Due to their diuretic and detoxifying properties, people eat elderberries to lose weight. The flowers have been used in cosmetics since ancient times. Distilled elder flower water softens, tone and restores the skin. Elder flower infusion cleanses the skin, lightens freckles, and soothes sunburn. Its Bioflavinoids promote circulation and strengthen the capillaries.
In 1899, an American sailor accidentally discovered that cheap port wine, which is colored with elderberries, relieved his arthritis. Other port wines didn't work. I don't recommend drinking alcohol, which causes more problems than it helps, but this result indicates elderberries' possible anti-arthritic properties. Another use for the wine goes back to the movie: "Arsenic and Old Lace." Two old ladies laced it with arsenic to put lonely old men out of their misery!
An infusion or tincture is astringent, expectorant and diaphoretic, great mixed with yarrow and peppermint for colds, flu, and asthma. Herbalists also use it to soothe children's upset stomachs and relieve gas. It's even applied externally for swelling, rashes, and chilblains (frostbite-like trauma to wet skin), and as an eyewash for conjunctivitis and eye inflammation. You can even steep the flowers in oil to make a soothing massage lotion that relaxes sore muscles, and also soothes burns and rashes. Like the flowers, elderberry infusion is astringent and diaphoretic-good for colds, excessive mucus, and sore throat. You can also boil them in vinegar to make a black hair dye.
Medicinally all parts of the Tree (actually considered a type of small bush) were used, the berries, the flowers, the leaves and even the bark. _(SEE CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS BELOW)_ The Elder has been termed the Medicine Chest of the Country People with uses for such ailments as epilepsy, asthma (as an expectorant) and other pulmonary uses, inflammation of the eyes and general nasal stuffiness. An ointment made from elder is used for sprains, bruises and the like. A distillation of Elder is used in clearing up complexions and ridding of the effects of sunburn and even freckles! The flowers and berries are also used to make wine and teas and even vinegars with many healthful benefits. Culpepper writes that the noble Elder was even used as a hair colouring agent.
Elderberry has been shown to be very effective against at least eight strains of flu virus. It contains Sambucus nigra agglutinins (SNAs), which help prevent some types of flu from infecting healthy cells. Elderberry is one of the most effective herbs for preventing and treating upper respiratory infections. Studies have shown that elderberry reduces excessive sinus mucus secretion, and some studies also suggest that elderberry can help lessen swelling of mucous membranes, improve sinus drainage, and decreased nasal congestion in those with bacterial sinusitis. Elderberry works as a simple cleanser and as an antioxidant. It is also a diaphoretic, diuretic, and hepatic. It is anti-inflammatory, anti-catarrhal, and acts as a mild laxative. This gentle herb is used for bronchitis, catarrh, common cold symptoms including coughs and sore throats, fevers, influenza, neuralgia, rheumatism, sciatica, and skin disorders.
Gardeners used to sprinkle foul smelling bruised elder leaves around tender plants and buds to prevent attack by aphids and caterpillars, often adding a sprig in their hat band to ward off midges. I've tried this while camping and it really does work!
CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS:
Many older herb books recommend using elderberry leaves, roots, or bark medicinally, probably because Indian herbal experts used them. This doesn't guarantee safety: NEVER USE THESE PARTS OF THE ELDERBERRY. They're poisonous. They contain a bitter alkaloid and glycoside that may change into cyanide. Children have been poisoned using elderberry twig peashooters, and adults have been poisoned using hollowed twigs to tap maple trees.
The flowers of the elderberry tree are regarded as safe. Side effects are rare and consist primarily of occasional mild gastrointestinal distress or allergic reactions. Nonetheless, safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established.
Avoid unripe, green berries - they'll get you sick. Even raw ripe elderberries make some people nauseous Cooking or drying dispels the offending substance, and greatly improves the flavor.
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