Elderflower

Elderflower is used for swollen sinuses (sinusitis), colds, influenza (flu), swine flu, bronchitis, diabetes, and constipation. It is also used to increase urine production (as a diuretic), to increase sweating (as a diaphoretic), and to stop bleeding.

Elderflower is also used as a gargle and mouthwash for coughs, colds, hoarseness (laryngitis), flu, and shortness of breath. It is used on the skin for joint pain (rheumatism), and pain and swelling (inflammation).

Elderflower is reputed to have a mild diuretic and laxative effect, and so could be useful for anyone suffering from water retention or constipation. Other traditional uses of elderflower include in salves or compresses used to treat cuts, chilblains and skin irritations; indeed, elderflower water is still seen in many cosmetic products as an effective skin-soothing ingredient.

Elderflower infusions have also been traditionally used as an eye wash to treat conjunctivitis or other eye infections, or as a mouthwash to relieve sore throats and tonsillitis.

Traditionally used as a de-tox, to build the immune system by clearing toxins thru the lymph glands; some of the common benefits of elder flower are listed below.

For respiratory problems, elderflower was used to treat asthmatics in the days before amoderna medication; and as an expectorant to clear catarrh.

To build up apoorlya people (especially children and the elderly) before winter a as coughs and colds and influenza were killers through a cold european winter.

In spring, elderflower concentrate, also known as elderflower cordial, was used to relieve the symptoms of allergies to pollens etc; to reduce the effects of sinusitis.

Elderflower tea was used as a blood purifier; and as a tonic or ointment to fade freckles or skin blemishes.

Many modern skin tonics still contain elderflowers.