As one of the human race's earliest plan companions, the elderberry has been used for medicinal, culinary and cosmetic purposes from the Stone Age to Modern Times. The first recorded medicinal use of elderberries was by Hippocrates in the fifth century BC. The Romans believed that anyone who cultivated the elderberry would die of an old age instead of sickness. Native to North America, Europe, Western Asia and North Africa, the elderberry has been considered the 'medicine chest of the country people' for centuries. various cultures, including the native Americans have used the elderberry plant to treat colds, flu's, asthma, constipation, colic, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, diabetes, upper respiratory problems, rheumatism and nervous disorders such as insomnia and migraines, dye clothing purple, soothe sunburn, weight loss and made music with flutes from hollowed out stems. Elderberries contain organic pigments, tannin, amino acids, sugar, rutin, viburnic acid and a large amount of vitamin C. They are also mildly laxative, a diuretic and diaphoretic. Because elderberries have been a folk remedy for centuries, the medicinal benefits of elderberries are being investigated and rediscovered (medical Herbalism 8:41 pg, 11). Bioflavonoid and other proteins in the juice destroy the ability of cold and flu viruses to infect a cell. people with the flu who took elderberry juice reported less severe symptoms and felt better much faster than those who did not. Elderberry juice was used to treat a flue epidemic in Panama in 1995 (j Alt Compl med 1995:1:361-69). Elderberries were listed in the CRC of Medicinal Hers as early as 1985 and are listed in the 2000 Mosby's Nursing Drug Reference for colds, flu, yeast infections, nasal and chest congestion and hay fever. In Israel Hasassah's Handbook Oncology Lab has determined that elderberry stimulates the body's immune system and they are treating cancer and AIDS patients with it. The wide range of medical benefits (from flu and colds to debilitating asthma, diabetes and weight loss) is probably due to the enhancement of each individual's immune system. Testimonials from our customers support the historical medicinal claims and are truly amazing in the ways elderberries help people. The majority of the testimonials relate tremendous relief from debilitating asthma and chronic allergies. Several customers are also using our elderberry juice concentrate to treat their pets' infections. Elderberries are safe for all ages. For an adult, one teaspoon of Elderberry Juice Concentrate mixed in four or more ounces of water, juice, tea, etc., is the recommended daily supplement. Large doses of elderberry juice relieve constipation so you don't have to worry if you take too much. Elderberries are believed to help sensitize teh body's insulin receptors so that more of the insulin produced by the body can be used. Diabetics need to carefully monitor their blood sugar levels when using elderberries to prevent low blood sugar.

TESTIMONIALS

"I have lowered my blood sugar considerably since I started to take Elderberry Concentrate." V.O. Wichita, Kansas

"Hope you can get the 'word' out to more allergy sufferers nationwide." Jack F. Oklahoma City

"My diabetes tests are in the normal range for the first time in ten years since I began using your concentrate." Roscoe, Tulsa, Oklahoma

"I am recommending this product to all my patients; everyone should take advantage of this wonderful natural way to feel great." Dr. Dan S., Wichita, Kansas

"I got off three inhalers, two oral meds, and a Pulmo-Aide machine for chronic asthma, also Diabetes pills and arthritis medication. Have not had a cold or flu for over 8 years." Merry B. Peck, Kansas

"I would strongly recommend this for any person who suffers from asthma." Erin A., Fayetteville, Arkansas.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

There is a simple, yet powerful and highly effective way to boost one’s immune system and overall well being, while warding off common, yet dangerous ailments. The most important thing to remember is that Elderberry Juice Concentrate is a food and not a medicine. It is safe to use for all ages if you can drink other berry juices, such as cranberry, you can drink Elderberry. The only people who should not drink Elderberry are people with known allergies to berries – such as strawberries.  

HOW MUCH SHOULD I TAKE? HOW OFTEN? The feedback from our customers and our own personal experience suggests: PREVENTION OF COLDS AND FLU – 1 teaspoon daily (More if symptoms appear) ASTHMA - 2 teaspoons a day – to an ounce or more – depending on the person and the severity of symptoms. (Infants and small children usually respond to much less.) ALLERGIES  - as the source of natural anti-histamine – 1 teaspoon morning and night. (again – more if needed to relieve symptoms) DIABETES - We always suggest you work with your doctor on this, and monitor your blood sugar often. References we have found suggest an insulin-like property to the concentrated juice. The average person usually uses between two teaspoons to two tablespoons a day – to start. The important thing to remember is that every person’s body is different. Elderberry juice concentrate is a natural product and can be taken in higher doses to relieve symptoms as needed. The only side effect reported is a flushing of the intestinal tract. There are those who consider this a wonderful benefit as well.

