Medicinal properties and contraindications of black elderberry fruits

The fruits of the black elderberry are endowed with medicinal properties, while the red elderberry is quite poisonous. People have long been using the beneficial qualities of the bush. It is especially loved by the Germans, Poles, Danes and Czechs. This was even reflected in their proverbs, fairy tales and customs.

The main characteristics of the bush and the composition of the berries

The black elderberry is a bush or small tree of the Honeysuckle family. Mostly grows wild.Sometimes it spreads in gardens, but quickly runs wild. Feels comfortable both in the shade and in the sun.

The plant grows in height from 3 to 10 meters. The leaves are imparipinnate, petiolate. The flowering period runs from May to mid-June. Elderberry inflorescences are collected from small flowers of yellowish-white or cream color.

The fruits are in the form of small berries, black and purple in color. The ripening period begins in late August - early September. The berries contain many useful elements.

Collection and preparation

Inflorescences, berries, leaves and bark of the plant are used as medicinal raw materials.

Inflorescences

The collection of inflorescences begins with the beginning of their blossoming. Afterwards, they are torn from the peduncles and dried in special dryers, setting the temperature to 30-35 °C. You can also dry elderberries in whole inflorescences in the open air at your dacha, the main condition being shade. In this case, it is laid out on bedding in one layer.

After the raw material is completely dry, it is ground and stored in cotton bags at a humidity of no more than 14%. Can be stored for up to 2 years.

Berries

They are harvested after full ripening, this is the period from late August to September. The berries are picked or cut in whole bunches. Spread them in a thin layer in the fresh air and dry them.Next, the berries are dried in dryers, ovens or ovens. The temperature required is 60-65 °C. After drying, the berries are picked from the branches. They will be black on the outside and burgundy on the inside. Dried berries have a sweet and sour taste and a weak aroma.

Store harvested berries in cool, well-ventilated areas. Periodic inspection of raw materials is required, since the berries often become moldy and lose their properties. Shelf life: six months.

Leaves

Leaves are plucked in the spring. Dry outdoors in the shade or in a dryer. Transfer to a paper or cotton bag and store in a dry place. The fee can be used throughout the year.

Bark

It is collected in early spring, before sap flow begins. For this, two-year-old branches are chosen. The bark is separated from the core, the upper part is removed and dried using dryers or ovens. Dry raw materials are ground to a powdery state. Store for 3 to 5 years.

Beneficial properties of elderberry

Black elderberry is rich in many beneficial properties, for example, its inflorescences are endowed with anti-inflammatory, diuretic, expectorant and diaphoretic effects. They also have an antibacterial, antipyretic and sedative effect.

The properties of berries are slightly different. They also have expectorant and diaphoretic properties, but in addition to this, they have choleretic, laxative, diuretic and restorative effects. The leaves are able to relieve pain, relieve mild inflammation and enhance the functioning of the sweat glands. In addition, the leaves have tonic, diuretic, laxative and blood purifying properties. The bark is used as a diuretic, laxative and emetic.

Indications for use

Berries and other parts of black elderberry are used for a wide variety of diseases, namely:

• Decreased immunity (elderberry is rich in vitamins, especially vitamin C, which helps restore the immune system).
• Risk of cancer (the plant is an additive product for the treatment of patients with skin and stomach cancer).
• Malaria (for this disease, you should eat berries and seeds of the bush).
• Hepatitis (the use of elderberry infusion alleviates the condition of this disease).
• Arthritis, rheumatism (elderberry helps remove urea from the body, which alleviates the condition of these diseases).
• Kidney diseases (decoctions from the bark of the plant help with kidney diseases).
• Problems in the endocrine system (elderberry is able to improve metabolic processes in the body).
• Gastrointestinal diseases (the laxative effect alleviates the condition of gastrointestinal diseases, and vitamins and microelements help maintain normal microflora).
• Rubella, measles (infusion from the fruits of the plant facilitates the progression of diseases).
• Intoxication (elderberry is able to remove waste and toxins from the body).
• Stagnation of bile (dry berries increase the secretion of bile).

Folk recipes

Black elderberry is quite famous in folk medicine, as it contains many biologically active substances.

Infusion of flowers for drinking

Required components:

• elderberry flowers (dried or fresh) - 1 tbsp. l.;
• water - 1 tbsp.

Preparation:

1. Pick the flowers from the inflorescence and place in an enamel container.
2. Pour a glass of boiled water and boil for 15 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and let cool.
4. Strain and add boiling water to obtain the original volume.
5. Leave for 30 minutes, wrapping the vessel in a towel.

This infusion is taken orally 15 minutes before meals, 2-3 tbsp. l.as a diaphoretic or half a glass for influenza, sore throat, ARVI. It will also be useful for headaches or toothaches.

Required components:

• elderberry flowers (fresh) - 1 handful;
• alcohol (40%) - 1 l.

Preparation:

1. Pour alcohol over fresh inflorescences and cover with a lid.
2. Leave for 1 week.

The infusion should be taken before bedtime, diluted with 30-40 grams of water. The course of treatment for preventive purposes is 3 weeks.

Infusion of flowers for external treatments

Required components:

• elderberry flowers - 4 tbsp. l.;
• water - 0.5 l.

Preparation:

1. The raw materials are poured with boiling water and left for 20-30 minutes.
2. Strain the resulting tincture and cool.

Used to treat gynecological problems.

Required components:

• elderberry flowers (dried) - 1 tsp;
• water - 1 tbsp.

Preparation:

1. Grind the dried flowers and measure out the required amount.
2. Pour boiling water and cook in a water bath for 15 minutes.
3. Then cool and strain for 45 minutes.
4. If necessary, add a little boiling water.

The infusion is used to treat burns, diaper rash, and skin rashes. Eye drops for conjunctivitis.

Laxative infusion of fruits

Required components:

• elderberries - 10 g;
• water - 1 tbsp.

Preparation:

1. Boil water and cool slightly.
2. Pour it over the dried berries and leave for half an hour.

Drink at one time. Do not use more than 1 time per day.

Required components:

• elderberry fruits - 20 g;
• water - 1 tbsp.;
• honey - 0.5 tsp.

Preparation:

1. Pour a glass of boiled water over the dry berries and cover with a lid.
2. Leave for 15-20 minutes.
3. Pour through a sieve and add honey.
4. Store in a cool place.

Drink a quarter glass 3 times a day. Honey can be added immediately before use.It not only makes the infusion more palatable, but also enhances the laxative effect.

Leaves poultice

Elderberry leaves are also often used in folk medicine.

Required components:

• elderberry leaves (dry) - 2-3 tbsp. l.;
• milk - 1 tbsp.

Preparation:

1. Place the dried leaves in an enamel bowl and pour milk.
2. Cook for about 15 minutes.
3. Cool the broth and use it as a lotion for boils, hemorrhoids and inflammatory processes on the skin.

Infusion of bark for swelling

The recipe is effective for renal edema.

Required components:

• green elderberry bark - 4 tbsp. l.;
• water - 2 tbsp.

Preparation:

1. The bark should be crushed and filled with water.
2. Place on the fire and bring to a boil, cook for 5 minutes. Remove from the stove, cover with a lid and leave for 10 minutes. You need to drink this infusion 3 times a day, half a glass.

Contraindications and precautions

The plant also has its contraindications. It should not be used either internally or externally for people with Crohn's disease, chronic gastrointestinal diseases, people with diabetes, autoimmune diseases, pregnant and nursing mothers, as well as children under 12 years of age. This shrub is slightly toxic, so you should never exceed the dosage of medicines based on it, so that the beneficial effects do not turn into harm to health.