The Elderberry Tree

(Benefits of Elderberry)

Sambucus nigra

The Elderberry tree is also known as Elder, Black elder, European elder, German elder, Common elder, Elder flower, Bore tree, and Pipe tree.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND INFORMATION:

The Elderberry tree is a deciduous small tree that can grow to thirty feet in height. It bears large oval shaped leaves and large, creamy white heads of small, sweet-smelling flowers. The flowers are followed by purplish-blue berries in autumn.

For centuries people have found that the benefits of Elderberry are found in each and every part of the plant. It is used for making tea, cordials, wines, jams, jellies, chutneys, fruit tarts, ice cream, and fritters. Elderberry juice is a wonderful tonic and cleanser for the glandular and reproductive system.

The Elderberry tree is native to Europe, Asia, North Africa and the eastern United States.

Compounds in Elderberry (use extract) have shown Elderberry benefits include protection against eight strains of human influenza virus, while the flue shot only protects against one or two, at the most three. Elderberry is one of the most effective herbs for preventing and treating upper respiratory tract infection and stimulates the immune system to work against viruses such as herpes simplex and HIV.

Here are some more benefits of Elderberry trees.

TARGET AILMENTS:

Take internally for:

* asthma

* bronchitis

* colds

* influenza

* upper respiratory tract infections

* feverish conditions

* sinusitis

* an immune system stimulate

* allergies

* congestion

* ear infection

* throat infection

* constipation

Apply externally for:

* bruises

* sprains

* wounds

* inflamed skin

* arthritis

* rheumatism

PREPARATION:

The Elderberry tree is available in tincture, lotion, capsule, homeopathic tablet, extract, and bulk herb.

It can be used as an infusion, juice, ointment, compress, and poultice.

Parts used: Flowers, berries, bark, leaves

Collection: Flowers are collected in spring and early summer, the bark and berries are best collected in late summer and early Fall.

Constituents: Flowers - flavonoids, hydro cyanic glycoside sambunigrine, tannins, essential oil Berries - invert sugar, fruit acids, vitamin C and P, tannin, anthrocyanic pigments, traces of essential oil

Actions: Bark - purgative, emetic, diuretic Leaves - (externally) emollient, vulnerary; (internally) purgative, expectorant, diuretic, diaphoretic Flowers - diaphoretic, anti-catarrhal, pectoral, anti-inflammatory, antiviral Berries - diaphoretic, diuretic, laxative, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, tonic

Combinations: Elderberry can be combined with Peppermint, Yarrow or Hyssop for colds and fever. Elderberry can be combined with Boneset for influenza. Elderberry can be combined with Golden Rod for catarrhal states.

SAFETY AND SIDE EFFECTS:

* Elderberry (Elder) should not be used during pregnancy.

* Uncooked Elderberries can cause nausea and vomiting.

* Elderberry juice in large dosages can cause uncontrollable diarrhea.

* The stems of the Elderberry plant should be avoided. They are toxic because of their cyanide content.

Elderberry Herbal Bath:

The essence of the Elderberry plant is not extracted, but it exhibit’s a musky-foxy scent that will help to ease congestion from the head, ears, and chest.

For a relaxing evening bath:Infuse 5 fresh Elder flower heads or 3 Elderflower teabags in 11/4-2 cups of whole milk for a few hours, then add the milk to a drawn bath. The flower heads will look beautiful flowing in the water. Elderflower teabags are also good for refreshing tired eyes.

Back to Herb Index From Elderberry Tree