WILL IT INTERFERE WITH MY MEDICATIONS? Elderberry juice is a food – like cranberry or other berry juices. In ten years, we have not had anyone who reported a problem using Elderberry concentrate with prescription medications. If you have any doubt, consult your pharmacist. The comment most often made is actually that they were able to cut back or eliminate some medications by using this natural alternative. (Of course we would advise people to check with their physician before cutting back or eliminating any medications.) The main objective3 for most people is to achieve optimum health with minimum medications.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE IN THE VARIOUS ELDERBERRY PRODUCTS ON THE MARKET? Our concentrate is a concentration of pure elderberry – with no alcohol, no added sugar, no artificial sweeteners, and no added ingredients (We are required by law to add a tiny amount of Potassium Sorbate to retard spoilage.) The carbohydrate content of a teaspoon is less than 1 carb. Many of the products on the market are either dehydrated in pill or powder form, or in a solution of sugar water or alcohol. Our customers tell us that the pill form does not work as well for them, and most do not want the added sugar or alcohol. Because of the concentration of the whole elderberry, you get all the benefits of the berry, instead of just some of them. It is common to see some sediment in the concentrate.

HOW LONG WILL IT LAST ONCE I OPEN IT? Once opened, it should last just fine in the refrigerator for at least 90 days. Before it is opened, it will last indefinitely.  SHOULD I MIX IT WITH SOMETHING?  If it is too tart, you can mix it with anything you want – except milk. Water, juice, tea, soda, or whatever you prefer.

IS IT SAFE FOR CHILDREN? Personally, I have given it to my own grandchildren as young as two weeks old. I would suggest you check with a doctor before giving any juice to a child that young though. (The youngest child we know of taking it was six days old and diagnosed with asthma from birth.) If it is okay for them to have grape juice or apple juice, then elderberry should not be a problem at all. A few drops in the bottle of water, and my grandson got rid of his cold symptoms within a couple of hours. I have nine grandchildren – from 2 to 15 yrs, and they all use the concentrate. They like it best in grape juice or a clear soda.  

HOW LONG HAVE YOU USED IT AND HOW DID IT HELP YOU? I have been using the concentrate for over nine years now. When I started, I had been given “maybe” two years to live. I had Chronic Obstructive Airway Disease, Type II Diabetes, Osteoarthritis, and chronic Allergies. I still have the problems; I just don’t have the symptoms - most of the time. Within a short time, I was able to get off of three inhalers, two oral medications, and a Pulmo-Aide machine I needed to use to breathe. I also got off my Diabetes pills and my arthritis and allergy medications. I have been able to stay off of them all these years, and keep normal blood sugar levels. I have not had a virus for over nine years. I was unknowingly exposed to Hepatitis C for nearly two years, but did not get it. I do use more than the average person, because I am using it for many things. I take at least two tablespoons daily, and sometimes an ounce or more a day. It depends on how much I need to relieve the symptoms I may have at the time.

We have many letters from customers, doctors, and articles from magazines about the benefits of elderberries. On a personal basis, it is very rewarding to know we are producing a product here in Kansas that is so good for people and at a price that is affordable. Wyldewood Cellars is a family owned and operated business that produces internationally awarded wines, jellies, syrups, and Elderberry Juice Concentrate.

We have started an alternative cash crop agricultural industry in the state – with over 12 growers now producing the berries we use.  Our Elderberry Juice Concentrate was developed by Dr. John Brewer. In the interest of science, we have offered the concentrate free to doctors with patients of West Nile Virus, and to doctors wanting to use the concentrate with their patients who have AIDS or Hepatitis C. We have a letter from a missionary who said it helped her AIDS patients to live longer and be healthier.

We have even had letters from customers who used the concentrate for their animals – for allergies and viral illnesses.