50% of Americans say wellness is a leading priority in their day-to-day lives. An even higher number of US adults want to put more focus on their health. One way to do that is to incorporate nutritious foods into your diet.
A zingy elderberry ginger elixir may be just what you need. These two wholesome ingredients have major implications for your immune health, which is crucial for fighting off infections and promoting natural healing.
Perhaps that is why cultures have consumed these ingredients—together and separately—for centuries. Read on to learn about ginger and elderberry benefits, and stick around for more information on our wellness elixirs.
What Is Elderberry?
Elderberry is a type of fruit native to states across the US, as well as areas in Canada, Mexico, South America, Europe, Asia, and the South Pacific. In North America, these petite berries grow on large shrubs called Sambucus nigras.
People have been using elderberries in wellness elixirs and natural medicines for centuries. They are touted for their healing properties and health-boosting effects. Today, science has provided proof for these anecdotal benefits.
Due to its rich, blue-black color, companies add this ingredient to personal care products, where you can harness elderberry benefits for your skin. The juices can also be drawn out to make a more natural blue food coloring.
Elderberry Benefits for Healthy Immunity
Elderberries are tiny powerhouses. They are chock full of nutrients, including fiber and vitamins B6, C, and E. These unsuspecting berries are rich in antioxidants, which are excellent for supporting a healthy immune response.
For example, a few studies have been conducted on elderberry benefits for common cold and flu symptoms. After taking elderberry syrup or capsules three to four times per day, participants experienced:
- Faster cold and flu symptom improvement
- Less severe cold and flu symptoms
- A shorter illness duration
The antioxidants present in elderberries also have implications for immunity. Inflammation is an integral part of the immune response. It signals infection or injury, which results in the activation of the body's natural healing mechanisms.
Inflammation is crucial for warding off viruses and keeping you healthy. Yet, it may often go awry, leading to chronic health issues like diabetes. Antioxidants can lower the inflammatory response and reduce the risk of these conditions.
If all this is not enough already, there is also evidence that elderberries may regulate white blood cells. White blood cells are part of the immune system. Their aim is to detect infection-causing and other toxins that invade the body.
White blood cells also produce antibodies. Antibodies are the immune system's warriors, attacking and eliminating viruses and other foreign bodies from your system. The body retains some of these antibodies for future resistance.
Other Benefits of Elderberries
Most research has been done to support the elderberry's immune-boosting and antioxidative effects. However, these are not the only potential benefits of elderberries. These fruits may also:
- Improve heart health
- Regulate blood sugar levels
- Inhibit cancer-causing cells
- Reduce symptoms of sinusitis and bronchitis
- Protect the skin against harmful UV rays
- Provide mood-boosting effects
Historically, people also used elderberries for pain conditions like headaches, neuralgia, and toothaches. Other traditional uses include to induce sweating or vomiting and for their diuretic effects.
There are even elderberry benefits for the skin. These benefits include acting as a UV protectant and potentially preventing breakouts with its anti-microbial properties.
Ginger Benefits for the Immune System
Ginger is the root (or rhizome) of the Zingiber officinale plant. This herbaceous perennial is native to Southeast Asia, where ginger has been used in cooking and traditional medicines for centuries.
Like elderberries, ginger is touted for its antioxidative and immune-boosting benefits. Many of these benefits are thanks to gingerol, the primary active compound found in ginger root.
Gingerol is an oil with powerful anti-inflammatory effects. These effects come from the more than 50 antioxidants contained in this oil and other bioactive compounds in ginger called diarylheptanoids.
According to science, the antioxidants in ginger can help fight free radicals. Free radicals are unstable compounds that can damage your cells. If left unchecked, these molecules may lead to skin aging.
More importantly, reducing free radicals can prevent something called oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a primary factor in the development of certain inflammatory diseases, including:
- Ulcerative colitis
- Crohn's disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Psoriasis
- Lupus
In addition to these amazing ginger benefits, this functional food also has anti-microbial properties. Incorporating more ginger into your diet may help fight bacterial and fungal infections like staph, E. coli, and candida.
Other Benefits of Ginger
Like elderberries, ginger's benefits do not stop at fighting inflammation and boosting immunity. There is also evidence of ginger's ability to help with the following conditions and complaints:
- Nausea
- Morning sickness
- Weight gain
- Osteoarthritis
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Chronic indigestion
- Menstrual cramps
- High cholesterol
- GI cancers
- Degenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's)
You can harness all the benefits of ginger and elderberry with our elderberry ginger elixir drink. Learn more about the advantages of combining these two healthful ingredients next.
Elderberry Ginger Elixir to Maximize Immunity
Elderberry and ginger are powerful enough on their own. But combining them takes their benefits to a whole new level. That's why we created our Black Elderberry Ginger Elixir.
Get a major immune boost by taking a daily shot of this elixir alone. Or create your own ginger elderberry tea by mixing it into hot water. If elderberry tea is not your thing, add our elixir to sparkling water for the ultimate wellness drink.
If you are still searching for the best way to add Immune-Schein elixirs to your daily routine, check out our recipe page. We offer dozens of ideas to mix up a tasty and healthful beverage to help you achieve your wellness goals.
Try This Wellness Elixir by Immune-Schein Tea Haus
An elderberry ginger elixir is just what you need to improve your immune health this year. Both ingredients have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which are even more potent when combined.
Are you looking for more health-boosting ginger elixirs and teas? Immune-Schein has them all. Browse our online shop to see the whole collection and find the perfect wellness combo for you.