Therapeutic Uses:
- Elderflowers have antiviral action and extracts of the fruits have been shown to inhibit 10 strains of influenza virus types A and B, and HIV and herpes simplex virus. Both leaves and flowers have been shown to have anti-inflammatory action, while the berries, rich on anthocyanidins have strong free-radical scavenging activity – thus are antioxidant. Elderberry can be taken as a syrup for coughs and colds; Elderflower can be taken as an infusion. Clinical studies show that Elderberry shortens the severity and duration of influenza.
Medicinal Uses: *Arthritis-like pain *Bronchitis *Cold *Constipation *Cough *Diabetes *Flu *Hoarseness (laryngitis) *Increase sweating (as a diaphoretic) *Increase urine production (as a diuretic) *Nasal swelling (sinusitis) *Stop bleeding *Swelling (inflammation)
Elder Flower Side Effects: Elderflower is possibly unsafe when used in excessive amounts. Some parts of the elderflower plant contain a cyanide-producing chemical which can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Cooking removes this chemical. Avoid use if pregnant or breast-feeding. There is a concern that elderflower might lower blood sugar levels. If taken with diabetes medications, it might make blood sugar levels go too low. If you have diabetes and use elderflower, be sure to monitor your blood sugar levels carefully.
Elder Flower Drug Interactions: Elderflower can decrease blood sugar levels. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar. Taking elderflower along with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to be too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed. Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others.
