We have received questions about the elderberry. Here we are going to clarify everything related to the elderberry benefits and contraindications, but first we are going to analyze its botanical aspect.
The elderberry is native to most of Europe, parts of Asia, and North Africa. The (American) black elder (Sambucus canadensis) is widespread in eastern North America, from Nova Scotia to Florida and west to Manitoba and Texas.
Description of the plant: The berry of the elder it is a shrub or small tree, between 3-10 meters (10-30 feet) tall. The bark is light brown on the lower part of the trunk, becoming gray-white higher up.
The leaves are opposite, oddly pinnate, the leaflets ovate, pointed, finely serrated, and dark green. White to yellowish-white flowers turning into the fruit, berries turning from green to red-brown to glossy black.
Parts of the plant used: Historically, the entire plant (leaves, bark, flowers, and berries) has been used medicinally.
In today’s herbal medicine, the flowers and the juice of the berries are mainly used.
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Elderberry Health Benefits
The flowers contain essential oil, flavonoids (kaempferol, quercetin), quercetin glycosides (rutin, hyperoside, isoquercitrin), triterpenes, sterols, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, tannins, pectin, sugars, among others.
Fruits contain glycosides, rutin, isoquercitrin and hyperoside.
They also contain anthocyanin, sambucyanin and chrysanthemum glycosides, tannins, traces of essential oils, fruit acids (citric, malic and tartaric acid), sugars, carotenoids and vitamin C.
The leaves contain triterpenes (similar to those found in flowers), cyanogenic glycosides including sambunigrin, flavonoids (kaempferol, quercetin), quercetin glycosides (rutin, hyperoside, isoquercitrin), fatty acids, alkanes, and tannins.
There are a myriad of remedies associated with the elderberry, and few plants have been so valued for their medicinal properties.
Elderberry was used by Native Americans to treat an infection.
Elderflowers have properties expectorants and anti-inflammatory and are often used to treat diseases related to the respiratory system.
Therefore, the flowers are used as a remedy for bronchitisasthma, sore throat and allergies (2).
Traditionally, they have also been used as a treatment for colds, tonsillitis, and ear infections.
Elderberry has been reported to have beneficial effects when used with antibiotics to treat sinus infection.
Elderflowers are classically used for colds, flu and to reduce high fever, as they contain strong cooling and diaphoretic activity.
In 1992, a team of Israeli researchers at the Hadassah University Medical Center in Jerusalem created a standardized extract of elderberry that contained three flavonoids.
Laboratory tests showed that this extract seemed to work on the most common strains of the influenza virus. The extract, which is sold under the name Sambucol®, appears to work by inhibiting the virus’s ability to enter cells, thereby restricting viral infection and causing improvement in flu symptoms.
As a remedy for the common cold and sore throat, elderflowers are often combined with yarrow (Achillea millefolium), peppermint (Mentha x piperita) and hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis).
Elderflowers are believed to strengthen kidney function and have a diuretic effect and are therefore used for kidney stones, rheumatism, arthritis, and gout.
Many people who suffer from rheumatic conditions appreciate elderberry because it is supposed to reduce pain.
This herb is an effective detoxifier and is believed to help clear up infections such as acne, boils, pinkeye, and rashes.
Elderberries are used in lotions as a general astringent for the skin. elderberry benefits and contraindications
It is used as a herbal remedy for constipation. Elderberry is also commonly used in Europe as a mild laxative and diuretic, suggesting that elderberries may also benefit kidney health.
For those with high cholesterol, a preliminary study reports that elderberry juice may lower serum cholesterol concentrations and increase low-density lipoprotein, also known as “bad cholesterol” .
Anti-aging properties may be in elderberries.
Recent research conducted at Tufts University has revealed that elderberry contains four anthocyanins that work to protect endothelial cells, which line the walls of arteries, from oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
It is used as a herbal remedy for stimulate the immune system. Black elderberries encourage a healthy immune reaction against unwanted organisms that induce flu-like symptoms.
The antioxidant and immune-enhancing properties of black elderberries may have a beneficial effect on the body’s normal response to influenza A and B viruses. The berries, like most other plant berries, are loaded with of antioxidant flavonoids. elderberry benefits and contraindications
Elderberries contain anthocyanin flavonoids that are especially noted for their free radical quenching activity on the entire cardiovascular system.
Also know Elderflower properties for hair and skin
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Dosage and administration
As a liquid extract: The liquid extract should be taken in amounts of 5 ml (for children) to 10 ml (for adults) twice a day and can be mixed with other juices.
As a tea: To prepare the tea, boil 3-5 grams of the dried flowers in 250 ml (1 cup) of boiling water for ten to fifteen minutes. Taken three times a day. elderberry benefits and contraindications
The bark and root bark should be used fresh. Use 1 level teaspoon of the bark or root bark in half a cup of boiling water. Do not drink more than 1 cup a day, one bite at a time.
Elderberry generally comes in tinctures, liquid extracts, lozenges, syrups, standardized extract capsules, and throat sprays. As with any herbal medication or supplement, dosing instructions on labels should be followed.
Elderberry contraindications
Elderberry root, bark, and leaves contain toxic alkaloids and cyanide glycosides that can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested in large amounts. These plant parts should not be used unless under the guidance of a physician or other healthcare professional.
Dried flowers and ripe berries, when eaten in moderation, are determined to be safe. Large amounts of flowers can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
The berries when eaten raw can cause nausea and vomiting, which may be due to a small amount of toxic substances in the seeds.
The commercial product Sambucol®, according to the manufacturer, should not be used by pregnant women. All fresh parts of elderberry can cause allergic reactions in some people.
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Also know
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