Primarily found in Europe and North America, black elderberries have long been used in traditional cultures to support immune function. Elderberry has an extensive history of being used in the early stages of seasonal immune challenges. Regarded as an "Elder" plant in Native American Herbalism, Elderberry has been used collectively by many tribes as a tonic medicine and food to promote health and vitality.Elderberries have also been used as a food source for making wine, and syrup. The bush has been referred to as "the medicine tree of the common people."
Elderberry has long been proposed as being immune supportive, and supports the body's natural defense. Research studies show Black Elderberry to have immune modulating and antioxidant properties. Because elderberry is high in flavonoid rich compounds, it exerts antioxidant protection on cells. By providing antioxidant protection, elderberry aids in protecting cellular health from free radical damage and airborne elements.