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Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is a shrub common throughout Poland, which can reach up to 10 m in height. From mid-May to the end of June, it attracts with white, beautifully fragrant flowers gathered in magnificent corymbs. The flowers develop purple-black, fleshy fruits. This plant has been known for years for its medicinal and culinary properties, both for flowers and fruits. The fact that elderberry was a common utility plant is evidenced by the multitude of its common names: it was called without medicine, pharmacy, elderberry or hikka.
The composition of elderberry flowers and their healing properties
Fine, white elderberry flowers they are primarily rich in flavonoids, including quercetin. They are also a raw material containing essential oil. Among the important organic substances responsible for properties healing elderberry flowers it is also worth mentioning, among others phytosterols, triterpenes, phenolic acids, tannins, pectins and mucilages. This herb also contains a lot of mineral salts (in particular potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium, phosphorus and zinc) as well as B vitamins and vitamin C.
Elderberry flowers for ages applied were used as a recognized remedy for all kinds of colds and respiratory infections, especially with fever and cough. The infusion works diaphoretic, helping to lower body temperature, and expectorant, helping to get rid of mucus in a wet cough. It also supports the immune system in the fight against the disease, and has anti-inflammatory and disinfecting properties on the mucous membranes. In addition to drinking, it is worth rinsing the throat with it in case of infections and using aromatic inhalations from this herb. To support the functioning of the immune system, you can use Immunity – a freeze-dried organic tea containing elderberry, calendula, sage and thyme.
Tea with elderberry Due to the high content of flavonoids, it also has a diuretic effect and detoxifies the body – flavonoids combine with various types of toxins and such a complex is removed from the body with urine. Drinking elderberry flower infusions Therefore, it will help in cleansing the body, it is also recommended for urinary tract infections due to its diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, in men, thanks to the content of phytosterols, regular drinking of elderberry flower infusions relieves prostate hypertrophy.
You can buy an infusion of Natjun elderberry flowers at Medonet Market. You can also try the ready-made EKO elderberry flower, from which you can prepare valuable tea yourself. We also recommend Cleansing – a freeze-dried organic tea, which contains not only elderberry, but also violet and nettle.
People with fragile blood vessels should also become friends with this tasty herb. The presence of flavonoids, including quercetin and vitamin C, makes drinking the tea regularly elderberry strengthens the walls of blood vessels.
Try Zatoki – a liquid supplement with elderberry, mullein and thyme that have a soothing effect, soothe and regulate the secretion of mucus in the airways.
Black lilac it is also worth drinking as an aid in various types of rheumatic diseases and allergies.
External use of elderberry flower infusion
If possible, it is also worth using baths with an additive elderberry flower infusion. They have a great effect on the skin – they soothe irritations, lighten discoloration, have anti-inflammatory, anti-swelling and disinfecting properties. You can also use an infusion with milk, and for care purposes, add some honey to such a bath – it will perfectly moisturize, nourish and smooth the skin, not to mention the relaxing effect of such a beautifully fragrant bath.
Elderberry flower infusion thanks to its composition, it is perfect for the care of couperose skin, as well as acne and blemish skin – in a word, for demanding skin. We also recommend Oleiq elderberry seed oil for dry and mature skin.
Culinary properties of elderberry flowers
Aromatic flowers are suitable not only for brewing. You can also make them a tasty and healing tincture and syrup. Try ready-made syrups, e.g .:
- PNEUMOPOL syrup with elderberry,
- Lilac flower syrup with vitamin C,
- Icelandic lichen and lilac flower syrup,
- Ecological elderberry flower syrup.
Flowers are also suitable for eating (after heat treatment), and one of the most famous traditional recipes are pancakes made of elderberry flowers. The corymbose with flowers is dipped in a pancake batter and fried in a pan, and then the stalks are cut off. This is called imperial pancakes, which were said to be the delicacy of Emperor Franz Joseph. The dish is especially popular in the Cieszyn region. Elderberry flowers are also an original addition to jams and desserts. It’s a good idea to experiment with these aromatic flowers in your kitchen when it’s time to pick them. Just remember to harvest away from the highway and industrial plants.
At Medonet Market you can buy Pukka Elderberry & Echinacea – a relaxing elderberry and echinacea tea that not only relaxes, but also has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties. You can also add Szczepanówka elderflower syrup to tea.