Elder Extract
Species Name: Sambucas nigra L
Also Known As: elderberry, elderflower, black berried alder, black elder, black elderberry, boor tree, bountry, boure tree, devil's eye, elderberry, .
Other names are European alder, European elder, European elderberry, European elderflower, European elder fruit, German elder, lady elder, old gal, old lady, pipe tree, stinking elder, sweet elder, tree of doom, or elder bush.
The elder, a deciduous shrub or small tree is native to most of western North America, Europe, northwest Africa, and southwest Asia.
It thrives in temperate-to-subtropical regions. It boasts individual white flowers with five petals. The dark purple to black berry fruit appears in late autumn.
What is Elder Extract? Elder extract is usually made from the flowers and ripe blue/black fruit. Containing flavanoids, the extract properties include antioxidant and immunologic actions.
It is important to note that the raw, unripe fruit, the bark, root, and leaves contain a potentially toxic substance called cyanogenic glycoside sambunigrin.
Home Remedies Using Elder Extract:
Benefits and Uses of Elder Extract:
Elder berry extract is often used to treat aches, coughs, headache, fatigue, sore throat, and fever that accompany the flu. It has been found to reduce the severity of these symptoms and speed up recovery.
There is some evidence that elder berry extract might decrease serum cholesterol and aid stability of LDL or bad cholesterol. The elder flower extract is often used in herbal combinations used to treat sinusitis and bronchitis. It can act as an expectorant and relieve congestion.
One research study on elderberry extract states that, “(Flu) Symptoms were relieved on average 4 days earlier and use of rescue medication was significantly less in those receiving elderberry extract compared with placebo. Elderberry extract seems to offer an efficient, safe and cost-effective treatment for influenza.”
Side Effects of Elder Extract:
Use extreme caution if utilizing extract made from elder bark, root, leaves, or unripe fruit as there is a possible risk of cyanide poisoning. Watch for diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, gastrointestinal distress or weakness.
Handling or contact with fresh elder stems may cause difficulty breathing or a skin rash. Long-term use of elder flowers can cause a diuretic effect.
Elder extract may decrease blood sugar levels. Side effects of dizziness, convulsions, and rapid heart rate may occur. Do not take elder extract if pregnant or breastfeeding as gastrointestinal discomfort has been reported.
Caffeine and theophylline levels may be changed with elder extract use, check with a physician if taking theophylline. Anyone utilizing cancer chemotherapy should not take elder extract as it can enhance some of the adverse side effects.
