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Submitted by: Darrell Miller
For hundreds of years, elder flower has been used for both medicinal purposes and for flavoring. The elder flower is listed as a valuable plant for seventy different classes of diseases, including rheumatism. This herb was used by Native Americans as a drink for rheumatism, neuralgia, sciatica, and back pain. Elder flower was considered to be one of the greatest and most versatile herbs in the treatment of disease by Dr. Edward Shook. From 1831 to 1905, elder flower was found in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia.
Internally, elder is used traditionally to treat influenza, colds, mucus, sinusitis, feverish illnesses, and other upper respiratory tract problems. Hay fever is also treated with the use of elder flower. The fruits, on the other hand, are used for their analgesic effects, along with their diuretic, laxative, and diaphoretic properties. These fruits are also used for rheumatic complaints, while the bark is used for constipation and arthritic conditions. The flower heads of the elder flower are fried in batter, made into cordials, summer drinks and are also used to add flavor to stewed fruits, jellies, and jams. Externally, elder leaves and bark are used to treat minor burns and chilblains. The flowers are used for sore eyes, irritated and inflamed skin, mouth ulcers, and minor injuries.
The elder plant is a large deciduous shrub that has corky, gray-brown bark and feathery leaves. The plant bears tiny, scented cream flowers in the summer, which are followed by black berries. This herb has been used to reduce a fever by increasing the blood circulation and promoting sweating. It is used for detoxifying the body at the cellular level. Elder flower also contains constituents known that are known to act as a sedative and relieve pain. This herb acts as an expectorant for relieving mucus and reducing inflammation. It is used for herbal formulas. When elder flower is combined with goldenseal and yarrow, it is known to speed healing. This herb is often combined with mullein to help heal lung congestion and asthma. It is also used as an eyewash, combined with eyebright and goldenseal.
Studies have found that properties of elder flower are useful for acute disease. It is beneficial in treating colds, flu, tonsillitis, laryngitis, rheumatic fever, and hay fever. Research on animals has shown moderate anti-inflammatory activity in elder flower. Also, the flavonols in the flower may work as a diuretic to relieve water retention.
The flower of the elder flower plant is used to provide alterative, anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic, expectorant, febrifuge, mild purgative, and stimulant properties. The primary nutrients provided by this herb are vitamins A and C with bioflavonoids. Primarily, elder flower is extremely helpful in dealing with allergies, hay fever, asthma, bronchitis, colds, sinus congestion, fevers, and pneumonia.
Additionally, this herb is very beneficial in helping with cancer, ear infections, eye infections, flu, gas, gastric disorders, hemorrhoids, inflammation, brain inflammation, swollen joints, nervousness, skin diseases, ulcers, and wounds. For more information on the many beneficial effects provided by elder flower, please feel free to contact a representative from your local health food store.
You can find herbs like Elder at your local or internet vitamin store. Always choose name brands like Solaray to ensure quality and purity of the product you buy for better health.
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