The elderberry, scientific name Sambucus nigra , is a shrub species belonging to the genus Sambucus of the Adoxaceae family , being naturally distributed in Europe and North Africa and, currently, it is naturalized in several temperate and subtropical zones, including some regions of Brazil . It can measure from 2 to 4 meters and has small white flowers and a pleasant fragrance.
Also known as European elderberry, elderberry or black elderberry, it is a medicinal plant widely used in the treatment of colds or flu. The constitution of elderberry contains flavonoids, tannins, glycosides, essential oils, vitamin C and mucic acids.
Elderberries can be found for sale at some open markets, health food stores and compounding pharmacies.
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Elderberry Properties and Benefits
Elderberry contains healing, depurative, diuretic, laxative and sweating properties. Due to its properties, this plant brings the following benefits to our health:
- Fighting free radicals – According to studies carried out, elderberry has significant amounts of antioxidant substances, which help fight the harmful action of free radicals in the body. Free radicals are associated with aging and the onset of heart disease, cancer and stroke;
- Improved immune system – Because it is rich in vitamin C, elderberry can help strengthen the immune system;
- Anti-aging – Antioxidants and substances such as flavonoids and anthocyanins protect cells and can reduce cell degeneration, reducing the effects of aging, keeping the body young and healthy;
- Treatment for flu or colds – Elderberry is indicated to help in the treatment of flu, colds, fever, cough, rhinitis and allergic symptoms. But the benefits of the plant do not stop there: thanks to its properties, it also serves to treat wounds, abscesses, kidney problems, hemorrhoids, spasms, urinary lithiasis, nephritis, burns and rheumatism.
elderberry tea
The used parts of this plant are its flowers, leaves and the inner part of the stem. To enjoy the benefits provided by the elderberry, just prepare your tea. Check out the following recipe:
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon of dried elderflower flowers;
– 1 cup of water.
Preparation mode:
Add a tablespoon of dried elderflower flowers to a cup of boiling water and let it steep for 10 minutes. Strain and drink three cups of this tea a day.
elderberry to cough
In addition to elderberry tea that can be used to treat a variety of health conditions, there is also a homemade recipe specifically for treating coughs:
Ingredients:
– 1 kilo of elderberry berries;
– 1 kilo of sugar;
– 1 liter of boiling water.
Preparation method:
In a saucepan, boil the water and sugar for about 10 minutes. Add a kilo of elderberry berries and boil for 4 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, let stand for 2 hours, then sift. Cook again and place in bottles. Mix two scoops of this syrup into hot tea and drink it several times a day.
Side effects and contraindications
Elderberry side effects can include a variety of allergic reactions. Its fruits are toxic and should not be eaten. Elderberry is contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women. Remember that every remedy, including the natural one, should only be used under medical supervision.
