Elderberry tree is a plant with powerful therapeutic effects that can prevent and treat a huge number of illnesses. Elder flowers and fruit are used to treat herpes simplex, rheumatism, respiratory inflammations, and to reduce all inflammations and to soothe irritation. At the same time, elderberry tea has a diuretic effect and is very efficient in detoxifying the body as well as for weight loss. Elderberry leaves also have powerful insecticide properties.
The flowers have diuretic, laxative, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antiviral properties, while the berries have excellent antioxidant properties.
Both the flowers and the leaves contain rutin, izocuercitin and hyperoside. The flowers contain glycosides, tannins, sapin, pectin, essential oils, vitamin C and minerals, and the fruits contains tannins and anthocyanins such as sambucin, sambucianin, crisantemin and other cyanidins and glycosides.
Only the flowers and the berries can be consumed; the leaves and the branches are poisonous.
The benefits of elderberry infusion (tea) are: – Elder flowers are traditionally used to treat flu, colds, sinusitis, fever (they reduce fever), upper respiratory problems and hay fever;- The berries have analgesic effect and have diaphoretic and laxative properties (being very effective in treating constipation);- The berries are used to treat rheumatism and arthritis;- Both the flowers and the berries are effective in treating degenerative diseases; they help prevent cancer and keep benign tumors under control. They are very effective in activating the immune system;- Elder flower tea can effectively destroy intestinal worms;- The tea is also a natural remedy in fighting obesity due to its laxative and diuretic properties, helping to detoxify the body and to remove excess water from the body;- It increases the secretion of mammary glands;- Other uses of elder tea: stimulating the immune system, treating ear infections, stimulating circulation.
Elderflower tea compresses treat cellulite This tea has been used for a long time because of its antilipidemic properties; it increases burning fat, and reduces body fat. Elderberry tea and tincture are recommended in almost all diets and elderberry compresses help eliminate cellulite. Indications for external use: – The leaves and the bark are used to treat minor burns and frostbites;- The flowers are used to treat the inflammation of the eyes, irritated and inflamed skin, boils, eczema, rashes, sores and mouth ulcers.
How to make elderflower tea
The infusion
The classic way of preparing the infusion of elderflower is: add a tablespoon of flowers in 250 ml hot water. Keep the pot covered for about 5 minutes. Filter the tea and sweeten it with honey (if desired). Drink 3 cups of tea per day, 1 cup after every meal. If you have flu or cold, you may drink up to 6-8 cups of tea per day, but only for a few days.
Decoction from the flowers is obtained by boiling 50 grams of flowers in 250 ml of water for 3 minutes.
Decoction from the bark of the tree is obtained this way: take two handfuls of bark and boil it in a liter of water until the water is reduced to half the original amount; then filter it and divide it into three equal doses. Drink one dose before each meal.
Elderberries can be used as an infusion in combination with other fruits or dried plants. In addition, they can be used as juice by 20 g of fruit mixed with a tablespoon of honey. Take one teaspoon every morning as a laxative.
Precautions
- The leaves and raw fruits contain toxic glycosides; therefore these remedies should be used with care, exactly th way you are advised by specialists.
- Do not drink elderberry tea as a cure without taking breaks. Use it for 10 days followed by a 5 days break.
- When using herbal remedies, you should be aware that they can be extremely powerful and can have side effects. If you experience side effects such as poisoning, vomiting, throat irritation, heartburn, difficulty breathing or seizures, immediately stop using herbal remedies and consult your physician.