|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Elderberry leaves flowers and berries have all been used medicinally for colds and flu. The elder bush grows in open areas of mountains, and in the spring creamy white elder flowers appear with the appearance of the dark, purple berries occurring in the late summer. It should be noted that there is a species of elder with red berries rather than purple-blue berries and that the red berries are said to not be medicinal.
|
|
|
|
Elderberry flowers and leaves Historical Use
|
|
|
Elder has been used as a medicinal herb as far back as the 5th century where Hippocrates, the father of a substance used in managing discofort, recorded the herbs usefulness as a diaphoretic. Native Americans found that elder leaves could treat Problem created due to harmful organisms, coughs and skin conditions. Elderberries have been made into wine, pies and teas for centuries.
|
|
|
|
Elderberry flowers and leaves Remedy For
|
|
- Colds
- Flu
- Fever
- Bronchitis
- Sinusitis
- Hay fever
- Spasmodic cough
- venous insufficiency and lymph edema causing Discomfort and swelling of
the arm after mastectomy
Elderberries as opposed to the flowers and leaves are said to be effective for the above plus reportedly good for the following:
- Rheumatism
- Sciatica
In a double blind study in Israel a group given elderberry extract, it was found that the group given the extract had fewer symptoms and had more viral antibodies than the controls. The presence of the viral antibodies suggests that elderberry extract might be effective against flu virus. Elder flowers are said to be effective in cases of venous insufficiency and lymph edema where fluid accumulates, causing Discomfortful arm swelling that can occur after radical mastectomy. Elder might be benefiting this condition because it contains flavonoids including rutin which improve circulation and reduces the edema. The German Commission E monograph approved the use of elder for colds and as a diaphoretic. Elder leaves have been used as an externally applied poultice for skin irritations.
|
|
|
|
Elderberry flowers and leaves Active Constituents
|
|
|
Elder flowers contain triterpenes including ursolic acid and flavonoids rutin and quercetin. The elderberries contain anthocyanic pigments, fruit acids and vitamins while the leaves contain triterpenes, flavonoids, fatty acids and glycosides. Quercitin is a potent antioxidant and might possess antiviral properties.
|
|
|
|
Elderberry flowers and leaves Typical Dosage
|
|
|
For treating children the recommended dose is 5 ml of the tincture for 3 times per day. For adults the dosage can be doubled 10 ml of the tincture 3 times per day. A tea can be made from 3 to 5 grams of dried flowers by placing in a covered pot with 1 cup of water bring to a boil then let the pot sit for 5 to 10 minutes then drink, this can be done 3 times per day.
|
|
|
|
Elderberry flowers and leaves Side Effects
|
|
|
In the recommended dosages elderberry in the form of berries, flowers and leaves appears safe and there are no side effects reported. There was a report of possible kidney damage however this was in dosages far in excess of what is commercially available.
|
|
|
|
|
