Scientific name
Sambucus nigra
Family
Caprifoliaceae
Origin
Europe, western Asia
Used Parts
Drug consisting of flowers and leaves
Chemical constituents
- Flavonoids (sambucina);
- Fatty acids;
- Essential oil;
- saponins;
- triterpenes;
- mucilage;
- Polyphenols;
- glycosides;
- Resins;
- Dyes;
- Organic acids;
- Choline;
- alkaloids;
- Tannins.
Elderberry in Herbalist: Property of the Elderberry
Elderberry is a plant used in the phytotherapeutic field as a diaphoretic (for diseases affecting the respiratory system), anti-inflammatory and diuretic.
The most common forms in which it is administered are tisanes and infusions (flowers in diaphoretic infusions, eg from the Galenic Formulary of Pharmacopoeia, or fluid extract at a dose of 1 gram, three times a day).
Biological activity
The elderberry has diaphoretic properties, ie it is a plant that, once taken, is able to increase body sweating. It is precisely for this reason that its use has been officially approved for the treatment of colds, fever and respiratory tract diseases (such as coughs and bronchitis).
In fact, several studies have shown that elderberry flowers and leaves - used internally - are effective in decreasing the intensity and duration of colds and in reducing fever through increased sweating. Furthermore, studies conducted on animals have shown that the elder carries out its beneficial activity also through an increase in bronchial secretion.
The potential anti-inflammatory properties already attributed to it by folk medicine have also been investigated. Some in vitro research has shown that elderberry flower and leaf extracts are able to inhibit the secretion of cytokines and reduce the activity of interleukins and tumor necrosis factor, all substances involved in inflammatory processes and response immune.
Elder against colds and respiratory diseases
As mentioned, thanks to the marked diaphoretic properties possessed by the leaves and elder flowers, this plant can be effectively used to counteract the cold, fever and inflammation of the respiratory tract, such as bronchitis.
If the elderberry is taken as an infusion, it is usually recommended to soak 2-4 grams of the drug in about 150 ml of boiling water and leave it to infuse for at least five minutes.
The product thus prepared can be taken several times during the day, especially during the afternoon and evening.
Elderberry in folk medicine and homeopathy
The diaphoretic properties of the elder are well known also to the popular medicine that uses it, precisely, for the treatment of febrile states of different nature. Furthermore, elderberry is used by traditional medicine as a remedy against cough, laryngitis, influenza and even as a remedy against dyspnea. Elderberry is even sometimes used to increase milk production in breastfeeding mothers.
Externally, however, elderberry is used by folk medicine to counteract inflammation and swelling of the skin.
Elderberry is also widely used in the homeopathic field, where it is used as a remedy against inflammation of the respiratory tract (such as, for example, acute laryngitis and nasopharyngitis), against asthma, against viral infections of the respiratory tract and against the flu .
The dose of homeopathic remedy to be taken may vary from one individual to another and may be different depending on the homeopathic dilution used.
Elderberry syrup, properties and recipe to make it at home
Elderberry syrup - refreshing drink and natural syrup against fever
X Problems with video playback? Reload from YouTube Go to Video Page Go to Video Recipes Section Watch the video on youtubeContraindications
Avoid taking elderberry in case of hypersensitivity to one or more components.
Warnings
Elderberries can be used in culinary to prepare jams and juices. However, only ripe purple fruits can be used and, in any case, excessive consumption can give rise to intoxication.
Pharmacological Interactions
The use of elderberry may interfere with the concomitant administration of diuretics (since a sum of the effects may occur) and with the simultaneous intake of iron (since the tannins present in the plant could chelate this metal causing harmful consequences).
