The flowers of Sambucus species are
diaphoretic and used to treat colds and flu, as well as stimulate secretions of
all types. By promoting fluid
secretions, it helps to clear tissues of oedema and unhealthy depositions
characterized by a watery or flabby appearance. The berries and flowers are high in flavonoids and exhibit
antibiotic, antiviral and antibacterial properties.
Elder flowers
have a proven capacity to minimize and shorten the effects of colds and flu.
Even so, the exact mechanism by which this achieved is unclear, since
there are a number of bioactive ingredients in the herb.
The German Commission E recommends Elder flowers for the treatment of
cold symptoms.
The leaves,
taken internally, are emetic, but a salve made from them was once very popular
as a cooling salve for external use on wounds, swellings and inflammations.
The bark is a
diuretic and liver stimulant. It was formerly used to treat epilepsy.
CAUTION: The
fresh berries of S. racemosa are mildly toxic and can cause nausea. First
Nations Peoples ate the cooked berries regularly with no ill effects.
The berries contain a cyanogenetic glycoside and an alkaloid that can
cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and gastrointestinal pain.
Cooking apparently renders
these harmless.
OTHER
USES: The
berries of Blue Elder are delicious eaten fresh. Blue Elder berries are sweeter, but all species make
fine preserves. Jams, jellies, juices and wines are the most popular methods.
Every part of the plant is usable for dying, with each part (also
depending on the mordant) producing different colours.
