Elderflowers: what do they care for and how to use them?

 

1/9 - An elderberry herbal tea against colds.

The effectiveness of black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) in relieving cold symptoms is officially recognized by the WHO and the EMA. At the first signs of respiratory infection (cough, moderate fever...) an elderberry infusion is prepared by letting 1 t.c. Of dried flowers, brew in 1 cup of hot water for 6 minutes. We drink up to 5 cups a day until improved.

2/9 - An infusion of elderberry against fever.

Measles, scarlet fever, flu... For all diseases that cause fever (moderate or not), black elderberry can help. A febrifuge infusion is prepared by allowing 1 t.s. Of dried flowers to brew in 250 ml of boiling hot water for 6 to 8 minutes. We drink up to 5 cups a day until improved.

3/9 - An elderberry foot bath against gout.

Traditionally used against rheumatism, elderberry can help in case of a gout attack. Put 1 handful of black elderberry flowers and 1 handful of heather flowers in 3 L of water: bring to a boil and let it shiver for 8 minutes. Out of the heat, let it brew for another 5 minutes before filtering. Dip your feet in this decoction every night until improved.

4/9 - An elderberry oil against cold sores.

According to several recent scientific studies, black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) also has antiviral properties: it has certain effectiveness against the Herpes Simplex 1 virus (HSV-1) which causes 'cold sores'. To make a cold sore disappear more quickly, we prepare an elderberry solarised oil: we let macerate (for 21 days and in the sun) a beautiful handful of fresh flowers in a mixture composed of 80 ml of sunflower oil and 20 ml of hazelnut oil. It is applied to the button previously well cleaned 2 times a day until improved.

5/9 - An elderberry compress against eczema.

Thanks to their mucilages, black elderflowers are emollient and softening. In the case of eczema, an infusion of elderberry is first prepared, allowing 1 t.c. Of dried flowers to brew in 1 cup of hot water for 6 minutes. Then, the mixture is allowed to cool and a sterile compress is soaked in it, which is applied gently to the lesions, every day after showering.

6/9 - Elderberry is contraindicated for diabetes.

Warning: the consumption of black elderberry (flowers, bark, fruits ...) is contraindicated in the case of diabetes (type 1 or type 2). Indeed, as the Vidal encyclopedia explains, 'cases of imbalance in insulin treatment have been reported'.

7/9 - Elderberry may interact with certain medications.

According to the Vidal encyclopedia, 'black elderberry could theoretically increase the activity of diuretic drugs'. It is, therefore, better to avoid this therapeutic combination without prior medical advice.

8/9 - Elderberry can be responsible for digestive disorders.

On the side of the side effects of black elderberry (which are not systematic), we can mention mild digestive disorders – with nausea, moderate stomach aches, and possibly transient vomiting. Be careful, it is reminded: do not consume the leaves and peduncles of berries and flowers, which are toxic.

9/9 - Elderberry is contraindicated before 12 years.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) advises against the use of black elderberry (orally or locally) in children under twelve years of age. The plant is also contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation in the absence of medical advice. Note: during pregnancy, elderberry root is toxic to the embryo.