You have surely heard of elderberry bark and its anti-cellulite effects. Elderberry flowers and berries, on the other hand, help stimulate the immune system and prevent infections. So what are the real benefits of black elderberry?
IDENTITY RECORD
Common name: Black elderberry
Scientific name : Sambucus nigra
Botanical family: Caprifoliaceae
Parts used: flowers, berries, leaves, bark
Indications: blood circulation, viral diseases, influenza, cough, nasopharyngitis, rheumatism
Preparation: infusion, decoction, juice
List A of medicinal plants from the French pharmacopoeia
the black elderberry is a tree found in Europe, West Asia and Africa, except in mountainous regions. Its berries have been used in herbal medicine since antiquity for their therapeutic virtues.
Rich in anthocyanins, elderberry has an antioxidant effect and promotes good blood circulation. Its white and fragrant flowers appear at the beginning of May, giving way, in July, to clusters of small black berries which mature towards the end of August.
Black elderberry and its fruit
Known for its property depurative, the elderberry cleanses and purifies the body by ridding the blood of impurities and toxins. It is therefore effective in combating the phenomenon of heavy legs which is due to poor blood circulation.
Consisting of 79% water, elderberry is an excellent fruit diuretic. There is an energy value of about 73 calories per 100 g of elderberries.
A berry full of health benefits
The elderberry is a fruit rich in vitamins and in bioactive compounds: vitamin C, vitamins A, vitamins B (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6), calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, potassium, amino acids, tannins, polyphenols (flavonoids and anthocyanosides) organic acids , glycosides and fibers. No wonder that the benefits of elderberry are legion …
- Elderberry fruit is rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, which block the harmful effects of free radicals and protect against premature aging.
- Elderberry helps improve heart health by reducing the cholesterol and blood triglyceride levels.
- Thanks to its quercetin content, it reduces the intensity of allergic reactions.
- She has an action anti-inflammatory which helps to fight against cough.
- She would have a protective effect against certain cancers thanks to its antioxidant effect.
- In syrup, elderberry would be effective in treatinginflammation bronchi and lungs.
How to take advantage of the benefits of black elderberry?
Elderberry can be administered orally in infusions, herbal teas, decoctions, juices, syrups, capsules, mother tinctures or candies. It can also be used externally in compresses or poultices.
In herbal tea, infuse two teaspoons of flowers and dried elderberries in hot water. In decoction, water is brought to a boil with berries, leaves and bark. After filtration, up to three cups can be consumed daily.
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Elderberries are available in herbalists, pharmacies or drugstores. It is recommended consult a doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.
Elderberry extracts are also found in some formulas of food supplements to improve blood circulation.
Contraindications and precautions for use
Elderberry is not recommended for people with diabetes because it causes problems with insulin treatment. It is also prohibited in cases of anemia or porphyria, a complex blood disease.
Side effects have been observed in case of overuse. The benefits of elderberry should be enjoyed in moderation. Indeed, berries eaten raw in large quantities can cause nausea and vomiting. They can sometimes be toxic, a source of gastric pain, dizziness and convulsions due to their sambunigrin content.
As a precaution of use, it is necessary avoid associating elderberry to other treatments without doctor’s advice, because its effects may be added to those of plants or supplements with anti-inflammatory, decongestant or diuretic properties.
Prepare a black elderberry syrup
The berries are cooked like a liquid jam with cane sugar. It is filtered and poured into small sterilized bottles like cans. And we have one or two drinks a day.
