Description
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Sambucus Nigra is indigenous to Europe, West Asia, North Africa and America. It has yellowish to creamy white flowers with corky, light brown to gray shrubs. The leaves are pinnate and the berries are purple.
New research from the Hebrew Medical School in Jerusalem confirms that patients treated with Elderberry extract show signs of improvement for cold and flu symptoms due to its anti-viral properties. The active ingredient in the Elderberry fruit is “anthocyanin”, which is an antioxidant. Parts used in this herb are the leaves, bark, flowers and fruit.
In folk medicine, Elderberry is called the “medicine chest of the common people” mainly due to its flu and cold fighting properties. The elderberry flowers are the part used internally for colds, influenza and other feverish symptoms, while the fruit of the herb is used for arthritis and other rheumatic type conditions. The bark of the plant is used for constipation and muscular pain symptoms.
Externally, elder is used as a gargle/ mouthwash, mouth sores, sore throat, laryngitis and for inflammation and swelling tissue such as boils and bruises. Commercial use of the elder flower is found in skin lotions, oils, and ointments. The leaves are used as a repellant spray after it is boiled and strained.
For culinary use elderberry flower is used in cordials, champagne and other drinks. The dried flower is used in teas. The fruit may be found in jams, jellies, pies, sauces, wines and ketchup.
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