For so many years, the elderflower is one plant that has been used for its amazing anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Some of the health benefits of the elderflower include its ability to treat allergies, sinus infections, common colds, the flu, stress, skin irritations, as well as other respiratory conditions. The elderflower is also used as a diuretic, supplement, and effective for alleviating some pollen allergies. As a supplement, elderflower also contains diuretic and laxative properties and is helpful in alleviating constipation as well.
With so many powerful health benefits, let’s take a closer look at what the elderflower can do for you.
Boosts the Immune System
In European countries, the elderflower is used as a preventative medication for seasons of long cold winters. This little plant is used to prepare remedies given to children ever before the cold sets in to help boost their immune systems and allow them to easily combat the common cold and coughs that come with the weather. Extracts from the flower are used to help the children to ward off the effects of the flu during those harsh winter periods, and is even administered to the elderly who are unable to fight off the effects of those health conditions on their own.
Lowers Cholesterol
According to some studies, cardiovascular diseases can be prevented and overall wellness improved with the use of elderflower juice. These studies suggest that drinking the elderflower in tea can significantly lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The elderflower contains quercetin that helps lower cholesterol levels which means less strain on the heart muscle as well as a reduction in the chances of experiencing a stroke or heart attack.
Fighting the Flu
Studies have shown that the extract from the elderflower is very effective at treating flu-like symptoms.
Relieves Oxidative Stress
The elderflower juice is high in vitamin C which can be very helpful for the health of the skin, blood vessels, tendons, and ligaments. This plant is a potent antioxidant that protects the body against oxidative stress. When the body is stressed, certain vital organs in the body become at risk. The elderflower can help to reduce the effects of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. The elderflower can strengthen the body and boost the immune system by cleansing it of toxins via the lymph glands. The plant acts as a detox of the body system and reduces the load of the liver.
Alleviates Allergies
Some people suffer allergies from flower and tree pollen which can affect the eyes and nose. Thankfully, elderflower can help to lower the symptoms linked with common allergies. The elderflower extract is effective at lessening symptoms connected to sinusitis and pollen allergies. The elderflower juice can reduce the chances of red eyes or a runny nose.
Rich in Flavonols and Bioflavonoids
The elderflower is very effective for the treatment of a range of health conditions. The plant is rich in both flavonols and bioflavonoids. Some of the flavonols include quercetin, anthocyanins, and isoquercitrin, which contain antiviral properties as well. The chlorogenic acid in the plant can help regulate blood glucose, reduce the symptoms of allergies, and ease bowel movement. The other health benefits are from erythrodiol and oleanolic acids, which contain analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties.
Improves Skin Conditions
The extract from this amazing flower can be used in the treatment of burns, skin rashes, or infections. The healing properties of the flower can also be used to fade freckles and to help to minimize the appearance of skin blemishes such as acne. Even more than skin creams, the elderflower extract can help to restore your skin.
Side Effects and Precautions
- Elderflower is safe for most people when taken in small amounts. There isn’t enough information to ascertain the safety of elderflower when used in medicinal quantities other than as an inclusion in the combination product. It can result in stomach upset and sometimes, allergic skin rash.
- Elderflower may be unsafe when used in excessive amounts. This is because some parts of the elderflower plant contain a cyanide-producing chemical which can lead to diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. However, cooking eliminates this chemical.
- There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking elderflower for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. So it is advisable to stay on the safe side and avoid the plant.
- Studies have shown that elderflower might lower blood sugar levels and so if ingested with diabetes medications; it might make blood sugar levels go too low. People who are diabetic and use elderflower should monitor their blood sugar levels carefully. It is important to consult your healthcare provider to know if the dose of diabetes medications you are taking needs to be reduced.
- Since elderflower might lower blood sugar levels, there is some concern that it might affect blood sugar level during and after surgery. It is then advisable to stop using elderflower at least 2 weeks before a surgery is carried out.
The Bottom Line
Elderflower is not just beneficial for culinary uses. The herb contains a diverse range of medicinal properties as well as anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and skin-repairing abilities. Elderflower can either be dried, soaked or cooked into a drink. To prepare elderflower tea, simply add little amounts of flowers in boiling water for a few minutes. This soothing tea, amongst other things, relieves the symptoms of the common cold.
In addition, elderflower supplements can be used alone or along with other herbs. The supplements of this incredible herb are available in tinctures, capsules, pills, concentrate, as dried, or in tea bags.
Although elderflower is typically considered to be safe for consumption, the roots, leaves, and twigs are often toxic and can result in the accumulation of poisonous cyanide in the body. It is important to remember that the herb is toxic when consumed raw, so should be cooked before being used. Also, though elderflowers are frequently consumed, they have very high contents of certain alkaloids and cyanidin glycosides that, if taken in excess, can result in problems such as nausea, vomiting, as well as diarrhea.
