Herb of the Week: Elder (Sambucus canadensis)

 

• Other names: Elder Bloom

• Part Used: Berries and Flowers

• Taste: Sour (berries), Sweet (flowers)

• Energy: Cool, moist (flowers)

• Traditional and medicinal uses: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-viral, diaphoretic, diuretic, emollient

• Flower Essence: Renewal, recovery & rejuvenation of the youthfulness and vitality of your body and soul

Native to the eastern and northern US, this hedgerow plant has been used since the time of the Native Americans for myriad health issues. Its medicinal properties can be attributed, in part, to the proanthocyanidins in the berries and the oleanic acid of the flowers. 

• Research has shown that this powerful and delicious herbal ally can help prevent and alleviate cold and flu symptoms. 

• The flowers make a wonderful tea and have been used to reduce fever, as they are known to “clear heat.” The taste is pleasant enough that even compliance in children is easily obtained. All those parents out there know what a blessing that is!

• The berries contain emodin. Studies have concluded this compound blocks the ACE-2 receptor that some viruses use to gain cell entry, thus blocking viral infiltration. (Ho Ty) Some debate has swirled around its possible contribution to a cytokine cascade, but the general consensus is that it ultimately has a beneficial action, including inducing the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 10 (Barak), which modulate the immune system and keep pro-inflammatory cytokines in check. Based on  its mechanism of action, the berries of Elder should be used primarily as a PREVENTIVE agent, which can be taken in syrup form. 

• Additionally, research has shown it to induce apoptosis and inhibit tumor metastasis and viral replication.

• There are many other reported benefits of this herb, including the flowers’ use against indolent ulcers. 

While the likelihood of any contraindications remains low, the raw berries should be dried and simmered in water first, otherwise, they contain a toxic substance. 

*This list may not include all contraindications. This article for is educational purposes only. Please consult your doctor or healthcare provider before using this, or any, Herbal Ally. These statements have not been approved by the FDA. These statements are not intended to prevent, treat, diagnose, or cure any disease. 

Learn more about this Herbal Ally! Find suggested dosages, wildcrafting suggestions and more here: https://embarkherbals.thinkific.com/pages/coming_soon

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Book a one-on-one consultation: A personalized consultation on how to incorporate herbal allies that are appropriate for you into your wellness regimen at  https://www.embarkherbals.com/herbal-consultations

References: 

Ho TY, Wu SL, Chen JC, Li CC, Hsiang CY. Emodin blocks the SARS coronavirus spike protein and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 interaction. Antiviral Res. 2007 May;74(2):92-101. Epub 2006 May 15.

Barak V, Birkenfeld S, Halperin T, Kalickman I. The effect of herbal remedies on the production of human inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. The Israel Medical Association Journal : IMAJ. 2002 Nov;4(11 Suppl):919-922.

Photo credit: Edal Anton Lefterov, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sambucus-berries.jpg