Medical Uses of Elderberry

Ointment

• A traditional English remedy for treating hemorrhoids involves making an elderberry ointment. Elderberry ointment also soothes and heals wounds, bruises, cuts and scrapes. Homemade elderberry ointments have long been a staple in many English home medical kits.

Nutrient Source

• Elderberries contain a bevy of nutrients, minerals and vitamins. According to D. Charlebois' article on Elderberry as a Medicinal Plant, elderberries contain more of vitamins A, B6, C, phosphorous and iron than any of their "berry" counterparts such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries or cranberries. Elderberries also contain flavinoids, which give antioxidant and antimutagenic properties to the fruit.

Anti-Inflammatory

• Elderberries have potent anti-inflammatory properties and have been used traditionally for treating rheumatism, arthritis, throat swelling, skin ulcers and eczema. Elderberries are used both topically and internally as an anti-inflammatory, with poultices of elderberry leaves used to relieve back muscle inflammation as well as respiratory problems. Elderberry ointments can be rubbed on sore joints and inflamed arthritis.

Cold/Flu/Cough

• Elderberry's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, combined with it high levels of vitamins, makes it a common treatment for the common cold and flu. Elderberry promotes reduced severity and duration of colds, as well as alleviating symptoms of sore throats, sinusitis, nasal congestion and respiratory difficulties.

Blood Tonic

• According to an article by Paul Barger in Medical Herbalism Magazine, elderberry was once considered a "spring tonic" that cleansed the blood after the long winter of heavy diet and sedentary life. Elderberry tea, the preferred type of blood tonic, also serves a circulatory enhancer and diaphoretic (sweat promoter) that helps to cleanse the body of impurities.