| Elder flowers are a mild
astringent and are used in skin washes to refine the complexion
and help relieve eczema, acne
and psoriasis. Elder has a long history
of use dating back to the 5th century BC. Hippocrates
wrote about elder. Egyptians discovered that applying
elder flowers improved the complexion and healed burns.
Flower water makes a soothing gargle and when strained
makes an excellent eye wash.
The 17th century herbalist, John Evelyn called this herb "a remedy
against all infirmities what-so-ever".
The leaves and flowers are a common ingredient in
ointments and poultices for burns and scalds, swelling, cuts and scrapes. Infusions and preparations with the
blossoms combined with other herbs have also been used to boost the immune
system and quicken recovery from the common cold
and flu.
The effects of elder flowers
are: alterative, diaphoretic, anti-inflammatory and
anti-catarrhal
Elder flowers contain:
o Triterpenes, including ursolic acid
o Fixed oil containing linoleic, linolenic and palmitic
acids
o Flavonoids, including rutin, quercitin , kampherol
o Pectin
o Sugars
Elder Flowers also known
as:
Elderberry, Sambucus
canadensis, Sambucus
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