Health Benefits
Some of the most common health benefits of the elderflower extract is that it treats sinus infections, the flu, common colds, skin irritations, stress, allergies, and other respiratory disturbances. The elderflower has been used as a supplement, diuretic, and can even alleviate certain pollen allergies. With so many benefits to your health, here are just some of the reasons you should have this little plant close by in your home:
Flu and colds
Allergy Relief
Immune System
Urinary Tract
Cholesterol
Battles bacteria ( MSRA )
Fighting Oxidative Stress
Flu and colds
The humble elderflower is perhaps most famously used for the treatment of colds and flu.
Elderflower tea has a long history of use in German medicine. It has strong antioxidant properties and antiviral effect, which makes elderflower tea quite popular for fighting cold, flu and their symptoms.
Many people today are hesitant to get their flu shots because they have concerns about the toxins that are being pumped directly into the body to fight off that bug. In a study that was released by the Online Journal of Pharmacology and PharmacoKinetics, they found that the extract from the elderflower is extremely effective at treating flu-related symptoms.
In 2016 another study by School of Pharmacy, Griffith University, Australia published in “Nutrients” , showed that supplementation with elderberry can reduce the symptoms and duration of a cold in air travellers. Travellers who used elderberry for 10 days before travel and up to 5 days after arriving overseas experienced an average 2 day shorter duration of their colds, and a noticeable reduction in their symptoms.
The Elderflower is an ‘anti-catarrhal‘ herb, meaning it is extremely effective for runny noses and congestion. Anti-catarrhal herbs prevent excess mucous formation and aid in removing mucous and reducing inflammation in the body.
Allergy Relief
Flower and tree pollen can wreak havoc on the eyes and noses of those who have allergies each year. In a surprising twist, this flower actually can help to lessen the symptoms associated with common allergies.
The elderflower extract has been effective at reducing symptoms associated with sinusitis and pollen allergies. Rather than popping a pill at the first sign or red eyes or a runny nose, you can drink a extract or a cup of the delicious tea each morning during allergy season and enjoy your day without those uncomfortable symptoms.
Immune System
One of the ways the elderflower has been used in European countries is as a preventative medication for when the long cold winters set in. The ederflower is given to children before the cold arrives to help strengthen their immune systems and allow them to easily fight off the common cold and coughs that accompany winter. The flower extract helps the children and adults to fight off the effects of influenza during those harsh winter months, and is even given to the elderly who do not have the ability to fight off the effects of those illnesses on their own.
Urinary Tract
Most commonly affecting women (although men are certainly not exempt), UTI’s, cystitis and bladder infections cause a world of misery and pain. The constant urge to urinate, accompanied by a burning sensation can leave the sufferer feeling housebound and depressed. Elderberry tea may bring significant relief from this debilitating condition – first and foremost acting as a diuretic.
This is important as it causes the kidneys to continually flush out toxins whilst increasing urination. This in turn helps to flush out the bacteria that cause cystitis, reducing the likelihood of the infection spreading to the bladder and/or kidneys and may also help to reduce its duration.
Its anti-inflammatory properties may help to reduce inflammation, potentially reducing the burning and pain that accompanies urination.
Cholesterol
By now you know that in order to live a long and healthy life, you have to be taking good care of your heart. According to the American Heart Institute, heart disease is preventable, and you can use the elderflower to help in your efforts to improving your overall wellbeing.
Studies have revealed that after only two weeks of drinking a elderflower extract, young adults experienced lowered triglyceride and cholesterol levels. The flower contains quercetin, and have been found in test tube studies to be effective at reducing cholesterol levels. Lower cholesterol levels means less strain on the heart muscle and could reduce your chances of experiencing a stroke or a deadly heart attack.
Battles bacteria ( MSRA )
In research conducted in Ireland, the extract from the elderflower was found to kill many of the dangerous hospital pathogens. One disease in particular is the MSRA, medically known as methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus.
Elderflower has antibacterial properties against both gram positive and gram negative bacteria. If you ever battled with bacterial infection, you know how difficult, unpleasant and long-enduring they can be. Elderflower brings on a great and well needed relief and helps you in your battle against them!
Fighting Oxidative Stress
The elderflower is rich in vitamin C, and this can be very helpful for the health of your tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, and skin.
This plant is a powerful antioxidant, helpful for protecting the body from oxidative stress.
When the body is under a constant attack from stress, many of the vital organs in the body are at risk. The elderflower can help to lessen the effects of chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. One of the ways this plant can strength your body is to build up the immune system by cleansing any toxins through the lymph glands, working like a traditional detoxification of the system. This lessens the load of the liver that is responsible for cleaning the system.