Elder

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What is Elder?

WARNING. Cyanide toxicity is possible. Berries (elderberries) must be cooked to prevent nausea or cyanide toxicity. European elder grows up to 30 feet tall, is native to Europe, but has been naturalized to the Americas. The flowers, leaves, bark and berries have been used to treat many different medical conditions. More studies are needed before elder can be recommended as a medical treatment.



Side Effects

Abdominal cramps, birth defects, blood sugar changes, shortness of breath, convulsions, cyanide poisoning, fast heart beat, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, heartbeat changes, itching, increased bowel movements, increased urination (dehydration), miscarriage, skin rash, stomach upset, vomiting, weakness.



Reactions / Interactions

Antibiotics, anti-inflammatories (like ibuprofen), antioxidants (like vitamin C), blood sugar drugs (like insulin, metformin), caffeine, decongestants (like oxymetazoline (Afrin®)), diuretics (like hydrochlorothiazide, Lasix®), laxatives, some cancer chemotherapies, theophylline, herbs or supplements with similar effects.



What is Elder?

WARNING. Cyanide toxicity is possible. Berries (elderberries) must be cooked to prevent nausea or cyanide toxicity. European elder grows up to 30 feet tall, is native to Europe, but has been naturalized to the Americas. The flowers, leaves, bark and berries have been used to treat many different medical conditions. More studies are needed before elder can be recommended as a medical treatment.

Side Effects

Abdominal cramps, birth defects, blood sugar changes, shortness of breath, convulsions, cyanide poisoning, fast heart beat, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, heartbeat changes, itching, increased bowel movements, increased urination (dehydration), miscarriage, skin rash, stomach upset, vomiting, weakness.

Reactions / Interactions

Antibiotics, anti-inflammatories (like ibuprofen), antioxidants (like vitamin C), blood sugar drugs (like insulin, metformin), caffeine, decongestants (like oxymetazoline (Afrin®)), diuretics (like hydrochlorothiazide, Lasix®), laxatives, some cancer chemotherapies, theophylline, herbs or supplements with similar effects.

Safety

WARNING: cyanide toxicity is possible. Avoid if allergic to elder or to plants related to honeysuckle. Some reports of allergies from contact with fresh elder stems. Use caution with diabetes, high blood pressure or urinary problems, or with drugs used for any of these conditions. Use caution with anti-inflammatories and diuretics ("water pills" for high blood pressure), laxatives. Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding.

Dosage

Adults (18 years and older)

Tea, extract, syrup, capsules, juice and hand cream is available. Sinupret tablets combine elder with several other herbs and is used for sinusitis.

Children (younger than 18 years)

Use cautiously in children.

Evidence

Condition: Bacterial sinusitis Grade: C

Condition: Bronchitis Grade: C

Condition: Flu (influenza) Grade: C

Disclaimer: These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Content provided by:

"Content Licensed by Natural Standard. Copyright 2009 by Natural Standard Corporation."


While some complementary and alternative techniques have been studied scientifically, high-quality data regarding safety, effectiveness, and mechanism of action are limited or controversial for most therapies. Whenever possible, it is recommended that practitioners be licensed by a recognized professional organization that adheres to clearly published standards. In addition, before starting a new technique or engaging a practitioner, it is recommended that patients speak with their primary healthcare provider(s). Potential benefits, risks (including financial costs), and alternatives should be carefully considered. The below monograph is designed to provide historical background and an overview of clinically-oriented research, and neither advocates for or against the use of a particular therapy. The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.

Elder Videos

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Vitamins

  • Elder

    ... Cyanide toxicity is possible. Berries (elderberries) must be cooked to prevent nausea or cyanide toxicity. Eur...

  • Quercetin

    ...o biloba, St. John's wort, and American elder. Quercetin is used in many countries as a blood vessel protector an...

  • Black mulberry

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Conversations On Elder

  • Take your elder parents along to Tai Chi class!

    ...uccessful community practice to improve elder health. But, it is not easy to translate research into practice, and a therapy that works well in the sterile research lab is not always successful ...

  • Caring for Elderly Parents


    • Posted On February 7, 2009 06:36:09 PM

      ...nyone out there caring for at least one elderly parent, or has anyone cared for at least one elderly parent? I'd love some advice and tips on certain issues. Thanks, K. Read More

    • Posted On February 7, 2009 06:50:57 PM

      ... between you and her. On the issues of elderly care - I'm interested in hearing advice on dealing with an elder (72 years old) who doesn't want to deal - in a positive way - with being a stro... Read More

  • Tracked how much my friend ate on friday , just for a laugh?


    • Posted On February 18, 2008 01:49:13 PM

      ...iously. However, irrespective of the my elder uncle's longevity, I still believe that for MOST people, cigarettes, hard liquor and an unhealthy diet will shorten one's days. We must all play ... Read More

    • Posted On February 17, 2008 04:50:50 AM

      Just now, before I put in my own foods, just because I was curious, I inputted what my friend ate on Friday. She ate 2700 calories, just at lunch and dinner. (I don't know what she ate for breakfas... Read More

  • Where are my lawyer-ish types?


    • Posted On May 30, 2008 01:57:36 PM

      ... good. It's the National Association of Elder Law Attorneys. I know you aren't Elderly, but it would start you off with attorneys that are most likely competent in wills. If you are simply inte... Read More

    • Posted On May 30, 2008 11:46:32 AM

      So, my husband and I need to make a will. We've needed to do this since my son was born, but, well..........we're lazy. Any suggestions or advice on how to go about doing this? Ideally we'd li... Read More

  • I'M MAD!!!! (WARNING: Can of Worms)


    • Posted On September 26, 2008 09:27:05 AM

      ...n this one, Piper!! I remember that an elder at our church (who owns a financial planning business) was talking to me about this ALMOST A YEAR AGO!! If he knew about it a year ago, then WHAT D... Read More

    • Posted On September 26, 2008 09:35:21 AM

      ...n this one, Piper!! I remember that an elder at our church (who owns a financial planning business) was talking to me about this ALMOST A YEAR AGO!! If he knew about it a year ago, then WHAT D... Read More

  • Others criticize you for your weight...


    • Posted On November 26, 2007 01:39:23 PM

      ...e angry but he wasn't quite sure. My elder brother who was very, very heavy used to say, "my sins are all on the outside for everyone to see whereas everyone else gets to hide theirs." Keep ... Read More

    • Posted On November 25, 2007 05:25:46 PM

      So, I gained weighted. But I am still at a healthy BMI, but personally, I am not happy with my body. However, all my family members take note of my weight gain as a negative thing. I am not ove... Read More

Show More

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Members Who Dare

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Talk

allaboutvideos: Latest updates: Oblivion Elder Scrolls: Smart Mod Users? http://bit.ly/cwDR8w

divadomela: RT @alvitachen: Sometime elder people do act like a children

alvitachen: Sometime elder people do act like a children

disneygirl1989: Q: Do you have brothers and sisters? A: Yes. I had 2 elder sister and 1 younger brother. : http://chatter.com/a/32qcg

tim_d_pearce: @achrisevans @iCharliePearce you can now watch rugby without guilt. I'm off to Nottingham Trent Uni with son to meet elder son rugby day :)



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