Elderberry flowers are used to treat colds and febrile infections. For example, taking the flowers is suitable when suffering from a dry cough, sore throat or inflammation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. Due to the diaphoretic effect of elderberry, the shrub can be used for a sweating cure to strengthen the general physical condition and improve the symptoms of a cold.
Folk medicine use of elderberry
In ancient times, people used the black elderberries to dye their hair black and as a remedy. The Greek physician Dioscorides knew the flowers as a diuretic, phlegm and bile purgative.
In modern folk medicine, elderberry is also used for sweating cures and in the form of gargles for the treatment of colds. Other, but not scientifically proven, applications are rheumatism, gout, skin diseases and nerve pain.
In homeopathy, mainly the fresh inflorescences and leaves are used for the treatment of respiratory diseases.
Ingredients of elderflower
Elderberry flowers contain up to 3.5% flavonoids, the most important of which is rutin. Furthermore, elderberry contains essential oil with a relatively high content of free fatty acids, chlorogenic acid, triterpenes, tannins and mucilage. The flowers also have a high content (4-9%) of potassium salts.
Indications for which elderflower can help.
Elder flowers can be used for these indications:
- Cold / cold sickness
- Infection
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Inflammation of the respiratory tract
