Elderberries are an age-old remedy for various ailments. These naturally sweet berries rank among the most commonly used medicinal plants in the world. They are often taken in the form of juices, syrups, tinctures, lozenges, or teas. If you want to try a tasty, health-promoting beverage, elderberry tea is packed with antioxidants and vital nutrients that can provide a number of remarkable health benefits.

It can boost your immune system

Elderberries are loaded with powerful antioxidant compounds like polyphenols that can give your immune system a boost. They also contain plenty of vitamin C, which is necessary for a healthy immune system. Since it can stimulate your body's production of white blood cells, elderberry tea is a potent immune system aid.

It promotes skin health

The high levels of beneficial antioxidants, bioflavonoids, and vitamin A in elderberries can enhance your skin health and give you smooth, glowing skin. Elderberries also possess antibacterial properties that can help fight acne.

It may improve cognitive function

Elderberry tea contains high amounts of brain-boosting flavonoids that improve blood flow to the brain and enhance cognitive function. Studies show that high intake of flavonoids helps prevent age-related cognitive decline and delays the onset of dementia or Alzheimer's disease.

It may lower your risk of cardiovascular disease

Elderberry tea is an anthocyanin-rich superfood that can promote healthy heart function and reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. According to a study involving post-menopausal women without cardiovascular disease,  a healthy diet rich in anthocyanins is linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and coronary artery disease.

It can help prevent cancer

The anthocyanins present in elderberry tea possess powerful anti-carcinogenic and therapeutic properties. These can help prevent the onset of certain cancers. Studies also show that elderberry extracts exhibit chemopreventive activities.

It can help regulate blood sugar levels

Research shows that elderberry tea possesses insulin-like properties that help regulate blood sugar levels. But while the tea's blood sugar-lowering tendencies may be useful to people with diabetes, it should be taken only in moderate amounts as it could bring down blood sugar to dangerously low levels.

It can relieve cold and flu symptoms

Elderberries possess potent antiviral properties that allow them to reduce the duration and severity of viral infections, including the common cold and the flu. Elderberry tea also helps clear nasal congestion and alleviates other symptoms of cold. (Related: Prepping basics: DIY Elderberry remedies that can help prevent colds or the flu.)

It can reduce inflammation

Elderberry tea contains natural anti-inflammatory compounds that can soothe swollen tissues. You can drink two to three cups of elderberry tea to ease swollen joints, an inflamed respiratory tract, or clogged nasal passages.

It can treat bronchitis

Elderberry tea is traditionally used as a natural remedy for respiratory infections, including bronchitis. The plant compounds in elderberries have decongestant and expectorant qualities that help clear mucus and phlegm from your respiratory tract.

It can serve as a natural diuretic

Elderberry tea can help cleanse your urinary tract by acting as a natural diuretic. If your body retains too much fluid, you can drink elderberry tea to help stimulate the flow of urine.

It can serve as a natural laxative

As a natural laxative, elderberry tea can facilitate regular bowel movements. If you feel constipated, drink a cup of elderberry tea to relieve constipation symptoms.

It can detoxify the body

Due to its natural laxative and diuretic properties, elderberry tea can help flush out unwanted toxins and waste material from the body.

The next time you come down with a nasty cold or a respiratory infection, ditch over-the-counter medications and try taking some elderberry tea or similar natural remedies.

Source:
courtesy of NATURALNEWS

by Mary Miller

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