Summer Break Day 10

Today I'm going to talk about European Elder.  I need to specify this is the plant with the Latin name Sambucus nigra.  There are two other species that are called elder and they are American elder and dwarf elder. I'm working on an entry for American elder Sambucus canadensis and will talk about it separately once done. I feel it's a good time to talk about this one because the cold months are coming and if you don't know how to make elderberry syrup, you're going to want to meet someone who can or find a source to buy it from.  You'll see why below.  I need to get breakfast going here in a bit.  My son just got up so he'll be asking to eat very soon.  Then I'll get to work on those clothes.  I also need to see what I put in the shed before putting these out there to make sure I have everything together. With such tiny clothes, their whole wardrobes at those ages fit just fine in one bag.  It seems odd walking into the bathroom and seeing floor...  My husband will be pleased since he actually uses that bathroom when he's home.  I'm also hoping to make more room in my closet and put some of the stuff in there.  It will be nice to find the tub and be able to use it.  The struggle is real when you are raising two little ones and taking all these classes.  So much has to be dropped to take care of the kids and assignments.  I'm going to end this here and get the kids eating! 

On to European Elder!

Constituents: Flower: Triterpenes (ursolic acid, oleanolic acid, A- and B-amyrin, sterols), fixed oils (free fatty acids, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, palmitic acid), phenolic acids (chlorogenic acid), pectin, sugars. Leaf: Triterpenes (similar to flowers), cyanogenetic glycosides (sambunigrin), flavonoids (kaempferol, quercetin, quercetin glycosides – hyperoside, isoquercitrin, rutin), fatty acids, alkanes, tannins. (Hoffman, 2003, p. 580)  Chevallier (2016) says the berries have flavonoids, anthocyanins, lectins and vitamins A and C. The flowers have flavonoids, anthocyanins, triterpenes, volatile oil, mucilage and tannins (p. 132).

Therapeutic Actions: Leaf: Purgative, expectorant, diuretic, diaphoretic (internal), emollient, vulnerary (External). Flower: Diaphoretic, anticatarrhal, antispasmodic. Berry: Diaphoretic, diuretic, laxative, antirheumatic. (Hoffman, 2003, p. 580) Chevallier (2016) doesn’t break these down by location but says antiviral, mucilage, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and increases sweating (p. 132).

Indications: Leaf: bruises, sprains, wounds, chilblains, and an ointment for tumors. Flower is antiviral, reduces the length of the flu. Anti-inflammatory – upper respiratory tract, sinuses, hay fever.  Elderberry syrup is great for colds. Strengthens cell membranes to prevent viral penetration. Infusion of elder flower, St. John’s wort, and soapwort was effective against influenza A and B and Herpes simplex 1. (Hoffman, 2003, p. 580) According to Chevallier (2016), the berries are proven to be antiviral (the number of studies on this are large) and the flowers were added to stimulate sweating and fever relief. The flower also help with mucous and congestion as well as ear aches and allergies. The flowers help with arthritis by eliminating waste (p.132).

Safety: No side effects or interactions known (Hoffman, 2003, p. 580). Petersen (2018) said safety while pregnant has not been established. When raw/unripe fruit, seeds, bark, and leaves, can cause vomiting and severe diarrhea. May lower blood sugar levels. Use caution with other diuretics and laxatives as urination and bowel movements may increase (p. 98).

Have a Great Day!