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Elderberry - Uses and Benefits
Alternative Names:
Aeldrum ,Black Elder, Boor Tree, Bountry, Elder, Ellanwood, Ellhorn, European Elder, and German Elder.
Herb Description
Elderberry or Sambucus is a genus of about 30 known species of fast-growing shrubs or small trees , it is a member of the moschatel family Adoxaceae . The genus is deep-rooted to temperate to subtropical parts of both the Southern Hemisphere & the Northern Hemisphere . Elderberry shrub generally matures to about 3 meters tall and produces yellow and white flowers in early summer, followed by deep blue or black berries which generally ripen around September. The leaves are opposite, featherlike , with 5 to 9 leaflets, each leaf 5 to 30 cm long, the leaflets with a toothed margin.
Elderberry jam or jelly holds many minerals & vitamins , particularly vitamin B17. Its flower accommodate three very good sources of potassium plus viburnic acid (beneficial for asthma an bronchitis), vitamin A, vitamin C, volatile oils and bioflavonoids. Ripened elderberries can be used like some other berries in fruit pies, muffins, and jams. The dried flowers can also be steeped in water to prepare elderberry tea and the berries mashed to make elderberry juice. Elderberry helps to boost and maintain the immune & respiratory systems. Elderberry may be used to cure colds and flu.
Properties
- Astringent.
- Immuno-stimulant.
- Emetic.
- Expectorant.
- Diaphoretic.
- Laxative.
- Diuretic.
- Sedative.
- Anti-inflammatory.
Uses and Benefits
Both berries & flowers can be used to prepare elderberry wine which improves with age, and taken hot with sugar, just before going to bed, is an old-fashioned and well established cure for a cold.The alcoholic drink sambuca is made by infusing Elderberries and anise into alcohol.
Elderberry is believed to retains therapeutic uses an anti-inflammatory, diuretic , and immuno-stimulant, as an herbal remedy. Infusions of the fruit are efficacious for nerve problems, back pain, and have been taken to ebb inflammation of the urinary tract and bladder.
Raw berries have laxative and diuretic actions, however the seeds are best not eaten raw as they are mildly poisonous and may result vomiting and nausea , particularly if eaten unripe. The mild cyanide toxicity is finished by cooking & are edible when cooked. All green parts of the tree are poisonous, containing cyanogenic glycosides . The berries can be used into jam , pies or pontack sauce .
Elderberry used in various disorders such as urinary problems, kidney problems, in arthritic and rheumatic complaints. Its tea use to cure respiratory infections, reduce high Cholesterol . It is also used for fighting influenza and colds as an excellent internal cleanser. It helps in relieves bronchitis, asthma, sore throat, colds and influenza.
Externally it is used for infections, inflammations and swelling. It can be used as a wash for skin healing and complexion purification. As a tea and cordial to sooth sore throats, speed recovery from cold and flu and ease respiratory distress. Cooked and used in jams and conserves.
Side Effects
Elderberry contains cyanogenic glycosides & it should be used with caution . These are substances that release the poison cyanide. The danger starts mainly from the stems, roots, and leaves. It is listed as a Poisonous Injurious Plant in the American Medical Association's 1985 edition AMA Handbook of Poisonous Plants.
Elderberry flowers are generally regarded as safe.Side effects are rare and may cause mild gastrointestinal distress or allergic reactions.
Stop using the medicine right away and consult to the doctor if individual have any of the following side effects such as breathing disorders or tightness in the throat or chest, pain in the chest ,skin hives, rash, or itchy or swollen skin .
There are some other side effects may occurs with this herb such as irregular heart beet, stomach upset & diarrhea. It is not recommended to use elderberry in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with complex liver or kidney disease .
Dosage
- Dried flowers:
3 to 5 gm or by infusion . Use three times in a day.
- Liquid Extract:
1:1 in 25% alcohol, 3 to 5 ml . Use three times in a day.
- Tincture:
1:5 in 25% alcohol, 10 to 25 ml . Use three times in a day.
Drug Interactions
There is no drug interaction has been reporting till yet.
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