101 Foods That Could Save Your Life

Did you know … the elder tree has been called “the medicine chest of the common people”?

There are over twenty species of elder trees in existence today. Formerly thought to be in the honeysuckle family Caprifoliaceae, elder is now classified in the Moschatel family Adoxaceae. The flowers, leaves, berries, bark and roots have all been used in traditional folk medicine for centuries. The fruit goes into elderberry wine, brandy and the popular drink Sambuca, which is made by infusing elderberries and anise into alcohol. When cooked, elderberry can be used to make pies and jam. Raw berries contain hydrocyanic acid (cyanide) and sambucine alkaloids, which can cause diarrhoea and nausea. Their harmful effects can be deactivated simply by cooking the berries.

Elderberry gets its name from the Anglo-Saxon word “aeld” meaning “fire”, perhaps referring to the fiery red branches that hold the berries. Interestingly, Egyptians used elder flowers for healing burns. Many Native American tribes used elderberry, and its variants, in teas and other beverages. In the Middle Ages, legend held that its tree was home to witches and that cutting one down would bring on the wrath of those residing in the branches. As early as the seventeenth century, the British became known for homemade wine and cordials that were consumed for various health challenges including fighting the common cold. For the past several centuries, reference to the medicinal benefits of elderberry can be found in a variety of pharmacopoeias throughout greater Europe.

Elderberries are grown commercially in the Russian Federation and throughout Europe, particularly in Poland, Hungary, Portugal and Bulgaria. They are also grown, on a smaller scale, in North America, in Nova Scotia, New York, Ohio and Oregon.

The berries contain more vitamin C than any other fruit except rose hips and black currants. Elderberries also contain vitamin A and carotenoids, flavonoids, tannins, polyphenols and anthocynanins. Many of these phytochemicals have been shown to be powerful antioxidants with anti-inflammatory, antiulcerative, antiviral and anticancer properties.

Hippocrates and other healers have used elderberry as an anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, diuretic and laxative agent, as well as for the treatment of dysentery, stomach ailments, scurvy and urinary tract problems. Warm elderberry wine is a remedy for sore throat and influenza, and induces perspiration to reverse the effects of a chill. The juice from the berries is an old-fashioned cure for colds, and is also said to relieve asthma and bronchitis. Infusions of the fruit are beneficial for nerve disorders and back pain, and have been used to reduce inflammation of the urinary tract and bladder.

INFLUENZA: Several studies have shown the effectiveness of elderberry in killing influenza strains A and B. In one study, sixty patients who had influenza-like symptoms for less than two days were randomized in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. In those receiving elderberry extract, less medication was required and symptoms were relieved an average of four days earlier compared to those who had received the placebo. In another study with an elderberry-treated group, over 93 per cent of participants experienced significant relief, including the absence of fever, within two days.

COLITIS: Rats with colitis received an extract of elderberry for one month. Compared to the control group, the elderberry-fed group had a 50 per cent reduction in damage to the colon.

Fourth of July Elderberry Ice Cream Pie

by Sharon, Chloe, Katie and Madison Grotto

Servings: 8 • Prep and cooking time: 30 minutes. Freeze until firm: 3 to 4 hours

This recipe contains two powerhouse foods.

INGREDIENTS:

FOR THE CRUST:

4½/150g digestive biscuit crumbs

2 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons butter, melted

FOR THE FILLING:

12oz/350g elderberries

3oz/75g honey

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2½floz/75ml water

1 tablespoon cornflour

8oz/225g low-fat strawberry ice cream or frozen yogurt

8oz/225g low-fat vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt

DIRECTIONS (CRUST):

Place biscuit crumbs, honey and butter in a 9-inch dish. Mix and firmly press mixture to form pie crust. Place in freezer for thirty minutes.

DIRECTIONS (FILLING):

While crust is freezing, dissolve cornflour in water and mix with elderberries, honey and vanilla extract in a medium saucepan, bring to a boil, cook until thickened (about two minutes). Let sauce cool completely.

Place softened strawberry ice cream on top of frozen pie crust. Layer ½ of berry sauce over ice cream. Layer vanilla ice cream over berry sauce. Layer top of vanilla ice cream with remaining berry sauce. Wrap with cling film and freeze 3 to 4 hours or until firm.

BREAK IT DOWN …

Calories: 260; Total fat: 8g; Saturated fat: 3.5g; Cholesterol: 15mg; Sodium: 160mg; Total carbs: 48g; Fibre: 3; Sugar: 30g; Protein: 4g.