-known for their ability to eliminate reactive oxygen species (ROS). These are exceptionally active free radicals that can damage your cells' mitochondria.
Mitochondria are responsible for generating the energy in your cells. When they're damaged, your cells struggle to perform their jobs.
By incorporating themselves into the outer membranes of your cells, anthocyanins help create a kind of ROS barrier to protect your cells, and the mitochondria in them, against the damaging effects of oxidative stress.
Heart cells are 35% mitochondria by volume, so anthocyanins have a profound effect on your cardiovascular health.
Not only do they help protect your mitochondria, but they also help protect the endothelial cells that line your vascular system, cells which play a crucial role in blood flow regulation and overall vascular tone.
By promoting healthy normal blood flow to your organs and skin, anthocyanins support healthy organ function and help prevent premature cellular aging.
Researchers also believe the anthocyanins in elderberry may support healthy HDL and LDL cholesterol levels already in the normal range.
Anthocyanins are also easy for your body to absorb.
In addition to benefitting your heart, they can cross your blood-brain barrier to support your eyes and brain. One study found anthocyanins in both the plasma and urine of participants after just a single dose of a standardized elderberry extract.
What to Look for When Buying an Elderberry Supplement
The quality of elderberry formulas on the market varies widely. When looking for one that delivers the highest potential benefits, there are a few things to be aware of.
Both the species of elderberry, how it's grown and how it's processed can affect the quality. Here are some questions to ask when selecting an elderberry supplement:
- How were the elderberries grown?
Conventional berries are grown using industrial chemical fertilizers and can contain trace amounts of pesticides and herbicides. On top of that, they may contain lower levels of nutrients.
Many studies have shown that conventionally-grown foods contain lower nutrient content than foods grown organically. Look for an elderberry supplement made with organic elderberries to maximize potential nutrient content and avoid the risk of exposure to agricultural chemicals.
- What species of elderberry is used?
There are about ten species of elderberry, but most of the studies demonstrating its benefits have been conducted on just one, Sambucus nigra. It's best to look for a supplement made with this thoroughly tested and proven variety.
- Is the extract standardized?
When you choose a standardized product, it comes with a guarantee that elderberry's key beneficial compounds are present in your supplement. Without that guarantee, you can't really tell what amount of those beneficial compounds actually made it from the fresh elderberries into your supplement.
- What processing methods are used?
Certain processing methods yield greater amounts of immune-supporting phytonutrients than others. Fermentation, for example, helps make many of the nutrients in the berries more bioavailable, while also breaking down the sugars for a lower total sugar content in the final product.
- Is it made by a trusted manufacturer?
Supplement quality can vary widely between manufacturers. Verify that your supplement is made by a reputable manufacturer to be sure you're getting what the label states, without contaminants.
Higher Bioavailability and Lower Sugar – Fermented Elderberry Takes Elderberry to a Whole New Level
Elderberry is one of the most researched and substances anywhere, for both seasonal and everyday immune challengers and overall health support.
However, we didn't want to roll out just another elderberry syrup or lozenge. There are plenty of those to choose from.
Because we have gained extensive experience working with fermented ingredients, we know that fermenting a plant substance can optimize its benefits. Fermentation can positively change the nutritional makeup of a food by:
- Helping break down ingredients so your body can absorb them more easily.
- Increasing levels of certain nutrients.
- Improving bioavailability of minerals.
- Increasing bioavailability of antioxidants.
- Creating unique metabolites.
So, we included fermented whole fruit elderberry powder in our formula to increase the bioavailability of its many health-promoting compounds.
As an additional benefit, the fermentation process also reduces the naturally occurring sugar in elderberry.
![Fermented Elderberry]()
Each one capsule dose of our Organic Fermented Elderberry contains:
- 500 mg Organic Fermented Whole Fruit Elderberry Powder.
- 250 mg Organic Elderberry Extract, standardized with a minimum of 13% anthocyanins and 17% polyphenols.
We source the organic elderberries for the extract from famous grape-growing regions of Austria and Italy. Grown in mineral-rich and nutrient-rich soil, these elderberries contain high levels of flavonoids, making them perhaps the finest in the world.
