Elder, also called elderberry, is a large shrub native to Europe, Africa and Asia. The berries and flowers of the elder shrub have been used medicinally for hundreds of years. The dried or fresh flowers can be brewed into a tea and consumed for a variety of health-promoting purposes. As with any herbal remedy, you should consult with your healthcare practitioner before consuming elderflower tea.
Mechanism of Action
Elder contains essential fatty acids, calcium and vitamins A, B-1, B-2, B-3 and C. It also contains numerous phytochemicals including betulin, flavanoids, glycosides, quercetin, rutin and beta-carotene. Phytochemicals are antioxidant compounds found in plants that prevent free-radical induced damage to your cells and DNA, thereby helping prevent and treat disease in humans. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that elder also has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anticancer, diuretic, laxative and insect-repellent properties.
Respiratory and Immune System Health
According to the Herbs2000.com website, elder helps reduce excess mucous in the lungs and nasal passages, and it is used to treat a variety of respiratory ailments including asthma, cough, tonsillitis, laryngitis, sinusitis and bronchitis. It also has immune-boosting properties and is therefore used to treat colds, flu and fever. Due to its anti-viral properties, it is also used to help treat viral diseases such as measles and chickenpox.
List of Purported Benefits
Elderflower tea promotes sweating and increases urination, thereby enhancing the elimination of metabolic wastes and toxins from the body. This makes it useful as a detoxification aid. It is also used to help reduce inflammation, enhance liver function and treat allergies, arthritis, edema, fungal infections, gout, hayfever, headaches, liver disorders, rheumatism, urinary disorders and toothaches. However, these claims have little research behind them, and elderflower tea's purported benefits are primarily based on anecdotal evidence.
Directions and Precautions
To make elderflower tea, add 3 to 4 g of elder flowers to 5 oz. of simmering water. Drink the resulting tea one to two times daily. Elder tea appears to have few side effects when used for periods of time not exceeding 5 days, but diarrhea and nausea have been reported. "Nursing Herbal Remedies Handbook" warns that pregnant and nursing women should not consume elder, and elder may interact with certain medications such as chemotherapy and diabetic drugs. Finally, it is important to use a trusted preparation of elder because raw or unripe fruit, as well as the leaves, seeds, and bark of the plant contain a toxic chemical related to cyanide.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis Balch; 2003
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Elderberry
- "Nursing Herbal Medicine Handbook;" Lippincott Williams and Wilkins; 2005
- Herbs2000.com: Elder
Member Comments