Parts of the elder tree, such as the berries and flowers, have been used to treat pain, swelling, infections and skin conditions for centuries. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, there is evidence that chemicals in the flowers and berries of the elder tree can help reduce swelling in mucous membranes and sinuses as well as relieve nasal congestion caused by both colds and allergies. Always discuss using herbal remedies such as elderberry with your doctor to ensure your safety.
History
The tradition of the healing power of elderberries goes all the way back to Hippocrates, the "father of medicine," who lauded this plant for the myriad conditions it appeared to heal. Evidence indicates that elderberries may have been grown and used in prehistoric times, and recipes for medicines that used elderberries date back to ancient Egypt. Elderberries have also been used as a folk remedy in North America, Europe, western Asia and northern Africa for antioxidant activity and to lower cholesterol levels, according to HerbWisdom.com. Elderberry has also been used traditionally to improve heart health, tonsillitis and vision.
Activity Against the Flu
Elderberry may also help reduce the symptoms of cold and flu and shorten the duration of the flu by as much as three days, according to UMMC. The product used in one study was Sambucol, a combination of elderberries and vitamin C, so it wasn't clear if it was the elderberry alone, or the combination, that had the effect. In a study released by Retroscreen Virology in 2006, a British medical institute associated with Queen Mary College at the University of London, researchers determined that Sambucol was at least 99 percent effective against the avian flu virus H5N1 and significantly neutralized the ability of the virus to infect cells in culture.
Available Preparations
Elderberry is available at the health food store, grocery store and pharmacy as a liquid, syrup, tincture, capsule and lozenge. If incorporating elderberry supplementation into your regimen as a preventive, or to treat the flu, first consult with your primary care physician to ensure that it does not interfere with any underlying medical condition or medication that you or your child may be taking.
Precautions
According to UMMC, elderberry can interact with medications commonly known as a water pills, for the treatment of hypertension -- raising your risk of becoming dehydrated. Avoid elderberry if you are diabetic, as it has been known to lower blood sugar levels. Elderberry can interact with some chemotherapy drugs. It also has a laxative effect and so should not be taken at the same time as other laxatives. Individuals who have asthma and are taking theophylline should not use elderberry because it reduces the effect of the medication. Individuals who are on immunosuppressant medications should not take elderberry because elderberries stimulate the immune system, notes UMMC.
