The black elder is a shrub whose berries, but especially
flowers and bark, have been used since ancient times in herbal medicine to
treat various Health issues such as fever, oral irritation and
respiratory infections that cause colds, coughs, sinusitis, flu, etc.
Elderberry also has diuretic, laxative, antirheumatic and other properties.
The medicinal properties of elderberry
Internal use: Seasonal viral respiratory infections
(colds, flu, sinusitis, etc.), bronchitis, fevers, gastrointestinal disorders,
Water retention, cystitis, and urinary tract infections.
External use: Against certain skin conditions:
eczema, hemorrhoids, bruises, and burns.
Usual therapeutic indications: Inflammatory disorders
of the respiratory system, digestive disorders (difficult digestion, bloating,
flatulence), fluid retention, oral irritations, cutaneous affections.
Other therapeutic indications demonstrated: Elderberry
is indicated against overweight problems: its depurative properties can cleanse
and purify the body by forcing it to eliminate toxins. Its medicinal properties
are also used against rheumatism, arthritis, and osteoarthritis, to relieve
joint pain. Elderberry Fruit is also, more globally, a profitable plant
to strengthen the immune system. Elderberries are bursting with anthocyanins,
providing antioxidant, antiradical and antiangiogenic potency.
Use and dosage of elderberry
Dosage: In pharmacy and drugstore, you find the
elderberry in the form of ampoules, tablets, and capsules mainly, to integrate
as part of a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. The recommended daily dose,
not to be exceeded, is 500 mg dry extract of elderberry.
Homemade preparations are possible:
- In herbal tea, by infusing two teaspoons of dried elderflower into hot water.
- In decoction, bringing to boiling water with leaves and barks. After filtration, consume up to three cups daily. This decoction can also be done with berries only (1 teaspoon of dried berries).
- For external use (skin conditions, hemorrhoids, joint pain, etc.), soak compresses in these homemade preparations and apply them locally. Applied as a poultice, the berries can be used to relieve bruising, toothache and burns.
Precautions for Elderberry: No special precautions at
the indicated therapeutic doses. However, pregnant or breastfeeding women,
children under 12 and diabetics should not consume Elderflower cordial
as a precautionary measure.
Cons-indications: Sambucus is not recommended for
people with diabetes: it causes problems with insulin treatment. It is also
prohibited in case of anemia or porphyria, a complex blood disease.
