Herbs - Elder - Ailments / Situations Where Used |
 |
Page 2 of 6
Ailments / Situations Where Used It is the flowers that are widely used today as a sweat inducing plant to break fevers and colds, and influenza. This is due to the bioflavonoids which stimulate circulation. There are few plants that help reduce phlegm quite as well as the elder flower, and is because of this that they are employed in mucous conditions of the upper respiratory system and the lungs. For centuries the flowers have been taken as a preventative for hay fever early in the season. Externally they are used for inflammatory conditions, and according to 18th century folklore they have been known to whiten the skin, remove spots, and freckles. If applied faithfully they can preserve and soften the skin. They are a great wash for sore inflamed eyes, skin ulcers, eruptions, eczema and broken skin. The berries are used very similar to the flowers except for their reputation in rheumatism, and their high vitamins A and C content, which makes them all the more useful in cold conditions where the high vitamin intake would be desirable. |
