Elderberry Product Introduction

Elderberry, also known as red elderberry or sambucus, is a deciduous small tree or shrub that grows primarily in temperate regions of Europe, North America, and Asia, typically found in mountain areas, forest edges, and along streams. Its main ingredients include flavonoids, essential oils, mucilage, monosaccharides and polysaccharides, and vitamin C. In traditional Chinese medicine, elderberry is often used to clear heat, detoxify, dispel cold, relieve pain, promote blood circulation, and unblock channels. Common uses include treating colds, fever, and rheumatic joint pain.

Elderberry Main Active Ingredients

Elderberry contains several active ingredients, including flavonoids, essential oils, mucilage, monosaccharides and polysaccharides, and vitamin C.

  1. Flavonoids: Elderberry is rich in flavonoids such as quercetin, kaempferol, and rutin. These compounds have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties.
  3. Essential Oils: Elderberry contains essential oils, mainly composed of salicyl alcohol and salicyl aldehyde, which have insect-repellent, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects.
  1. Mucilage: Elderberry contains mucilage, which forms a protective mucus layer, helping to protect mucous membranes and lubricate the intestines.
  1. Monosaccharides and Polysaccharides: Elderberry contains various sugars such as glucose, fructose, arabinose, and galactose, which have immune-boosting, blood sugar-regulating, and antioxidant effects.
  1. Vitamin C: Elderberry is rich in vitamin C, which has antioxidant properties, boosts immunity, and promotes wound healing.

These ingredients make elderberry widely used in both traditional Chinese medicine and folk medicine. It is commonly used to treat colds, fever, rheumatic joint pain, indigestion, and skin inflammation.

Elderberry Application Scenarios and Dosage

Elderberry has wide applications in traditional Chinese medicine and the food industry. Its application scenarios and dosage are as follows:

  1. Colds and Fever: Elderberry is widely used to treat colds and fever. A common method is to prepare elderberry tea, using 10 grams of elderflower per serving. Boil with water and steep before drinking, 2-3 times a day.
  1. Rheumatic Joint Pain: Elderberry helps promote blood circulation and relieve cold-induced pain. It can be combined with other herbs like Aconite and made into a powder, which is then boiled in alcohol and taken warm.
  1. Indigestion: Elderberry helps promote digestion and relieve heat. It can ease symptoms of bloating and abdominal pain caused by indigestion. Steep elderflowers in water or make a soup and consume after meals.
  1. Skin Inflammation: Elderberry has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and can be used externally to treat skin inflammation. After boiling elderflowers, soak gauze in the liquid and apply to the affected area several times a day.
  1. Food Additive: Elderberry is also used in food processing, as a flavoring agent or dietary supplement. Its flowers are used to make beverages, fruit wines, and fruit vinegars, enhancing the flavor and taste of foods.
  1. Dosage: Typically, 10 grams of elderflower is used per serving when steeped in water or made into soup. For external use, the amount can be adjusted as needed.
  1. Precautions: Pregnant women, infants, and individuals with allergies should use caution. When using elderberry, avoid exceeding the recommended dosage to prevent adverse reactions.
  1. Storage: After drying, elderberries should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and humidity, to maintain their medicinal properties and quality.

Elderberry Source Plant Introduction, Distribution, and Growth Environment

Elderberry (scientific name: Sambucus) is a perennial deciduous shrub or small tree in the honeysuckle family, with several species, predominantly found in temperate and subtropical regions of the Northern Hemisphere. The following is detailed information about the source plant, its distribution, and growth environment:

  1. Scientific Name: Sambucus, belonging to the honeysuckle family, Sambucus genus.
  1. Aliases: Also known as "zhihu," "zhizhao," "caojiu," or "huadan."
  1. Distribution: Elderberry is widely distributed in temperate and subtropical regions of the Northern Hemisphere, primarily in Europe, North Africa, Asia, and North America. In China, it is mainly found in provinces north of the Yangtze River, particularly in Shandong, Hebei, and Shaanxi.
  1. Growth Environment: Elderberry prefers sunny, moist environments and typically grows on hillsides, forest edges, stream banks, field edges, roadsides, and around villages. It is not particularly picky about soil type but thrives in loose, fertile, well-drained loam. It can also grow at higher altitudes, though more slowly.
  1. Morphological Characteristics: Elderberry is a perennial shrub or small tree, typically 2-8 meters tall, with gray or gray-brown bark. Young branches have short soft hairs, while older branches are gray-brown. The leaves are opposite, compound, with elliptical or lance-shaped leaflets that have serrated edges. The flowers are small, white or light yellow, with a strong fragrance. The fruit is a round or oval berry, which turns black when ripe.
  1. Growth Habit: Elderberry is hardy and can tolerate low temperatures and frost damage but is not very resistant to high heat and drought. It grows quickly and has strong reproductive abilities, usually thriving in suitable environments.
  1. Uses: Besides being an ornamental plant, elderberry's flowers and fruits have medicinal and edible value. The flowers are often used to make medicinal teas, which help clear heat and detoxify, while the fruits can be made into jams, juices, and other foods. Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, elderberry promotes immunity and overall health.

Elderberry Harvesting, Processing, and Storage

The harvesting, processing, and storage of elderberry are critical steps to ensure its medicinal and edible value. The following provides relevant information about elderberry harvesting, processing, and storage:

  1. Harvesting Time: The flowers and fruits of elderberry are commonly used. The harvesting time varies by region and variety. Generally, flowers are harvested when they bloom, usually in the spring, and the fruits are harvested after ripening, typically from late summer to fall.
  1. Harvesting Method: Flowers can be harvested by cutting the entire branch or just the flower clusters. The fruits are picked after they ripen, and either entire branches or individual clusters can be harvested. Care should be taken during harvesting to avoid damaging the flowers or fruits.
  1. Processing Method: After harvesting, elderberries can be dried or used directly to make jam, juice, or medicinal teas. When drying, ensure good ventilation to prevent mold growth.
  1. Storage Method: Elderberry flowers and fruits should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and humidity. Dried flowers can be stored in ventilated containers, while fruits can be kept in sealed containers or processed into jam or other products for storage.
  1. Shelf Life: The shelf life of elderberry flowers and fruits depends on the processing method and storage conditions. Dried elderberry flowers can be stored for longer periods, while the shelf life of fruits varies depending on the processing method. Jam and other processed products usually last from several months to a year.
  1. Precautions: During processing and storage, hygiene and food safety should be observed to avoid contamination. Fresh, pest-free elderberries should be selected for harvesting and processing to ensure product quality and safety.

In summary, the harvesting, processing, and storage of elderberry are key steps in ensuring its medicinal and edible value. Proper handling methods can maintain its quality and nutritional content, extending its shelf life and providing convenience for future use.

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