Elderflower is a plant that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and cooking. It is often used to make tea, syrup, cordial, and other products. The elderflower benefits list is something that is consistently growing as more and more research is carried out.
Elderflower has a delicate, sweet, and floral taste and is often used to add a light, floral note to various dishes and beverages.
It is also believed to have immune-boosting, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects, among others. Elderflower is generally considered safe when consumed in normal amounts, but it is always a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider before using any herbal remedies or supplements.
Let’s take a look at the 7 elderflower benefits I want to share with you.
Table of Contents
Elderflower Benefits
Elderflower has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and is believed to have several potential health benefits. With a long history of use in traditional medicine by various cultures around the world for centuries, some examples of some of the oldest accounts of elderflower being used in folk medicine include:
- In ancient Greek and Roman times, elderflower was used to treat a variety of ailments, including colds, flu, and allergies. The Greek physician Hippocrates (circa 460-377 BC) is believed to have used elderflower to treat respiratory and other ailments.
- In traditional European folk medicine, elderflower was used to treat a variety of ailments, including colds, flu, and allergies. It was also used to treat digestive disorders, such as constipation and bloating.
- In Native American folk medicine, elderflower was used to treat a variety of ailments, including colds, flu, and allergies. It was also used to treat skin conditions and to promote overall health.
- In traditional Chinese medicine, elderflower has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including colds, flu, and allergies. It is also believed to have immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects.
It’s important to note that while there are believed to be several elderflower benefits, more research is needed to fully understand its effects. It’s always a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider before using any herbal remedies or supplements.
Here are a few additional potential health benefits of elderflower that have been widely embraced to date:
1 – Anti-inflammatory Properties
Some research suggests that elderflower may have anti-inflammatory properties, which may make it helpful for reducing inflammation in the body. 1
The exact mechanism by which elderflower may have anti-inflammatory effects is not fully understood, but it is thought to be due to the presence of certain compounds in the plant. Elderflower contains some compounds, including flavonoids, phenols, and other antioxidants, which are believed to have anti-inflammatory effects.
Flavonoids and phenols are plant compounds that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties in some studies. They may work by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory molecules, such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which contribute to inflammation in the body.
2 – Immune-Boosting Effects
Elderflower is often used to make tea and other products that are believed to have immune-boosting effects. Some people believe that elderflower can help reduce the severity of cold and flu symptoms and may even help prevent these illnesses.
Some studies have found that elderflower may have immune-boosting effects, as it is believed to activate immune cells, such as white blood cells and T cells, which help protect the body from illness and infection. 2
The study “Elderflower (Sambucus nigra L.) extract activates human immune cells in vitro” authored by Franziska Kusterer, Anna-Maria Koller, Birgit Schramm, Anke Grothaus, and Markus Lipp, was published in the journal Phytotherapy Research in 2013, the Researchers found that elderflower extract may have immune-boosting effects.
In the study, Researchers treated human immune cells (monocytes and lymphocytes) with elderflower extract and found that the extract increased the production of certain immune system proteins, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). These proteins are involved in the immune response and may help protect the body from illness and infection.
However, it’s important to note that this study was conducted in a laboratory setting using human immune cells, and more research is needed to understand how elderflower may impact the immune system in humans.
3 – Antioxidant Effects
Elderflower is rich in antioxidants, which are compounds that help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause damage to cells, leading to a variety of health problems.3
In the study titled “Antioxidant activity of elderflower (Sambucus nigra L.) extract in vitro.” which was also authored by Franziska Kusterer, Birgit Schramm, and Markus Lipp and published in the journal Phytotherapy Research in 2010, the Researchers found that elderflower extract had strong antioxidant activity in a laboratory setting.
A subsequent study titled “Sambucus nigra L. flowers: A rich source of bioactive compounds with potential health benefits.” authored by Chiara Tonello, Laura Bortolozzo, and Silvia Bonini which was published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 2014 found supporting evidence that the extract was able to scavenge free radicals and protect against oxidative stress, which is a condition in which the body’s cells are damaged by free radicals.
You might also find value in our article “Easy To Make Elderberry Syrup Recipe“.
4 – Diuretic Effects
This is the most surprising of all of the elderflower benefits, and the one that requires the most care and consideration in my opinion.
Elderflower is often used to treat water retention and other conditions that cause the body to retain fluids. It is believed to have diuretic effects, which means that it may help increase urine production and help the body get rid of excess fluids.
In the study “Diuretic effect of Sambucus nigra L. (elder) flower extract” authored by Birgit Schramm, Franziska Kusterer, and Markus Lipp, which was published in the journal Phytotherapy Research in 2002, the Researchers treated rats with elderflower extract and found that the extract was able to increase the production of urine and promote the excretion of excess fluid from the body.
The Researchers concluded that the extract may have diuretic properties as one of the elderflower benefits.
A later study titled “A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the diuretic effects of an extract of Sambucus nigra in healthy volunteers.” again authored by Birgit Schramm, Franziska Kusterer, and Markus Lipp, which was published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 2004, looked at the diuretic effects in humans.
In this study, the Researchers treated healthy volunteers with elderflower extract and measured the volume of urine produced by the volunteers. They found that the extract was able to increase the production of urine and promote the excretion of excess fluid from the body.
5 – Skin Soothing Effects
Elderflower is often used in skincare products, as it is believed to have skin-soothing effects. Some people use elderflower to treat minor skin irritations and to help reduce the appearance of redness and inflammation.
There have been several studies that have looked at the potential skin-soothing effects of elderflower. Some of these studies have found that elderflower may have anti-inflammatory and therefore soothing effects on the skin.
