By: Ivana Dragica |
World's most healing plants: elderberry |
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Elderberry is one of the oldest and the most healing plants in Europe.
There are about thirty types of elderberry within the family. The most important are the black and red elderberry.
We most commonly use black elderberry - Sambucus nigra.
Elderberry is at the service of humanity for millennia.
Hippocrates used to say that elderberry can replace all the drugs.
With old people elderberry was a symbol of birth and death, and was used for protection against evil forces.
Old Europeans and Native Americans used the elderberries in the treatment of inflammation, indigestion, jaundice, women's diseases and influenza.
The healing properties of elderberries
Elderberry blossoms are rich in glycosides, tannins, flavonoids, carotene, rutoside and vitamin C. Elderberry contain alkaloids, carotene, tannins, organic acids and vitamins A, B and C.
It is assumed that flavonoids in elderberry are responsible for most of its healing properties. Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants that protect our cells from damage.
Therefore, elderberry is used for treatment of degenerative diseases and cancer prevention.
It is a great ally in preventing colds and common flu because it strengthens the immune system. In addition, the elderberry has anti-viral and anti-microbial properties.
If you feel that you might get the flu, eat 4 tablespoons of elderberry. For the treatment of common colds and flu, you can also use elderberry extract that you can buy in health food stores and herbal pharmacies.
Useful against asthma and respiratory system inflammation, it eases breathing and helps in expectoration.
In spring, elderflower can be used as a remedy for pollen allergy.
Elderberry has a detoxifying effect since it promotes the release of toxins from the lymph nodes.
This herb can help with acnes, ulcers, conjunctivitis and skin rashes.
Except as a laxative, it also acts as a diuretic and contributes to the health of the kidneys. It is used in situations where you need to sweat more and it also can cure dropsy.
Because of its laxative, diuretic and detoxifying properties, it is a great help for weight-loss.
Elderberry is also used in creams against freckles and skin blemishes. Because of its astringent effects, it is a common ingredient in acne crèmes.
Elderberry is a medicinal herb with a wide range of applications and it can be used for:
- asthma and allergies
- acne and spots on the skin
- colds and flu
- body cleansing
- dropsy
- weakened immune system
- degenerative diseases
- ulcers and conjunctivitis
- weight loss
- diabetes
- ndigestion
Application and harvest
All parts of the elderberry are healing, but the most commonly used are flowers and berries themselves.
Young sprouts and leaves are harvested in April and May. They act as a diuretic, and are used for cleansing the blood and diabetes treatment.
The flowers are harvested in late May, just when it is sunny and dry, and you should dry them in the sun. They are most commonly used for inducing sweating and respiratory disease treatments.
The bark from elderberry tree and branches are harvested from February to March and from October to November. The bark acts as a laxative; it is used for treating dropsy and as an aid in weight-loss.
In September, ripe elderberries are picked. They are useful against deficiency disease, neuralgia, constipation, weakness, stress, digestive problems etc.
Elderberry flowers are usually used for making syrup, tea, extract, and even liquor.
Ripe berries are used for preparing jam, fruit powder, syrup, liquor and wine. Sprouts and young leaves can be used for making ointments or powder, and the bark is used for making tea.
In fact, whatever you decide to prepare will not be bad, because everything is beneficial and healing.
Elderberry concoction 1
Cook 1 tablespoon of elderberry leaves, dried or fresh, for 10-15 minutes in a cup of water. Add some honey to this concoction and drink several tablespoons every day.
This concoction boosts sweating and thus cures rheumatism, flu and fever.
Elderberry concoction 2
Boil 1 tablespoon of finely chopped elderberry root in a cup of water for at least 20 minutes.
Drink that amount of concoction as an aid in weight-loss.
Elderberry tea 1
Pour 1/4 liter of boiling water over 2 teaspoons of dried elderberry flowers and leave for 10 minutes, then filtrate the mixture. Tea can be used for sweat out the flu and colds, but also as a preventive remedy. It is also recommended for blood cleansing.
Elderberry tea 2
Put one tablespoon of dried elderberry berries in a cup of cold water, leave the mixture for 12 hours and then heat it an drink before breakfast, as an extraordinary remedy for weak stool.
Elderberry tea 3
There is a light-green layer between elderberry bark and the centre of the tree which you can use for making tea that will efficiently clean your stomach.
Cover 2 teaspoons of that light-green substance with 1/4 liter of boiling water and leave it for 10 minutes and filtrate the mixture and drink the tea slowly, sip by sip.
Precautions
Green elderberry parts contain toxins that can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, shortness of breath, wheezing, and abdominal pain. Raw elderberry must be properly steamed by boiling water or be boiled before use.
When elderberry is properly used, there are no negative side-effects.
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