Elderberry is a tree plant that belongs to the elderberry family. It is distinguished by its height, which may range from two to five meters. The stem of the elderberry is an erect vertical stem, and its leaves appear in a serrated shape like a chameleon, and end with a pointed head. It is a perennial plant, beautiful in appearance, and is known as a natural medicine cabinet. This description and the artistic image indicate the importance of these plants in treating many diseases, so that medicines can be dispensed with.
Elderberry flowers are beautiful yellow, white, or pink flowers, and they smell like bitter almonds. As for the fruits, they are small, spherical in shape, and dark blue berries are produced from them. Elderberry has a strong aromatic smell, and is sometimes considered a narcotic. Elderberry is harvested in late spring, and berries are harvested in early autumn.
The flower of the elderberry is known by several names, including: balsan, balsam of Mecca, basham, fruit of balsam or love of balsam, and al-Manshim. Scientifically known as Sambucus nigra. And we use from the elderberry flower: leaves, flowers and fruits, and the original home of the elderberry is Europe, and its prosperity increases in wastelands and forests, and we also find it in North America, and it has types and colors of its fruit, which is the berry, either blue or black, and we find this fruit in countries with temperate climates.
Elderberry has been used as food for thousands of years and as a medicinal medicine as well. Its flowers and berries are used in treatment and protection against colds and influenza, and in the treatment of sinus infections as well. The berries are edible, contain vitamin C, and are dark in color because they contain high levels of anthocyanins and bioflavonoids. This is what is used in the treatment of influenza symptoms, and this flower contributes to strengthening the immune system, and a medicine is made from it to drink, and this medicine is taken to prevent winter colds. And to expel the mule, it is thus similar to thyme.
The flower extract can also be used as a gargle to treat mouth ulcers and tonsillitis. Elderberry leaves are used topically to treat bruises, sprains, wounds, burns and finger tumors. Its leaves are also used as a mouthwash.
Benefits of elderflower
- Increased sweating in the body, and is a diuretic and anti-inflammatory.
- Elderberry is used in cases of rheumatism and dropsy; Where we use leaf juice and flower juice after boiling.
- Elderberry treats skin sores and skin infections.
- Elderberry is used as an antiseptic for wounds and as an ointment to massage inflamed places.
- We extract elderberry oil from the seeds to massage sore joints and relieve the pain of arthritis.
- Elderberry extract helps protect the body from harmful cholesterol.
Ibn Sina said, since ancient times, about the elderberry tree: “The elderberry is an Egyptian tree to brighten the mist and paint.” As for its oud and its seeds, they are useful in several cases, including: asthma, shortness of breath, lung pain, digestion, purification of the stomach, strengthening the liver, diuresis, and treatment of pain. joint, and toxin resistance.
