This large shrubby tree with feather-like leaves bears tiny scented cream flowers in flat bunches in early summer. It is native to Europe and thrives in woods and hedges and on wasteland. Its purple berries ripen in late autumn. The name elder comes from the Anglo Saxon word ‘aeld’ meaning fire as its hollowed stems were once used to get fires going.

Elder has been used medicinally since the days of ancient Rome when Hippocrates recommended it to encourage vomiting and purging. And many medieval herbals cite it as ‘nature’s cure-all’. Elder roots were used as a diuretic while the leaves were used to make ointments for treating bruises, sprains and wounds, as well as a tea, which became a traditional cure for coughs, colds and inflammation of the mucous membranes.

A tea made from the flowers was also considered a spring tonic good for purifying the blood. These days the flowers rather than the root are used in herbal medicine

The elder plant is from the genus Sambucus with more than 2 dozen identified species around the world. Identification of species and common names often refers to the region in which these plants or found or the color of their berries. A few elder species include: Sambucus nigra - Black Elder Sambucus mexicana - Mexican Elder Sambucus racemosa - European Red Elder Sambucus australasica - Yellow Elder Sambucus adnata - Asian Dwarf Elder

Different species of elder have berries that vary in colour from black or bluish black to red and even yellow or white. The elderflower is white to pale cream in colour. Although the elder plant is found in areas all over the world, its presence is most commonly seen in the northern hemisphere, with at least 10 identified species found in North America.

Health benefits

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 quercitin, 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 oleanoic acid, are also found in elderflower. These triterpenoids offer a variety of health benefits including analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects.
Research in Ireland showed that elderflower extract was effective in killing many common hospital pathogens, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). 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.

For colds and flu elderflower has antiviral and immune- boosting properties and can be made into an infusion for treating colds, flu and feverish symptoms. It is often combined with yarrow.

For hay fever elderflower is thought to strengthen the mucus membranes of the respiratory tract, increasing resistance to allergens. Drinking elderflower tea in early spring can help reduce symptoms of hay fever later in the year.

For catarrh elderflower is often used to treat chronic catarrh problems affecting the sinus and middle ear.

Other uses elderflower tea is often recommended for soothing aches and pains, while a cold elderflower infusion can be used as a wash for sore and inflamed eyes.

The elderflower is a plant that has been used for over four thousand years in different cultures due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Some of the most common health benefits of the elderflower is that it treats sinus infections, the flu, common colds, skin irritations, stress, allergies, and other respiratory disturbances. The elderflower has been used as a supplement, diuretic, and can even alleviate certain pollen allergies. With so many benefits to your health, here are just some of the reasons you should have this little plant close by in your home.

Lowering Your Cholesterol – By now you know that in order to live a long and healthy life, you have to be taking good care of your heart. According to the American Heart Institute, heart disease is preventable, and you can use the elderflower juice to help in your efforts to improving your overall wellness. Studies have revealed that after only two weeks of drinking the elderflower in tea, young adults experienced lowered triglyceride and cholesterol levels. The flower contains quercetin, and have been found in test tube studies to be effective at reducing cholesterol levels. Lower cholesterol levels means less strain on the heart muscle and could reduce your chances of experiencing a stroke or a deadly heart attack.

The Fight Against MSRA – In research conducted in Ireland, the extract from the elderflower was found to kill many of the dangerous hospital pathogens. One disease in particular is the MSRA, medically known as methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus. The study went on to show that the elderflower has antibacterial properties against both gram positive and gram negative bacteria. The results aligned with those from results of traditional medicine to treat the same bacteria at a fraction of the cost.

Fighting the Flu – Many people today are hesitant to get their flu shots because they have concerns about the toxins that are being pumped directly into the body to fight off that bug. In a study that was released by the Online Journal of Pharmacology and PharmacoKinetics, they found that the extract from the elderflower is extremely effective at treating flu-like symptoms. Patients who experienced the same flu-like symptoms were given either a placebo or four doses of the elderflower extract. After only a few days, 28 percent of those who took the elderflower extract no longer had the symptoms of the flu and 60 percent had fewer symptoms than when the test was begun. What was quite revealing was that none of the patients who took the placebo had experienced any improvement in their flu-like symptoms during the exact time frame.

The Power in the Flower – If you want to know why the elderflower has been so effective treating a variety of illnesses, you need to know what makes up this amazing plant. The plant is rich in both flavonols and bioflavonoids. Some of the flavonols range from quercetin, anthocyanins, and isoquercitrin, each having antiviral properties too. The chlorogenic acid in the plant can help reduce allergy symptoms, loosen stool, and regulate blood glucose levels. Other health benefits from the erythrodiol and oleanolic acids, they have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-cancer properties.

Fighting Oxidative Stress – The elderflower juice is rich in vitamin C, and this can be very helpful for the health of your tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, and skin. This plant is a powerful antioxidant, helpful for protecting the body from oxidative stress. When the body is under a constant attack from stress, many of the vital organs in the body are at risk. The elderflower can help to lessen the effects of chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. One of the ways this plant can strength your body is to build up the immune system by cleansing any toxins through the lymph glands, working like a traditional detoxification of the system. This lessens the load of the liver that is responsible for cleaning the system.

Strengthening Immune System – One of the ways the elderflower has been used in European countries is as a preventative medication for when the long cold winters set in. The elderflower is given to children before the cold arrives to help strengthen their immune systems and allow them to easily fight off the common cold and coughs that accompany winter. The flower extract helps the children to fight off the effects of even influenza during those harsh winter months, and is even given to the elderly who do not have the ability to fight off the effects of those illnesses on their own.

Helping Alleviate Allergies – Flower and tree pollen can wreak havoc on the eyes and noses of those who have allergies each year. In a surprising twist, this flower actually can help to lessen the symptoms associated with common allergies. The elderflower extract has been effective at reducing symptoms associated with sinusitis and pollen allergies. Rather than popping a pill at the first sign or red eyes or a runny nose, you can drink the juice each morning during allergy season and enjoy your day without those uncomfortable symptoms.

Improving Skin Conditions – With all health benefits of elderflower juice for the inside of the body, now we focus on how this plant can help heal the skin. The extract from this unique flower has been used to treat skin rashes, burns, or infections. The healing properties of the flower can also be used to fade freckles and to help to reduce the appearance of skin blemishes like acne. Rather than sink serious money into skin creams that are packed with toxic ingredients, you can restore your skin with this all-natural plant at a fraction of the price