Elderberry, a plant rich in benefits for our health. Its flowers but also the fruits can be exploited in many ways and lend themselves to different uses both for food and for healing. So let's discover all the properties of this plant, not forgetting the possible contraindications.
Don't store avocado like this: it's dangerousElder, a plant full of benefits for our health. Its flowers but also its fruits can be exploited in many ways and lend themselves to different uses both food and curative. Let's find out then all the property of this plant which represents a real natural antibiotic without forgetting the possibilities contraindications.
The elder has been known since ancient times for its therapeutic skills which were used in particular in the treatment of fevers and infections. The plant is used for food but also for curative purposes, especially flowers and fruits. In fact, elderberries are not only good, but also rich in fantastic healing properties.
Index
Elderberry, property
Elderberry boasts really interesting properties. AND' very rich in vitamins including vitamin C and vitamin A (these are exploited in particular through fresh berries) and mineral salts. We can therefore assume how real natural supplement. It is also a good source of flavonoids, antioxidants.
This plant is useful for strengthening the immune defenses both in the preventive phase and at the first symptoms of colds and flu. It is considered a good natural flu shot thanks above all to yours diaphoretic properties (i.e. the ability to increase sweating) which allow the lowering of body temperature in case of fever.
It is also a diuretic, digestive and laxative remedy, in fact, it draws water into the intestine, facilitating its regularity. It also boasts anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic qualities, among other things, helps eliminate excess uric acid in the body.
Thanks always to its ability to promote sweating, the elderberry is also a good purifying remedy which favors the elimination of toxins. Also very useful in case of respiratory tract problems whose mucous membranes contribute to inflammation, also helping to thin and expel excess mucus.
The elder Migliora also the blood circulation and helps to eliminate some types of pain, in particular those associated with headaches or localized on the back.
A study a few years ago also revealed a very interesting effect of the elderberry. The experiments were obviously done using a titrated and standardized extract based on the berries of this plant. Researchers from the Justus Liebig University of Giessen in Germany have noted how some pathogenic microorganisms can be effectively combated with elderberry. You can consider it therefore a kind of natural antibiotic able to block the growth of bacteria up to 70%. In particular, its action was highlighted against Streptococcus pyogenes and Catarrhalis Branhamella, responsible for various respiratory tract infections.
To recap elderberry is:
- Rich in vitamins and minerals
- Antioxidant
- Anti-inflammatory
- anti-flu
- Strengthens the immune system
- Diaphoretic (increases sweating)
- Beneficial for the respiratory tract
- Improve blood circulation
- Painkiller
- Antibacterial
Elderberry flowers
Elderberry, benefits
Le property which boasts the elderberry make it useful in many circumstances. Elderberry is often recommended in case of flu and cold, cough, bronchitis, rhinitis other respiratory problems, constipation, cystitis, rheumatism, gout, dermatitis and for those who want to detoxify the body with the help of some natural remedy.
Other situations in which elderberry can be used are for example headache or back pain.
You can take advantage of the benefits of elderberry in case of:
- Temperature
- Cough
- Cold
- Rhinitis
- Sinusitis
- Bronchitis
- Constipation
- Cystitis
- Gout
- Rheumatism
- Dermatitis
- Headache
- Backache
- Need to purify the body
Elderberry, how to use it?
Fresh or dried elderberry can be used in many ways. The fruits can be eaten freshthe best still if we have collected them ourselves when in season, or make them jams, syrups, sweets, liqueurs or use them for centrifuged and extracts.
Fresh berries can also be used as a real natural supplement of mineral salts and vitamins. For this purpose they can be taken early in the morning on an empty stomach for a few days but without exaggerating the doses and using only the well-ripened ones.
There are also gods real supplements that exploit the properties of elderberry alone or in synergy with other plants. Elderberry is also available in the form of mother tincture, liquid extract, juice and finally leaves, flowers and dried fruits with which to make herbal teas and infusions.
Finally, there is the possibility to buy 100% elderberry juice which is generally used diluted in water (2 tablespoons in a glass of water) to be taken once or twice a day.
To recap elderberry is found in the form of:
- Dry extract
- Liquid extract
- Tincture
- Juice
- Syrup
- Fresh Berries
- Dried berries, flowers and leaves
Elderberry herbal tea
Preparing an elderberry herbal tea is very simple just go to the herbalist's shop and buy some dried plant. Bring a cup of water to a boil, turn off the heat and leave two teaspoons of elderberry to infuse for about 5 minutes. Then strain and drink. It can also be assumed two or three times a day.
Elderberry and vegetable aspirin
There are several recipes for prepare a vegetable aspirin at home to be used at the first symptoms of flu or cold, thus avoiding taking medicines. One of these exploits the properties of the elder by inserting its flowers inside a mix of other herbs which includes linden, violet and purple mint. To better prepare it, read here.
Elderberry, recipes
In addition to preparing a vegetable aspirin, elderberry berries and flowers lend themselves to the realization of various recipes that exploit the potential of this plant. Read the following articles to learn more and experience for yourself:
- ELDER THROAT CANDIES
- AUTUMN CENTRIFUGATE: ELDER BERRIES AND APPLE. C VITAMIN!!
- WHOLEMEAL FOCACCIA WITH ELDER FLOWERS
- RICE PUDDING (ROBINIA OR ELDER OR VANILLA)
Controindicazioni
Like any natural remedy, elderberry can also have contraindications and side effects. An assumption a excessive doses of this plant can for example cause nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. If you harvest it, be careful not to use the unripe fruit which can be toxic. If you collect the fruits and flowers, among other things, you need to know the plant well to avoid the unpleasant possibility of exchanging the black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) with a poisonous variant, the Sambucus ebulus. If you are not an expert, avoid the collection and do it yourself.
The intake of elderberry infusions or herbal teas is not recommended to those suffering from chronic intestinal inflammation or if you have diarrhea, kidney or liver disease.
With regard to the possible interference with medications, the effects of elderberry can increase the effectiveness of diuretic drugs, for example. It is also advisable to avoid taking it at the same time as iron supplements. If you are on medication, however, it is always good seek the advice of your doctor before you start taking any kind of natural remedy.
