Uses: Internally, for colds, flu, cough and sore throat, fever, swelling, inflammation, respiratory problems including asthma and bronchitis, chronic sinusitis, detoxification, laxative, diaphoretic (brings on perspiration). Externally, for acne and skin disorders, bruises, sprains, cuts and abrasions.
Elderberry is a common shrub here in North America and has long been known for its medicinal properties to the Native Americans and early settlers. Years ago young boys would poke out the fibrous center of the stems to make tubes for whistles, pop guns and bean shooters. The Elderberry blooms in the summer when the days are long and then produce a berry that starts out light colored and turns deep purple or black as they ripen into the fall. The ripened berries are edible when cooked and so can be used in muffins, pancakes, syrups, jams and jellies.
NOTE: Do not eat Elder berries raw as they can make you sick. They contain hydrocyanic acid which is completely destroyed by ordinary cooking.
Elderberry has long been used to help fight infection and prevent colds. It is rich in calcium, potassium, phosphorus, vitamins A and C, both of which are known for their immune strengthening properties, and is also a good source of iron which is needed for the manufacture of enzymes and oxidants that destroy bacteria known to cause colds. Elderberry is a natural diuretic and helps to decrease swelling and eliminate toxins at the cellular level. It increases blood circulation and promotes perspiration. Because of these properties it is a good internal cleanser for detoxification of flu and colds. Elderberry has a particular affinity to the lungs, kidneys and liver. Its anti-infection properties are especially helpful for inner ear, respiratory, sinus and throat problems.
Viruses are primitive organisms that cannot replicate themselves. They need RNA from a living cell in order to reproduce. A flu virus invades a cell by puncturing the wall of the cell with little spikes called hemagglutinin. These spikes have an enzyme called neuraminidase that breaks down the cell wall. Two of Elderberry’s constituents have been found to actually prevent the influenza virus from breaking down the cell wall. It seems to disarm the spikes and inhibits the neuraminidase enzyme that allows the flu virus to enter a healthy cell.
Research has shown that Elderberry can decrease the recovery time of the flu by 2-3 days. Additional research has shown that Elderberry is effective against 8 strains of influenza while the flu vaccine is only effective against 2-3 strains and the flu vaccine is known to cause side effects in a significant percentage of those vaccinated. ¹
In A Modern Herbal, the author, Mrs. Maude Grieve, states that “in Kent (England) there are entire orchards of Elder trees cultivated solely for the sake of their fruit, which is brought regularly to market and sold for the purpose of making wine”. She continues by saying that this wine, “when taken hot with sugar, just before going to bed, is an old-fashioned and well established cure for the cold”.³ The seventeenth century herbalist John Evelyn called Elderberry a remedy “against all infirmities what-so-ever”.4
An Elder ointment can be made by steeping 8 oz. Elderberry leaves, 4 oz. Plantain leaves, 4 oz. St John’s Wort, 4 oz. Wormwood in 1 liter of good extra virgin olive oil. Simmer slowly on a low burner, stirring frequently, until the leafy material becomes crisp. Strain and press out the oil Return to low heat and add 4 ½ oz. shredded beeswax. Stir until melted. Stir in 60 drops of tincture of benzoin and an essential oil of your choice (Tea tree or lavender would add additional anti-bacterial, antifungal, antiseptic properties). Pour into small jars and allow to cool. Cap and share! This ointment can be used for burns, cuts, scratches and abrasions.2, 5
Elderberry tea is an excellent way to get the immune strengthening properties. Add honey if desired.
An eye wash for conjunctivitis and eye inflammation can be made by adding 20 drops of Elderberry extract to ½ cup of distilled water.4
Elderberry flowers are a time tested safe remedy that can be used daily and long term through the winter months to help in the prevention of colds and flu and for general immune strengthening. The doses of Elderberry flowers is not critical and can be used liberally to “get the job done”. Other parts of the plant such as the bark and berries should be used in conservative amounts to gauge the body’s response. For the flu, Elderberry Extract can be taken every hour if needed.
Elderberry can be purchased loose and in bulk, as a tea, extract, syrup, in a chewable supplement for children, or powdered in capsules.
¹Herb Allure Resource Toolkit, Elderberry Defense
²Planetary Herbology, by Michael Tierra, CA, ND
³A Modern Herbal, by Mrs. M. Grieve, Vol. 1, pg. 268
4 Herbal Extracts, by A. B. Howard, pg. 125
5 Practical Herbalism, by Philip Fritchey
Renee Wiest M.H., CNHP Good Health Herbs 4948 Millridge Pkwy. E. Midlothian, VA 23112 804-864-5000
It is not the intent of this website to give medical advice, diagnose or prescribe. All information given here is for nutritional and educational purposes, to help you make healthy lifestyle choices. All information about food supplements, vitamins and herbs are offered as a guide to general good health.
