Health Benefits of Elderflower
Elderflower comes from the potentially toxic Elder plant (Sambucus), which is a genus of flowering plants in the family Adoxaceae. It is often overlooked for its medicinal benefits and is most frequently used for its flavoring properties and in making various foods and beverages. Both the flowers and berries in the Elder plant can be used when properly prepared, but all leaves, sticks, and roots should be avoided.
Elderflower has been used in traditional medicine all over the world in many different cultures due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. The most common uses are for colds and flu, sinus infections, and other respiratory disturbances. As a supplement, elderflower also has diuretic and laxative properties and is helpful in relieving occasional constipation. Elderflower has antibacterial and antiviral properties and may also help alleviate some allergies and boost the functioning of the immune system. Topically, elderflower might help reduce pain and swelling in joints due to some forms of arthritis and is used to stop bleeding. As an oral rinse, elderflower can be used for its antiseptic properties as a mouthwash and gargle. Elderflower also reduces blood sugar levels, very similar to the way insulin works.
Elderflower against MRSA
Research in Ireland showed that elderflower extract was effective in killing many common hospital pathogens, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)1. This study gave scientific proof of elderflower’s antibacterial properties against most gram negative and gram positive bacteria tested that align with traditional medicine uses of the past. Further study of elderflower components showed the potential for antiviral and anti-inflammatory benefits as well.
Active Ingredients in Elderflower
Elderflower is rich in bioflavonoids, mostly flavones and flavonols, that are most commonly known for their antioxidant. anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. The most abundant flavonols in elderflower are quercetin, isoquercitrin and anthocyanins, which have antiviral properties as well. Elderflower also contains chlorogenic acids, such as cinnamic acid, which may help with allergies, regulate blood glucose levels and have a laxative effect on the body. Triterpenoids, especially β-amyrin, erythrodiol, and oleanolic acid, are also found in elderflower. These triterpenoids offer a variety of health benefits including analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects.
Elderflower Supplements
Elderflower supplements are available alone or in combination with other herbs. Supplements can be found as dried and cut flowers, in tea bags, in tinctures and concentrates, and in pills and capsules.
References:
Hearst, Caroline, et. al. Antibacterial activity of elder (Sambucus nigra L.) flower or berry against hospital pathogens. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research 2010; 4(17): 1805–1809.
Health Benefits of Elderberries
Some of the most important health benefits of elderberries include their ability to boost immune system function, protect against bacteria and infection, slow down the spread of cancer, moderate the digestive process, prevent the development of diabetes, reduce the pain and speed associated with autoimmune diseases, help with weight loss, lower blood pressure, and alleviate allergies.
Elderberries are the fruit from the flowering plant known as Sambucus,more commonly referred to as elder or elderflower. The full scientific name of the most common variant, from which we get the majority of our elderberries, is Sambucus nigra. Elderberries are packed with beneficial nutrients, so they have been a part of traditional medicine for hundreds of years, and some of the health benefits have even made it into the mainstream. The recent popularity of elderberries can largely be attributed to the discovery of its many health benefits, which are explained below!
Digestive Health
Although most fruits and vegetables can help you hit your fiber goals for the day, few fruits can boast more than 40% of your daily requirements for fiber in a single serving. Elderberries are packed with dietary fiber that can help eliminate constipation, reduce excess gas, and generally increase the health of your gastrointestinal system. Fiber can also help to increase the nutrient uptake efficiency in your gut so you get more out of your food!
Cardiovascular Protection
It seems that heart health and fruits and vegetables go hand in hand, and with good reason. The high fiber levels help to eliminate excess cholesterol from the system and make room for “good” cholesterol that the body needs. This can help eliminate the chances of developing atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular issues. The high levels of potassium in elderberries also protects the heart by relaxing the tension of blood vessels and arteries. As a vasodilator, potassium can significantly reduce blood pressure and keep your heart healthy!
Respiratory Health
When it comes to clearing up a sore throat, a cough, cold, bronchitis, or any other issue that affects your respiratory system, elderberry juice might be your best choice. Like many cough syrups, elderberries contain active ingredients (bioflavanoids like anthocyanins, to be exact) that can soothe inflammation and irritation and also act as an expectorant and clear out phlegm that can trap foreign agents in your glands. Elderberry juice is even recommended for people with asthma.
Immune System Health
It seems like people love to discuss elderberries in relation to its effects on the immune system. It does have certain antibacterial and anti-infectious qualities, and it is very commonly used to ward off influenza during bad seasons where it seems that everyone is catching it. Furthermore, elderberries can strengthen the immune system against itself, protecting against the effects of autoimmune disorders, even alleviating certain symptoms and associated pain of AIDS.
Diabetes Aid
Some of the active antioxidant ingredients in elderberries work directly on the pancreas to regulate insulin and glucose levels, either providing stability for people who suffer from diabetes or helping non-diabetics to avoid developing this terrible condition.
Bone Health and Inflammation
While the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds found in elderberries can help alleviate joint pain and soreness from inflammation, the high levels of essential minerals will help promote bone strength and the development of new bone tissue. Osteoporosis is a condition that millions of people face in the future but increasing bone density during your younger decades can delay the onset considerably.
Skin Health
Elderberry makes its way into a lot of cosmetic applications, primarily because the bioflavonoids in elderberries plays a very important role for the skin. The antioxidant activity, combined with its significant levels of vitamin A, make elderberries perfect for preventing or lessening wrinkles, helping age spots to fade, and generally improving the glow and tone of your body’s largest and most visible organ!
Weight Loss Booster
Consider the high level of dietary fiber, combined with the metabolism-speeding effects of a solid vitamin and mineral injection, elderberries are great weight loss aids. The fiber keeps you feeling full, the low calorie count doesn’t affect your intake too much, but you also get dozens of other health benefits as well!
Nutritional Value of Elderberries
Elderberries pack a very nutritious punch, including minerals like iron, potassium, phosphorous, and copper, as well as vitamins, such as vitamin A, vitamin B, and vitamin C, proteins, and dietary fiber. Add some of the beneficial organic compounds that function as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents in the body and you have one powerful berry!