This time of year, I get excited about making Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) syrup for my family. Traditionally, it has been used to ease flu and cold symptoms, sinus problems, and fevers. I used it because it stimulates the immune system and it tastes good, which is why my son likes it. The flowers, I use as a tea when I need to help my body fight a fever by sweating. I noticed that more grocery stores are selling these syrups and lozenges, which I think are great for a busy person or maybe someone who wants to try it out. But if you make the syrup yourself remember to never use raw berries, as they can be toxic.
I included some information just in case you wanted a little more details about the plant.
Common Name: Elder
Botanical Name: Sambucus
Parts of the plant used: Flowers and Dried Berries
Main Constituents: Flavonoids, mucilage, tannins, vitamins A, vitamin C, cyanogenic glycoside, viburnic acid, alkaloid and volatile oil.
Therapeutic Actions: Flowers: expectorant, reduces phlegm, circulatory stimulant, promote sweating, diuretic and topically anti-inflammatory. Berries: promote sweating, diuretic and laxative.
When would you use this plant: hay fever, respiratory problems, colds, flu, herpes, conjunctivitis, tonsillitis, sore throats, and constipation
What herbs are commonly used with this: Ginseng, Echinacea, Astragulus
Folklore, myth, and tradition: People thought if you plant this outside of your back door that it was a way to protect yourself from evil, black magic and keeping witches out of the house. The flower in water whitens skin and removes freckles.
Reference:
1. McVicar, Jekka. Herbs For The Home. New York: Penguin Group, 1994. 172-73. Print.
2. Ody, Penelope. The Complete Medicinal Herbal. New York: Dorling Kindersley, Inc, 1993.96. Print.
3. Garner-Wizard, Mariann, Laura Bystrom, PhD, Amy Keller, PhD, Alexis Collins, and Heather S. Oliff, PhD. “Elderberry Extract for Treating Influenza Symptoms.” HerbClip (2009). Web. 23 Aug. 2013. <http://cms.herbalgram.org/herb…/library/Herbclip/index.html…>.
4. Garner-Wizard, Mariann, Laura Bystrom, PhD, Amy Keller, PhD, Alexis Collins, and Heather S. Oliff, PhD. “Conventional, Nutritional and Herbal Treatments for Flu and Colds.” HerbClip (2008). Web. 23 Aug. 2013. <http://cms.herbalgram.org/herb…/library/Herbclip/index.html…>.
5. http://cms.herbalgram.org/expandedE/Elderflower.html…