2023-09-08 07:30:25
Black Beautybetter known as black elderberry, is a very common shrub in Europe. Sambucus is the Latinized form of Greek elderberry which means flute(1,2).
The Celts, in fact, would have used the hollow branches to make musical instruments(1,2).
Was the famous Pan’s flute, attribute of the Greek god of shepherds and flocks, made of elderwood? Only the Arcadians know it, they who considered themselves protected by Pan…
Arcadia is a large and beautiful region of the Peloponnese. It’s also a wonderful place.
But if I told you regarding it, it would take us away from the black elderberry which is the subject of the day!
A shrub that has a lot to offer…
Our medicinal shrub offers five great resources to the herbalist and phytotherapist, which have been known for a long time(3,4,5) :
- its bark,
- its roots, used especially in Germany,
- its leaves,
- its flowers,
- and its berries.
The bark, roots and leaves are mainly taken in powder or decoction. To make a decoction, you must put the plant in cold water that you boil(3,4,5).
The water should boil for at least 5 to 10 minutes. Then leave to infuse for another 10 minutes(5,6).
Flowers and berries for cooking or infusions
The flowers of Black Beauty are beautiful. These are large pale yellow umbels and are harvested in spring.(2).
They are dried by producers who then make them available to herbalists or organic stores who distribute them.(1,2).
But you can also use them in cooking to enhance your dishes(1,3).
And, of course, if you have a black elderberry in the garden, you can do the job yourself.
The berries are harvested from mid-August to the end of September depending on the region. You can make syrups, jam, jelly or coulis. You can put it in your desserts. The health of your guests will only be better(2,5) !
And of course, your herbalist will recommend that you take them as an infusion(5,6).
Heat your water to at least 80°C and pour it over the berries or dried flowers. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes(9).
Watch out for the sambunigrine!
On the other hand, the berries are not eaten raw, which is also true of the flowers.(6,7).
Because elderberry contains sambunigrin which is a toxic alkaloid. Fortunately, it evaporates during cooking once you exceed 70°C(5,6).
Elderberries eaten raw can cause diarrhea or vomiting: the body does not want them(6,7) !
Black elderberry will make you sweat!
Your herbalist will tell you that black elderberry is febrifuge or antipyretic. This means that it is a plant that reduces fever(5,6).
Others will say that black elderberry is sudorific, which amounts to the same thing: it makes you sweat, which helps lower your body temperature.(5,6).
Be careful, however, the infusion of berries or flowers is preferably consumed lukewarm or cold.(5,6).
Black elderberry gently regenerates you
The bark, leaves and flowers of black elderberry contain mucilages which give them the ability to soften the tissues of the human body: this is useful for the skin, mucous membranes, cartilage, etc.(3,4).
Elderberry bark and flowers also bring you flexibility and vitality. Herbalists speak of an emollient effect(3,4,5).
Black elderberry brings energy to your body but also a little peace. Who would be once morest?
A plant with a broad spectrum
But that’s not all. The flowers and bark of black elderberry contain(5,6) :
- tannins;
- phenolic acids;
- flavonoids;
- essential oils (especially flower).
All of these substances make black elderberry a very useful remedy for strengthening your land. You then make prevention.
In the off-season, black elderberry allows you, in particular, to(5,6,7) :
- strengthen your immune system;
- protect your respiratory sphere once morest winter viruses;
- reduce any inflammation of the bronchi or lungs;
- prevent cardiovascular diseases;
- act once morest type II diabetes;
- limit weight gain.
Black elderberry is also known to be diuretic, antiviral and antibacterial(8,9).
Elderberry is, moreover, particularly rich in vitamin C. It is, therefore, very antioxidant(6,7).
It eliminates free radicals, which is good once morest cellular aging or inflammation(5,6).
Save some for winter
Black elderberry, in all its forms, is also renowned for its antiviral properties(6,7).
You can therefore also use it as a cure for colds, bronchitis, coughs or flu, which should not prevent you from consulting a doctor if you have the slightest doubt.
Black elderberry syrup, flower infusion or decoction of bark or leaves (or even roots) can help you fight once morest winter viruses.
On the other hand, to my knowledge, it has no demonstrated use once morest covid 19.
Its anti-inflammatory qualities also make it a possible aid once morest irritable bowel, joint pain and rheumatism.
A few precautions all the same…
The black elderberry is a real treasure whose berries and flowers in particular prepare you for winter and help you get through it peacefully.
But it is a medicinal plant, a natural medicine.
It is not recommended to consume too much.
It is also not recommended to consume it if your intestine is too fragile or if you are in a fragile situation.
This might be a pregnancy for example.
In the event of a chronic illness or civilization, your doctor may advise you not to consume it.
This has to be seen on a case by case basis.
Naturally yours,
Augustine of Livois
1694187447
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