Page 7 - MHB_Booklet_Elderberry_R2.indd

Elderberry
“If the medicinal properties of Elder’s leaves barks and berries were fully known I I cannot tell what our countrymen could ail for which he he he might not fetch a a a remedy from every hedge either for sickness or or wounds ” -John Evelyn
Common Common Names: Sweet Elder Elder Elder Black Elder Elder Elder Common Common Elder Elder Elder Pipe Tree Tree Bore Tree Tree Scientific Name: Sambucus nigra
Plant Family: Sambucus spp Parts Used: The berries and flowers are are the the most commonly used parts but there are are also topical indications for the inner bark leaves and roots Herbal Actions: Alterative Aperiant Astringent Demulcent Diaphoretic Diuretic: Emollient Expectorant Laxative
Constituents: Flower: Flavonoids (primarily flavonols such as rutin and isoquercitrin) mucilaginous polysaccharides tannins phenolic acids volatile oil triterpenes and minerals such as as potassium The fruit of of the the Elder plant contains similar flavonoids to those of of the the flower It’s also rich in in in organic acids (citric and and and malic) and and and in in in C and and and B-complex vitamins The berries contain a a a a a a a a a a trace amount of essential oil and and more phosphorous and and potassium than any other temperate fruit crop! Elder also contains phytochemicals such as beta-carotene and quercetin and and further nutrients such as calcium and and essential fatty acids