Elder - Sambucus nigra 100 g

Elderberry - what is it and what is its origin?

Elder ( Sambucus nigra ) is a shrub that reaches quite large sizes, Sometimes it even grows into a tree form. Its flowers are white or cream-colored, so where does the name "elder" come from? It comes from its berries which are dark purple or black in color. As for the origin of elder, it was already known in ancient times in North Africa and Western Asia. Currently, it is a shrub that also grows in Europe, where it is very widespread.

What is elderberry good for?

Elder has been known for generations as a plant that contains very valuable nutrients. It contains, among other things, pectins, tannins, anthocyanin glycosides, fruit acids and large amounts of vitamin C and provitamin A. The plant also contains mineral salts such as aluminum, iron, potassium, sodium and calcium. Thanks to this, elder has diaphoretic and diuretic properties. The polyphenols found in elderberries are rutin and chlorogenic acid. The characteristic color of the fruit is due to anthocyanins.

Elderberry - used in cosmetics

Elder is a plant that is used not only internally but also externally. It is known as an ingredient in many cosmetics, especially creams and masks. Cosmetics with elderberry in them work well for aging skin, as they have a softening, anti-wrinkle and whitening effect.

Elderberry - used in cooking

Elderberry is an edible plant, but it is not suitable for eating raw. Only high temperature, eg cooking or frying without a lid, eliminates the toxic properties of elderberries. Therefore, the ripe fruit of this plant is very often used to prepare preserves, jam, jelly, wine, infusions or juice. Elderberries can also be dried and added to everyday dishes. Such a snack contains sugars, vitamins, organic acids and other compounds.

Is elderberry a poisonous plant?

Unfortunately, it is said that elderberry is poisonous and should not be eaten. It is true that raw elderberries contain sambunigrin and prunasin, which can cause food poisoning, but for medicinal purposes infusions of flowers that do not contain these compounds are used, or heat-treated fruits that can be dried or boiled into juice, thanks to which harmful substances evaporate, and themselves the fruit is edible.

Poisoning usually occurs after eating unripe and unprocessed elderberries. Elderberry poisoning can be recognized as weakness, headache and dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, increased heart rate and breathing disorders up to shortness of breath. First aid for elder poisoning consists of provoking vomiting and gastric lavage. In case of poisoning, medical attention is always necessary.

In addition, it is worth mentioning that pollen, flowers and fruits of elder contain a characteristic protein with a mass of 33.2 kDa, which causes serious allergic reactions such as shortness of breath, rhinitis or conjunctivitis.

However, one must not forget that elderberry is primarily an ingredient in many pharmaceutical preparations. Elderflowers can be found in cough and expectorant medicines. Elderberry is a common ingredient in constipation, anti-inflammatory and stinging preparations. You can also buy elderberry juice in grocery stores to dilute with water and drink instead of other sugary drinks.

Interestingly, elder tincture, which can be prepared at home from elder fruit and alcohol, also has good reviews. It has an interesting taste and aroma.

Contraindications for the use of elderberry

Elderberries must necessarily be heat treated so that it not only brings benefits, but also does no harm. Also, do not exceed the recommended doses, as this leads to diarrhea and abdominal pain.

Elderberry juice has a lower concentration, so you can drink it several times a day, for example by adding a tablespoon to the tea.