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    Home » Blog » Natural Remedies

    The Benefits of Elderberry

    Published: Nov 2, 2012 · Modified: Sep 30, 2019 by Tash · This post may contain affiliate links · 4 Comments

    The Benefits of Elderberry

    Elder is one of my absolute favorite herbal medicines not only because it's effective, but also because it tastes great! You can make a variety of preparations from the flowers and berries to help keep you well during cold and flu season including teas, jams, syrups, and elixirs. Elder's ability to prevent and treat up to 8 types of flu virus make it (IMHO) a medicine kit must have, so be sure to stock up before cold and flu season rolls in to begin your medicinal preparations. You can get the highest quality elderberries and flowers HERE. 

    Today I want to talk about the wonderful Elder tree and its many uses and benefits. Enjoy!

    Table of Contents

    • The Properties and Benefits of Elderberry
      • The Benefits of Elderberry

    The Properties and Benefits of Elderberry

    Botanical Name: Sambucus nigra

    Family: Caprifoliacea (Honeysuckle Family)

    Common name: American Elder, Common Elder, Black Elder, Bour Tree, and European Black Elder

    Parts Used: Flower and berry. The dried berries are less bitter tasting than the fresh berries.

    Flavor: Flower- bitter, acrid; Berry- sweet, bitter

    Energetics: Cool

    Affinity/ Systems affected: Lungs and liver

    Moisture: Dry

    Polarity: Yin

    The Benefits of Elderberry

    Properties/Constituents: Elder is commonly used in the first stages of a cold as it is highly antiviral. It also works well for nasal and chest congestion, even allergies like hayfever. (you can read more about treating allergies naturally here.)

    Elder protects against eight strains of flu virus as it prevents the virus from infecting healthy cells. Other benefits of elderberry include improved bacterial and viral infection in the upper respiratory system since Elder dries dampness. It may even improve strep throat and cold sores.

    Both flowers and berries encourage the body to release toxins through their diuretic and diaphoretic properties.

    The flowers of elder are used in salves as a treatment for burns, rashes, acne, wrinkles, and other skin ailments. You can also bruise the flowers and rub them on the skin to keep away mosquitos and other flying pests. A cold tea can be applied to garden plants to prevent aphid infestation.

    Combined with equal parts peppermint, yarrow, ginger, and licorice root, a powerful tea can be made to knock out a cold in no time. This tea should be steeped in boiling water in a covered container and consumed before getting in a hot bath. Crawl into bed with plenty of warm blankets. This will induce sweating that will break a fever.

    Physiological Effects

    The Flowers - Alterative, anti-catarral, anti-inflammatory anti-rheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, decongestant, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge, galactagogue, laxative, nervine, purgative, rejuvenative, restorative, gentle stimulant, tonic, vasodilator, and vulnerary.

    The Berries - Alterative, Anti-catarral, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, decongestant, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, laxative, nervine, rejuvenative, restorative, and tonic.

    Therapeutic Uses

    • Internal uses: The flowers are used internally for Colds, Flus, and especially fevers. They also reduce inflammation caused by influenza and soothe skin irritations. It is most often taken as a tasty syrup like this one.

    • External uses: For clearing the skin, improves eczema and psoriasis.

    • Aromatherapy/ Essential oil use: N/A

    Plant Preparations/Medicinal Uses: Teas, tinctures, encapsulations, syrups, wine, cordials, elixirs, and jams. Elder is often combined with bee propolis or Echinacea for extra immune-boosting effects. You can learn how I make an elderberry elixir here.

    Contraindications: Elder may not be suitable for people who suffer from auto-immune diseases as it boosts the immune system. It may also increase the negative effects of chemotherapy.

    Cooking/Edible Uses

    Berries - Used in jams, pies, cobblers, and syrups.

    Flowers - Jelly, Vinegar, and in baking.

    Precautions: The branches and leaves of Elder are poisonous. Small stems which are often left on the berry are safe to consume.

    Notes: In ancient times, the Celts believed that Elder was a sacred symbol of life and death. It was so sacred, that the tree could not be used as tinder or woodworking. It was worn as an amulet to encourage happiness, prosperity, and as a ward against evil. It is said that when you go to harvest Elder in the wild that you must first ask the Elder Mother for her blessing and permission to do so.

    You may also enjoy reading:

    How to Make an Elderberry Elixir
    Cold Bustin’ Elderberry Tea
    Natural Cold Remedies Part 1- The Healing Power of Elder
    The Properties of Thyme
    Natural Cold Remedies- Part 3- The Healing Power of Garlic
    Natural Cold Remedies Part 2- The Healing Power of Ginger
    Essential Oils for Boosting the Immune System and Fighting Cold and Flu

    The Benefits of Elderberry - Learn about this amazing immune stimulating herb that is effective against eight types of flu virus.

    This post contains affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Read my full disclosure and disclaimer.

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    Hi, I'm Tash!

    I believe with natural remedies, you can take control of your health and feel your best.

    As a certified herbalist and aromatherapist, I can give you the practical guidance you need to take confident steps toward using natural remedies. Read More…

    Reader Interactions

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    1. Anna says

      October 15, 2018 at 10:38 pm

      I made elderberry tea with dried organic berries that I got at the local store. I then put it in my diffuser. I’m hoping it will act as an antiviral and cleans the air, as well as help my lungs. Is this dangerous or is this brilliant? What are your thoughts?

      Reply
      • Tash says

        October 16, 2018 at 10:08 am

        Hi Anna!

        I'm wondering if the elderberry is going to gum-up your diffuser. I think it is definitely best used internally 🙂

        Reply
    2. Sara Somaiya says

      February 09, 2017 at 10:13 am

      Nice post

      Reply
      • Tash says

        February 09, 2017 at 10:52 am

        Thanks Sara!

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Tash

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    As a certified herbalist and aromatherapist, I can give you the practical guidance you need to take confident steps toward using natural remedies.

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