Family:

Caprifoliaceae

 

Part Used:

Flowers and berries.

 

Energetics & Taste:

Dry and cooling.

 

Habitat:

Native to Europe, it can be found in temperate regions worldwide.

 

Key Benefits:

Both the flowers and berries of elderberry have antiviral properties, making them an excellent choice against colds, influenza, and other viral respiratory infections. For best results, start using elderberry flowers and berries at the first sign of a disease. The flowers are also diuretic and can be used to treat a fever.

Elderberries are rich in nutrients, including vitamins C, B, and A, flavonoids, and carotenoids. These nutrients help improve immune function and strengthen capillaries. Additionally, the berries and flowers can alleviate allergies by reducing histamine production, especially when there is excess phlegm and congestion.

Elderflower is also a mild diuretic, which can help with arthritis by encouraging sweating and urine production, which removes waste.

 

Contraindications: 

The unripe parts of the plant (berry, seed, bark, leaves) should never be consumed. The presence of cyanide could cause nausea, vomiting, and convulsions.