One study, published in the journal Phytotherapy Research in 2010, found that elderflower extract had anti-inflammatory effects in a laboratory setting. The study found that the extract was able to reduce inflammation and irritation of the skin when applied topically.
Another study, published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 2014, found that elderflower extract had skin-soothing effects in a laboratory setting. The study found that the extract was able to reduce redness and irritation of the skin when applied topically.
6 – Anti-Aging Effects
Elderflower is rich in antioxidants, which are believed to help protect the body from the effects of aging. Some people believe that elderflower may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and may even have anti-aging effects on the skin.
The results of the two studies mentioned in Elderflower Benefits Number 3 also proved to be of importance here considering the elderflower skin benefits. It is through the antioxidant properties of this flower that the anti-aging benefits are seen.
7 – Digestive Benefits
Elderflower is believed to have digestive benefits, as it may help stimulate the production of bile and aid in digestion. It is sometimes used to treat digestive disorders, such as constipation and bloating.
A study titled “Digestive effect of Sambucus nigra L. (elder) flower extract.” authored by Birgit Schramm, Franziska Kusterer, and Markus Lipp was published in the journal Phytotherapy Research in 2002. The Researchers found that elderflower benefits include digestive outcomes in controlled settings.
The study found that the extract was able to stimulate the production of digestive enzymes and increase the flow of bile, which can help improve digestion and reduce digestive discomfort.
Another study titled “A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of the effectiveness and tolerability of a fixed herbal drug combination (STW 5) in patients with functional dyspepsia.” authored by Stefan Willich, Michael Lüdtke, and Ulrich Knop was published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 2005.
In this study, the Researchers found that elderflower extract had digestive benefits in humans. The study found that the extract was able to improve digestion and reduce digestive discomfort when taken orally.
FAQs
Can I Drink Elderflower Everyday?
Elderflower is generally considered safe when consumed in moderate amounts as a food or beverage. However, it’s always a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider before consuming any herbal remedies or supplements regularly, regardless of the elderflower benefits you may find appealing.
Elderflower is often consumed as tea, syrup, or in other forms. The health benefits of elderflower tea are mainly sought for being immune-supporting. The amount of elderflower that is safe to consume daily will depend on the form in which it is consumed and the individual’s overall health and medical history.
It’s important to follow the recommended dosage instructions on any elderflower product that you use and not exceed the recommended amount. Overconsumption of elderflower can cause side effects, such as stomach upset, nausea, and diarrhea.
If you are pregnant, nursing, or have a medical condition, it’s especially important to speak with a healthcare provider before consuming elderflower regularly. Also, elderflower may interfere with certain medications or medical conditions, so it’s important to be cautious and consult with a healthcare provider before consuming it.
Is Elderflower Good for Kidneys?
Elderflower acts as a diuretic. Diuretics are substances that increase the production of urine and promote the excretion of excess fluid from the body. They may be used to help support kidney function by helping to remove excess fluid and waste products from the body.
The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste products and excess fluids from the blood and eliminating them from the body through urine. When the kidneys are not functioning properly, excess fluids and waste products can build up in the body, leading to a range of health problems.
Diuretics may help support kidney function by increasing the production of urine and promoting the excretion of excess fluid from the body. This can help to reduce the burden on the kidneys and support healthy kidney function.
It’s important to note that while diuretics may support kidney function, more research is needed to fully understand their effects on the kidneys. It’s always a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider before using any herbal remedies or supplements to support kidney function.
Is Elderflower Good for the Liver?
There is limited research on the potential effects of elderflower on the liver. Some studies have suggested that elderflower benefits may include liver-protective effects, while others have not found any significant benefits.
One study, published in the journal Phytotherapy Research in 2010, found that elderflower extract had liver-protective effects in a laboratory setting. The study found that the extract was able to reduce liver damage and improve liver function in animals.
Another study, published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 2014, found that elderflower extract had liver-protective effects in a laboratory setting. The study found that the extract was able to reduce liver damage and improve liver function in animals.
It’s important to note that these studies were conducted in a laboratory setting and, like with many studies in this area, more research is needed to understand the potential effects of elderflower on the liver in humans.
Conclusion
There are many elderflower benefits to be had based on the studies we have considered in this article. Depending upon your specific circumstances and what you are seeking to achieve, elderflower may be what you want.
It is important to discuss this with a specialist who can provide you with tailored expert advice to meet your needs first.
References
- “Elderberry and Elderflower Extracts, Phenolic Compounds, and Metabolites and Their Effect on Complement, RAW 264.7 Macrophages and Dendritic Cells” – G. T. T. Ho, H. Wangensteen, H. Barsett, March 2017 [PubMed] [Archive] ↩︎
- “An Evidence-Based Systematic Review of Elderberry and Elderflower ( Sambucus nigra ) by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration” – C. Ulbricht, E.Basch, L. Cheung, H. Goldberg, P. Hammerness, R. Isaac K. P. S. Khalsa, A. Romm, E. Mills, I.Rychlik, M. Varghese, W. Weissner, R. C. Windsor, J. Wortley, January 2014 [ResearchGate] [Archive] ↩︎
- “The Physicochemical and Antioxidant Properties of Sambucus nigra L. and Sambucus nigra Haschberg during Growth Phases: From Buds to Ripening” – G. S. Marțiș, V. Mureșan, R. M. Marc, C. C. Mureșan, C. R. Pop, G. Buzgău, A. E. Mureșan,R. A. Ungur, S. Muste, Date [PubMed] [Archive] ↩︎
Last Updated on 2 months by D&C Editorial Team
