ELDERBERRY
Elderberries differ considerably in form and taste, growing from bushy shrubs a few feet high to trees close to 50 feet in height. Their usual clusters of aromatic, star-shaped white flowers vary from flat-topped bunches to globular arrays, maturing to berrylike, limb-sagging fruits that differentiate in color from blue, amber, and red to black and also changing considerably in taste. Early Native American tribes employed the long, straight, hollow stems that became woodier with age for arrows and especially selected some in the springtime, dried them with their leaves on, pushed out all the soft and poisonous pith with hot sticks, and made either spouts for gathering maple and other sap or bored holes in them to fashion flutes. This gave the medicinal its added name of "tree of music." Some hunters, who still use the old ways to track their game, have attracted elk with an elderberry whistle. Elderberries prefer rich, moist soil and are usually found in heavily forested areas, on rocky slopes, and in cool ravines. They are native to the temperate and subtropical regions of both hemispheres. The fruit is a berrylike drupe, containing 3 to 5 one-seeded nut lets or stones. Wisdom dictates that only a few be eaten raw lest stomach upset occur. They are much better dried or cooked, but are more delicious when combined with tastier berries. Certain conditions bring about an excess of mucus accumulation in the lungs. Asthma, bronchitis, the common cold, influenza, and smoking or inhaling second-hand smoke can all result in a buildup of phlegm. A little bit of fresh elderberry juice, especially from the red drupes, is quite effective in promoting a discharge of such sticky yellow or green mucus from the body. Elderflowers taken in hot infusion make a wonderful remedy for the onset of upper respiratory infections - colds, tonsilitis, laryngitis and flu. With the first signs of malaise, aching, sore throat, chills, restlessness and fever, elderflowers will stimulate the circulation and cause sweating, cleansing the system by elimination of toxins through the pores of the skin and in this way they resolve fever and infection. They are also recommended at the onset of eruptive diseases such as measles and chickenpox, to bring out the rash and speed recovery. They also have a decongestant action, reducing and moving phlegm, and can be taken in hot infusion (combined with yarrow and peppermint) for an ideal remedy for colds, catarrh, sinusitis, hay fever and bronchial congestion in chest infections and asthma. The relaxant effect of elderflowers is a bonus where asthma is concerned, relieving bronchospasm and catarrh. Elderflowers enhance the action of the kidneys and so act further as a decongestant, relieving fluid retention in the body and eliminating toxins and clearing heat from the system via the urinary system. They have been used in rheumatism, gout and arthritis. Elderflowers have a long history of use as a relaxant, soothing nerves, allaying anxiety and lifting depression. A hot infusion at night time will help induce a restful sleep and is particularly useful for restless or irritable children at the onset of infections. Elderflowers in infusion or ointment are used externally on cuts and wounds, chilblains, skin eruptions, sunburn, and irritable skin. Elder flower tea is used to "break" a fever by bringing on sweating. Elderflower is used especially for situations in which the feverish person feels chilled, and the tea is drunk as hot as possible. A cooled infusion has traditionally been used as a gargle for sore throat. Elder flowers are believed to have mild diuretic action. Elderberry juice (made by cooking and pressing the berries) is reported to have laxative as well as diuretic properties. Traditional herbalists such as Tommie Bass consider it a "wonderful blood purifier." Research has shown that alpha-and beta-amyrin have hepatoprotective activity in animals. Sciatica and neuralgia are among the traditional European uses of elderberry juice. Some multi-ingredient herbal preparations for rheumatic pain in the United Kingdom or in Europe include elder flowers or berry extract. It is also a component in multi-ingredient concoctions marketed for respiratory complaints. Probably the most common use of elderberry is to treat colds. Coughs & colds - Flowering tops are ideal for coughs, colds, and flu. The infusion is relaxing and produces a mild perspiration that helps to reduce fever. Congestion & allergies - The flowering tops tone the mucous linings of the nose and throat; increasing their resistance to infection. They are prescribed for chronic congestion, allergies, ear infections, and candidiasis. Infusions of the flowering tops and other herbs can reduce the severity of hay fever attacks if taken for some months before the onset of the hay fever season.Arthritis - By encouraging sweating and urine production, elder flowering tops promote the removal of waste products from the body and are of value in arthritic conditions. Berries - Rich in vitamin C, elder berries have been taken for rheumatism and erysipelas (a skin infection). They are mildly laxative and also help diarrhea. Other medical uses - applied to the skin may reduce Wrinkles.
|
