|
Elder Flower
What is Elder Flower?
Elder flowers are mild astringents, substances used to constrict tissues, and
have a long history of use, dating back to the 5th century BC. Also known as
ederberry, Sambucus nigra and sambucus, elder flowers have been used
throughout history for treating various medical problems and are traditionally
used for their heat-clearing properties in acute stage of colds and flu.
The Elder Flower plant grows as a shrub or small tree and Elder flowers appear
in late spring. They have distinctive, creamy white, flat heads and small, star-shaped
flowers.
The leaves and flowers are a common ingredient in ointments and used for burns
and scalds, swelling, cuts and scrapes. The effects that elder flowers produce
on the body range from diaphoretic to induce perspiration and anti-inflammatory.
What are then benefits and uses of Elder flowers?
Elder flowers have many properties and their uses are not limited to one type
of problem. They are most known for their use in treating clod and fevers, however
they are used in many other ways to. The list below shows the main medical conditions
that Elder flowers can be used to help treat:
- Colds
- sore throats
- menstrual problems,
- ear pain
- sunburn
- headache
- leg ulcers
- nervousness
- burns
- snake bites
Also Elder flower tea makes for an excellent diuretic, as well a assisting
in feverish colds.
What is the right dosage of Elder flower to use?
Elder flower can take the form of capsule, extract or tea form. For Capsules
take 1 - 3 capsules a day, for extract the dosage recommended is 1-3 ml (approx
28-84 drops) 3 times a day and for tea the amount depends on the specific recipe
used.
What are the side effects of Elder flower?
There are no known side effects of Elder flower.
|
