Black elder thrives in shaded areas, its flowers are picked before they fully bloom. They contain essential oils, vitamin C, glycosides, organic acids, tannins, mucilage and others.
The fruits also contain vitamin A, group B vitamins, sugars, amino acids and others. Actually, all parts of the plant have healing properties.
Black elder has a diuretic and laxative effect - remedies from the herb are taken for constipation and lazy bowels. For such cases, it is recommended to make a marmalade from the fruits of black elder and to take it several times a day - 1 tsp each time.
Further, the herb is exceptionally effective for inflammation of the airways - it aids expectoration, is often used for bronchitis, hoarse voice, even angina.
The herb is sufficient at lowering blood pressure, as well as helping against inflamed prostate, shortness of breath. Topically, black elder is useful against rheumatism and gout, eye inflammation, burns, skin inflammation, hemorrhoids, swelling and other problems.
Black elder also aids liver function, while its fruits have an overall recuperative effect. Prolonged use of black elder has a calming effect on the nervous system, the herb is potent against spring fatigue as well.
Black elder has an extraordinary effect on the immune system. Many herbalists suggest for people to store up the herb before winter, to make remedies from it.
With regular consumption of black elder we can protect ourselves from flu epidemics. The leaves of the herb are potent against kidney and bladder inflammation.
Infusions of the herb are made as follows: put 1 tablespoon of black elder in 1 1/5 cups (300 ml) boiling water and let it soak for 60 min. Then drink 1 cup of it 3 times a day. It is recommended to take it before meals.
If you have a cold, make yourself a tea from mint leaves, black elder flowers and linden. Use equal amounts of all 3 herbs. This type of tea will make you sweat and your cold will disappear faster and more easily.
