Elderflower

Overview

Elderflower is the flower of a tree. An extract of the flower is used to make medicine.

Elderflower is used for swollen sinuses (sinusitis), colds, influenza (flu), swine flu, bronchitis, diabetes, and constipation. It is also used to increase urine production (as a diuretic), to increase sweating (as a diaphoretic), and to stop bleeding.

Elderflower is also used as a gargle and mouthwash for coughs, colds, hoarseness (laryngitis), flu, and shortness of breath. It is used on the skin for joint pain (rheumatism), and pain and swelling (inflammation).

Some people put elderflower in the eyes for red eyes.

In combination with gentian root, verbena, cowslip flower, and sorrel, elderflower is used for maintaining healthy sinuses and treating sinusitis.

In foods and beverages, elderflower is used as a flavoring component.

In manufacturing, elderflower extracts are used in perfumes. Elderflower water is used in eye and skin lotions.

Classification

Is a Form of:

Flower

Primary Functions:

Swollen sinuses, cold, influenza

Also Known As:

Arbre de Judas, Black-Berried Alder, Black Elder, Boor Tree, Bountry

How Does It Work?

Elderflower might work like insulin to lower blood sugar.

Uses

  • Constipation. Drinking a tea containing elderflower, senna flower, fennel fruit, and green anise fruit seems to improve symptoms and increase the chance of having a bowel movement in people who are constipated.
  • Nasal swelling (sinusitis). Taking a specific combination product containing elderflower, gentian root, verbena, cowslip flower, and sorrel (SinuComp, Sinupret) seems to help treat inflamed nasal passages.

Recommended Dosing

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

BY MOUTH:

  • For new (acute) or ongoing (chronic) sinus swelling (sinusitis): a specific combination product (SinuComp, Sinupret) containing 36 mg of elderflower plus 12 mg of gentian root, and 36 mg each of sorrel, verbena, and cowslip flower three times daily.

Elderflower Supplements Frequently Asked Questions

Does elderflower have any health benefits?

Elderflower is used for swollen sinuses (sinusitis), colds, influenza (flu), swine flu, bronchitis, diabetes, and constipation. It is also used to increase urine production (as a diuretic), to increase sweating (as a diaphoretic), and to stop bleeding.

Is elderflower the same as elderberry?

The Elderberry is a small bush, peppered with delicate white flowers (i.e. elderflower) that flourishes widely in countries such as the United Kingdom and France, spreading in hedgerows across many of its fields. Elderflower on the other hand, is as one might expect, more floral and lighter to taste.

Is elderflower good for immune system?

Elderflowers have traditionally been used for their immune-stimulating and antiviral properties. The herbs in this formula promote circulation and respiratory function, and encourage the body's natural immune response. Elderflower are the flowers of the elder, or elderberry plant.

Can elderflower make you sick?

Elderflower is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when used in excessive amounts. Some parts of the elderflower plant contain a cyanide-producing chemical which can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Cooking removes this chemical.

Is elderflower a laxative?

As a supplement, elderflower also has diuretic and laxative properties, and is helpful in relieving constipation. Topically, elderflower might reduce pain and swelling in joints caused by some forms of arthritis. It can be used, for its antiseptic properties, as a mouthwash and gargle.

Which part of elderflower is poisonous?

The flowers and berries are the only edible part of the plant. They are mildly toxic and have an unpleasant taste when raw. Cooking destroys the toxic chemicals. Elderflowers are ready around late May to mid-June.

What does elderflower smell like?

One of the most distinctive things about elderflowers is the smell: floral, creamy and 'Summery'. Quite often you can smell the scent as you get closer towards the plants. Elderflowers should not smell like wee, musty or damp. If they do, find fresher smelling blooms.

What does elderflower taste like?

It tastes light and floral.

Elderflowers can be "floral and fragrant, subtle yet heady," the Independent describes. Chef Jamie Oliver describes their scent as "distinctly musky and sweet." But not all elderflowers taste the same.

Do elderberry supplements work?

It's not clear. Proponents believe elderberry-based teas, lozenges and supplements provide needed antioxidants that boost the body's natural immune response. A few studies suggest that elderberry may help reduce the duration and severity of cold and flu.

How do you make elderflower tea?

To make elderflower tea, put 1 tablespoon dried elderflowers in a cup and fill up with boiling water. Let steep for 7 to 10 minutes. Strain and sweeten with honey to taste.

How do you eat elderflower?

Elderflower cordial and other infusions

You can drink it chilled, diluted with water or add a drop to dry white wine. Add to fruity, creamy desserts with gooseberries, raspberries, rhubarb or peaches.

Is elderflower good for your stomach?

As a supplement, elderflower also has diuretic and laxative properties, and is helpful in relieving constipation. Topically, elderflower might reduce pain and swelling in joints caused by some forms of arthritis. It can be used, for its antiseptic properties, as a mouthwash and gargle.

How many calories are in a glass of elderflower cordial?

There are around 30 calories in a glass of elderflower cordial.

What do you use elderflower for?

Elderflower desserts

Elderflower is delicious mixed into cakes, tarts, trifles and jams. It pairs particularly well with tart fruits such as rhubarb and gooseberries. From casual nibbles to celebratory showstoppers, we have a whole host of fantastic floral recipes.

Is elderflower poisonous to dogs?

Elderberries (Sambucus nigra)

The ripe black berries themselves are very nutritious and safe for your dog, but be aware that the leaves, stems, unripe fruit and the root are all poisonous to both dogs and humans as they contain cyanide, albeit in very small quantities.

Can you eat elderflower raw?

The flowers and berries are the only edible part of the plant. They are mildly toxic and have an unpleasant taste when raw. Cooking destroys the toxic chemicals. Elderflowers are ready around late May to mid-June.

What elderflower looks like?

Elderberry leaves branch off exactly opposite each other. Hemlock leaves branch off the stem in an alternating pattern. Leaves are triangular and lacy, and if you crush them, they smell bad. The flowers are small and white like elderflowers, but the clusters are more widely spaced.

How big do elderflower trees grow?

Elder has creamy-coloured, highly scented flowers. Its leaves are pinnate with 5–7 oval leaflets. Mature trees can grow to around 15m in height.

Where can I find wild elderflower?

Elderflowers come from the elder tree that generally grows as a shrub or small tree. It's abundant throughout the UK, in woods and along roadside hedgerows. From late May you'll see masses of tiny white flowers hanging in sprays which develop into purple elderberries later in the summer.

What is elderflower made from?

Elderflower cordial is a soft drink made largely from a refined sugar and water solution and uses the flowers of the European elder (Sambucus nigra L.).

Should you wash elderflower?

Do not wash the elderflowers before doing this! (This is why I told you earlier that exhaust-free flowers are essential.) If there are any bugs, try to pick them off before doing your snipping. Discard the flower stalks.

Clinical Studies

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