Besides using premium organic elderberries and fermented organic elderberry powder for a lower sugar content, there's one more feature that really sets Organic Fermented Elderberry apart from other elderberry supplements…
Our partner in Italy has a unique method for processing the whole elderberry fruit to maximize its potential benefits.
By using a proprietary solvent-free process called Holistic Membrane Extraction™ (HME), they're able to deliver extracts embodying the whole fruit matrix, with all of its immune-supporting phytonutrients.
Your Secret Weapon for Air Travel – Tuck Our Fermented Elderberry into Your Bag, and Rest Easy
Many people dread air travel, but not for the reasons you might think…
Air travel, especially intercontinental flights, is stressful on both your physical and psychological health. Riding in a confined space for hours on end can be unnerving – especially when the passenger sitting next to you is sniffling, coughing or sneezing.
It's no secret that air transportation can be a vehicle for the rapid spread of communicable illness. Infections can be transmitted both through the air and by direct contact with contaminated surfaces.
While most of today's commercial flights utilize high-efficiency air filtering systems designed to help prevent recirculating contaminated air, they're not required to use them.
And even the best cabin air filtering may not protect you from your closest fellow passengers…
Studies show that anyone sitting within two rows of you in a confined space for an extended period can become a threat to your short-term health. It's up to you to protect yourself.
Fortunately, elderberry has been shown to help support your immune system and help protect you from airborne threats during air travel.
To give yourself extra protection when you travel, start taking Organic Fermented Elderberry one week to 10 days before you start traveling, and take for the duration of your trip. Continue taking it for at least four days after returning home.
A recent study of 312 economy class passengers travelling from Australia to an overseas destination looked at the effects of elderberry on physical health (especially respiratory) and mental health.
Researchers used a membrane filtered standardized elderberry extract of Sambucus nigra similar to the extract used in Fermented Elderberry, only without the added potential benefits from the fermented whole fruit elderberry powder.
Compared to the placebo group who didn't receive elderberry, those who did experienced a significant reduction in both symptom duration and severity.*
Combine Organic Fermented Elderberry with Liposomal Vitamin C and Fermented Beta Glucans for Rock-Solid Immune Support You Can Depend On
For the times when you need it most, combine Organic Fermented Elderberry with Liposomal Vitamin C and Fermented Beta Glucans for powerful immune support to help you face the most potent threats with confidence:*
- Organic Fermented Elderberry contains two different forms of antioxidant-rich elderberry, including fermented elderberry powder for enhanced bioavailability and minimal sugar, eliminating a common concern with some other elderberry supplements.
- Liposomal Vitamin C utilizes liposomal technology and phospholipids for greater bioavailability and effective vitamin C oral supplementation, without the potential for undesirable side effects sometimes associated with high-dose oral vitamin C supplements.
- Fermented Beta Glucans contains 1,3 beta-D-glucan that directly interacts with key immune cells and research-backed EpiCor® yeast fermentate, for a balanced immune system and support for your immune function on four different levels.*
Be ready for whatever comes your way with our three-way immune support package.
Support Your Immune, Respiratory and Heart Health – While Avoiding Excess Sugar – With Organic Fermented Elderberry
Ancient Greek physicians and Roman naturalists may have never seen anthocyanins or magnesium molecules in a microscope, but they understood the power of elderberries.
Now science has confirmed what they knew. And we've made it easy to experience the benefits of the legendary elderberry… in an easy-to-transport, easy-to-swallow capsule.
![Fermented Elderberry 90-Day]()
Organic Fermented Elderberry offers all the benefits of elderberries, with its natural sugars processed by fermentation.
In addition to helping to maintain proper immune function, Organic Fermented Elderberry can also:*
- Support your cardiovascular health.*
- Promote healthy cellular aging.*
- Support an already healthy inflammatory response.*
- Promote a normal healthy stress response.*
- Promote enhanced athletic performance, helping you to work out longer and harder.*
Packed with antioxidants and polyphenols – especially anthocyanins – Organic Fermented Elderberry can bring you peace of mind during the cold months, or on an airplane, or as a regular part of your health routine.
Support your immune, respiratory and cardiovascular health with the powerful, popular elderberry – while avoiding excess sugar. Order Organic Fermented Elderberry today.