American Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis):
Distributed in the eastern half of the United States, habitats include many prairies, open woodlands, clearings, and fields. The blooming period occurs from late spring to mid-summer, lasting about 3-4 weeks before being replaced by drupe-like fruits.
Elderberries can be eaten raw and have been used medicinally for treating the flu, alleviating allergies, and boosting overall respiratory health, and when dissolved in wine, is used for rheumatism and traumatic injury.
Elderberries are mildly laxative, a diuretic, and diaphoretic. Flavonoids, including quercetin, are believed to account for the therapeutic actions of the elderberry flowers and berries. These flavonoids include anthocyanins that are powerful antioxidants and protect cells against damage. Also, this plant contains rutin which is a compound most known for its antioxidant and antibacterial properties along with being a blood thinner, preventing the inflammation in vessels caused by severe injuries and internal bleeding.
Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica):
Located all across the world, it is highly common and mostly populated in rural areas and the countryside.The above ground parts of the plant can be used in a tonic to help heal wounds and blood purification as well as being applied to the skin for muscle aches, pains, and decreasing inflammation.
The fresh leaves contain vitamins A, C, D, E, F, K, P, and b-complexes as well as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin B-6, all of which were found in high levels, and act as antioxidants. The leaves are also noted for their particularly high content of the metals selenium, zinc, iron, and magnesium. They contain boron, sodium, iodine, chromium, copper, and sulfur. They also contain tannic and gallic acids, gum, and wax. Sixteen free amino acids have been found in the leaves, as well as high silicon levels in the leaves, stems and roots used primarily to help speed the healing process of skin.
Sources:
Common Elderberry (Sambucus nigra canadensis). (n.d.). Retrieved September 7, 2015, from http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/trees/plants/cm_elder.htm
Sambucus canadensis. (2015, August 13). Retrieved September 7, 2015, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sambucus_canadensis
Sambucus. (2015, September 6). Retrieved September 7, 2015, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sambucus
Elderberry Benefits & Information (Sambucus Nigra). (n.d.). Retrieved September 7, 2015, from http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-elderberry.html
Rutin. (2015, August 27). Retrieved September 7, 2015, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rutin
FInding a VItamin or Supplement Stinging Nettle. (n.d.). Retrieved August/September, 2015, from http%3A%2F%2Fwww.webmd.com%2Fvitamins-supplements%2Fingredientmono-664-stinging%2520nettle.aspx%3Factiveingredientid%3D664%26activeingredientname%3Dstinging%2520nettle
Vance, K. (n.d.). Stinging Nettle. Retrieved August/September, 2015, from http%3A%2F%2Fwww.herballegacy.com%2FVance_Chemical.html
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