Elderberry is excellent in strengthening the immune system.

It is a genus of 5 to 30 species of plants in the moschatel family, Adoxaceae. This is a perennial herb.

The juice was used to treat the flu epidemic in Panama in 1995. It is also good to improve vision and to restore the heart to good health. It is also good to lower cholesterol.

Numerous species of this plant are grown in Europe and North America. The tincture has long been known as the 'poor man's medicine chest' for its usefulness and the edible berries have been known to mankind for centuries for their astounding health benefits.

It is an old time favorite of European herbalists and it is an anti-viral and antioxidant herb. Also called elder it is native to the Americans and the tea made from the flowers is used to treat respiratory infections. The leaves and flowers can be made into poultices and applied to wounds.

The herb has long been used for many different types of things including food, wine and jam. The syrup and liquid extract are useful for cough and upper respiratory conditions.

According to, A Modern Herbal by Mrs. M. Grieve, you can make the syrup as follows: Pick the berries when thoroughly ripe from the stalks and stew with a little water in a jar in an oven or pan. After straining, allow 1/2 oz. of whole ginger and 18 cloves to each gallon. Boil the ingredients an hour, strain again and bottle. The syrup is an excellent cure for a cold. To about a wine glassful of Elderberry syrup, add hot water, and if liked, sugar.