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Home -> Shop By Store -> Elder Flower
Elder Flower
Other Common Names:
Pipe tree, bore tree, bour tree
Parts Used:
Flowers, berries, bark
Elder Flower:
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.
Elder flowers are a mild astringent and are used in skin washes to refine the complexion and help relieve eczema, acne and psoriasis. Flower water makes a soothing gargle and when strained makes an excellent eye wash.
The leaves and flowers are a common ingredient in ointments and poultices for burns and scalds, swelling, cuts and scrapes. Infusions and preparations with the blossoms combined with other herbs have also been used to quicken recovery form the common cold and flu.
Elder Flower Is Useful:
Coughs & colds -lowering 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.
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