You have surely heard of elderberry bark and its anti-cellulite effects. Elderflowers and berries help stimulate the immune system and prevent infections. So what are the real benefits of black elderberry?
IDENTITY SHEET
Common name: Black elderberry
Scientific name: Sambucus nigra
Botanical family: Caprifoliaceae
Parts used: flowers, berries, leaves, bark
Indications: blood circulation, viral diseases, flu, cough, rhinopharyngitis, rheumatism
Preparation: infusion, decoction, juice
List A of medicinal plants in the French pharmacopoeia
THE black elderberry is a tree found in Europe, western Asia and Africa, except in mountainous regions. Its berries have been used in herbal medicine since ancient times for their therapeutic virtues.
Rich in anthocyanins, elderberry has an antioxidant effect and promotes good blood circulation. Its white, 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 his property depurativeelderberry fruit 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.
Made up of 79% water, elderberry is an excellent fruit diuretic. There is an energy value of approximately 73 calories per 100 g of elderberries.
A berry full of health benefits
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. It is not surprising to note 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 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 fight coughs.
- 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 benefit from 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.
As a herbal tea, two teaspoons of dried elderberry flowers and berries are infused in hot water. In decoction, water is brought to the boil with berries, leaves and bark. After filtration, you can consume up to three cups daily.
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Elderberries are available in herbalists, pharmacies or drugstores. It is recommended to to 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 suffering from 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 noted in the event of overconsumption. The benefits of elderberry should be enjoyed in moderation. Indeed, berries consumed raw in large quantities can cause nausea and vomiting. They can sometimes be toxic, a source of stomach paindizziness and convulsions due to their sambunigrin content.
As a precaution for use, it is necessary avoid associating elderberry to other treatments without doctor’s advice, because it is possible that its effects are added to those of plants or supplements with anti-inflammatory, decongestant or diuretic properties.
Read also:
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Elderberry cough syrup
Prepare this anti-cough and anti-flu syrup to enjoy the benefits of black elderberry and its fresh berries.
Ingredients :
500 g fresh black elderberries
50 cl of water
500 g of sugar (or honey)
15 g of citric acid (from a pharmacy, for better conservation)
Preparation :
- Bring the water to a boil.
- Add the sugar and citric acid to the water, bring this mixture to a boil and keep at boiling temperature for 10 minutes.
- Add the elderberries with the stems, then boil for 4 minutes.
- Remove from heat, cover, wait at least 2 hours before filtering.
- Cook the syrup again then put in very hot bottles.
- Drink 15 ml or 1 tablespoon of this syrup 4 times a day in case of cough or flu or cold.
