Have you ever heard of the properties of elderberries? These fruits come from the elderberry tree, also scientifically known as Sambucus nigra L., which belongs to the caprofoliáceas family and can be found mainly in the forests and riverbanks of different regions of Europe. Although the best known is the black or common elderberry, we can also find other species such as the red elderberry (Sambucus racemosa) and the lesser elderberry or yezgo (Sambucus ebulus) among others.
Whatever the species, some parts of this tree such as the elderflower and / or its berries or fruits have traditionally been used as ingredients in some natural remedies due to their different medicinal properties. However, although the flowers of this tree are very beneficial, in the following oneHOWTO article we will also focus on the contradictions of these fruits. Keep reading this article and discover everything you need to know about elderberries: properties, benefits and contraindications.
The black or common elderberry, also scientifically known as Sambucus nigra L., is a tree native to Europe that belongs to the Caprifoliáceas family. Although one of the parts that can be used in this tree are the flowers, then we will discover you the nutritional composition of elderberries:
- AcidsElderberries mainly have malic acid, citric acid, and oxalic acid. To a lesser extent, they also provide linoleic acid and linolenic acid.
- Elderberry essential oilAlthough the elderflower contains a greater contribution, the berries also have oils such as alpha-terpineol, betulin, geranil and beta-amyrin.
- Vitamins: the fruits of this tree contain vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B7 and C.
- Minerals– Contains potassium, iron, calcium, sodium, manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc.
- Other nutrientsSome of the other nutrients that elderberries provide are fiber, fructose, glucose, and flavonoids (anthocyanins and quercetin).
As we have observed in the previous section, elderberries have a wide variety of essential nutrients for health. As a consequence of this wealth, the fruits of sambucus nigra They are an excellent remedy for different conditions, as they have the following medicinal properties and benefits:
Prevents some heart diseases
Elderberries are the food with the highest concentration of quercetin, a flavonoid with powerful circulatory properties that help support both the health of the arteries and our circulatory system. Thanks to these properties, elderberries are one of the best foods for the heart and can prevent diseases such as cholesterol, hypertension and arteriosclerosis.
It is a good remedy for headaches
The fruit of this tree also has excellent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which is why it is considered a magnificent remedy to reduce the discomfort caused by headaches.
To take advantage of these properties, the berries are often used to make a natural syrup, although for these cases you can also make use of elderberry essential oil. However, it is important that if you are going to make a home remedy such as syrup or elderberry oil with these berries, you always consume them ripe, since those that are still green contain a high dose of sambunigrin, a very toxic principle.
If you suffer from headaches often, do not miss this article on Home remedies for migraines, where you will find a wide selection of tips to help you cope with headaches.
It has astringent properties
Due to their high tannin content, the berries of the sambucus nigra They have powerful astringent properties. And how can we benefit from these properties? Its astringent power gives it, on the one hand, laxative properties that improve some intestinal disorders such as constipation and, on the other hand, prevent the appearance of stomach bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori.
Elderberries for cough
Elderberry is also an excellent remedy to relieve coughs and other symptoms such as fever, as it has powerful sweat and antiviral properties. Thanks to these properties, the infusion of berries and elderflower is an effective remedy to promote the healing of some respiratory infections such as flu, colds and bronchitis.
If you want to discover more home solutions to end this annoyance, take a look at the following article on How to treat a cough with home remedies.
Reduces fluid retention
Thanks to their contribution of potassium salts, both elderberries and elderberries have excellent diuretic properties that promote the elimination of toxins and fluids accumulated in the body. Due to this benefit, elderberry is an excellent remedy for some conditions such as gout and dropsy.
