Elderflower
Arbre de Judas, Black-Berried Alder, Black Elder, Boor Tree, Bountry, Common Elder, Ellanwood, Ellhorn, European Alder, European Black Elder, European Black Elderflower, European Elderflower, European Elder Flower, Sweet Elder.
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.
USES & EFFECTIVENESS
Possibly Effective for...
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.
- Bronchitis.
- Cold.
- Flu.
- Cough.
- Hoarseness (laryngitis).
- Diabetes.
- Arthritis-like pain.
- Swelling (inflammation).
- Other conditions.
SIDE EFFECTS
Elderflower is LIKELY SAFE when used in amounts found in foods. Elderflower is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when used in small amounts as part of a combination product containing elderflower, sorrel, gentian root, verbena, and cowslip flower (SinuComp, Sinupret). There isn't enough information to know if elderflower is safe when used in medicinal amounts other than as part of the combination product. The combination product can cause digestive system upset and occasionally allergic skin rash.
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.
Not enough is known about the safety of applying elderflower directly to the skin.
