Medicinal Properties of Elder

Elder has a long history of being used in a wide variety of way - including its use in cosmetics, food, drink. However, it is most widely known for its usefulness in herbal remedies, including teas, compresses and hay fever relief.

Elderflowers have laxative, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. Traditionally, they have been used to treat common colds, influenza, hay fever and any illness affecting the upper respiratory tract. The Elderflowers are also used to treat feverish symptoms with an Elderflower Tea being the most common way to ingest it, being given to the patient several times a day. You can also leave a teaspoon of Elderflowers to steep in hot water, allow to cool, dab on spots, bites, ulcers and minor cuts and sores.

Elderberries are of similar use as the Elderflowers - they too can lower fever, reduce inflammation and irritations, as well as for their analgesic properties. The berries are used, not only to treat similar symptoms as the Elderflowers, but also to treat rheumatic symptoms. The berries are rich in vitamins A and C, flavonoids and also contain viburnic acid, which promotes perspiration. They have been traditionally used to treat constipation and diarrhoea, as promote the removal of waste products from the body. The berries should not be eaten raw, as they may contain small amounts of cyanide and, as such are slightly poisonous. This can cause the person who has eaten them to suffer possible side effects like uncontrollable nausea and vomiting - even if the berries they ate were ripe. Ripe berries are safe when prepared for use in foods.

Traditionally, Elder leaves are considered purgative, expectorant, diuretic (removes water from the body by increasing the amount of urine the kidneys produce) and can cause excessive sweating, as they are diaphoretic. The most common use for the leaves is in making an ointment to treat bruises and wounds. The ointment is also good when rubbed on the back of someone suffering from a cold or flu, to promote easier breathing. Elder leaves have also been used with Linseed oil to make a treatment for haemorrhoids. Elder leaves should not be ingested, as they, like the berries, contain cyanide. Elder leaves omit a pungent smell when bruised or crushed, making them an excellent insect repellent. You can either tuck a few leaves into your hat band or tie bunches of them by your doorway, to repel flies. You can also spread broken leaves on the ground around your delicate plants, as it will help to repel insects from their tender leaves and growing tips.

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