Elder Materia Medica

MATERIA MEDICA

Latin Binomial: Sambucus nigra

Common Name(s): Elderberry, Elderflower(s) TCM Name: Jie Gu Mu Family: Caprifoliaceae (Honeysuckle Family)

Physical Description of the Plant: Habitat: Native to Europe and parts of Asia and Africa, now found in Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America.

Harvest and Collection: American elder shrubs grow in low, moist grounds along fences, and on the border of small streams. It best thrives in moist, fertile, well-drained soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5, but can

tolerate a range of soil texture, fertility, and acidity. It’s found throughout North America, from Canada to the Carolinas, and as far west as Arizona and Texas. It flowers May-July and ripens its fruit in early autumn

Parts of the Plant Used: berries and flowers are the most commonly used parts, but there are also topical indications for the inner bark, leaves, and roots.

Energetics: sweet, bitter, cool, moist Taste: Sweet, Bitter, Slightly Pungent

Actions:

· Alterative: supports the body in its natural cleansing processes.

· Aperient: eases constipation.

· Astringent: causes the contraction of tissues, primarily the skin (the flowers are mildly so).

· Demulcent: soothes inflammation or irritation.

· Diaphoretic: induces sweating (primarily the flowers).

· Diuretic: promotes urination.

· Emollient: increases skin hydration by reducing evaporation.

· Expectorant: aids in expelling mucus from the airways.

· Laxative: loosens stools and promotes bowel movements.

Western: Anti-inflammatory, Antiviral, Astringent, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Febrifuge, Immune Boosting

Eastern: Meridians: Lung, Kidneys, Bladder

Indications: Orally, elderflower is used for sinusitis, cold, influenza, and bronchitis. It is also used as a mild laxative, as a diuretic, and as a diaphoretic to help promote sweating. Topically, elderflower preparations are used as a gargle and mouthwash for coughs, colds, laryngitis, flu, and as an eyewash for red, itchy eyes. For skin it is used as an astringent for swelling and inflammation.

! Contraindications/Cautions: Raw Elderberries can cause gastrointestinal irritation (nausea, vomiting) if not well processed (5). Elder leaves, twigs, branches, seeds, and roots contain cyanide-inducing glycosides, and ingesting these parts of the plant in large quantities can cause a toxic buildup of cyanide in the body

· Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), multiple sclerosis (MS), or other conditions: Elderberry might cause the immune system to become more active, which could increase the symptoms of autoimmune diseases. If you have one of these conditions, it’s best to avoid using Elderberry.

· Raw or unripe elderberries contain toxic compounds known as cyanogenic glycosides and must be cooked sufficiently to avoid risk of cyanide toxicity.

Drug Interactions: [flower] use with caution if taking diuretics, Elderflower is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA

Tincture: Infusion: add ½ to 1 tsp of flowers in 6oz of boiling water in a cup; strain after 10 minutes. Take three times daily. Tincture (1:5, 25% alcohol): 10 to 25 mL per day.

Infusion: Combine flower or dried berries in hot water and cover for 8-15 minutes. Combinations: can be combined with other immune supportive herbs such as astragalus, echinacea, reishi

Folklore: Elderberry fruit has long been considered a virtual cure-all with the ability to treat a wide variety of ailments and conditions. Hippocrates, the “Father of Medicine,” called the tree his “medicine chest.” Among its many attributes, elderberry is commonly used as a gentle, effective remedy to help prevent and fight viral and bacterial infections, especially colds and flu symptoms, such as fevers, coughs, headache, muscle aches, congestion, nausea, irritability, and wheezing. It was even used in the 1995 flu epidemic in Panama.

· Native Americans regarded elderberry as an “Elder” plant. It used to treat infections and as a tonic herb to promote health and vitality. They dried the berries for use during the winter and also used them to make a deep black dye use in basket making. The flowers were also used to help ease the pain associated with rheumatism, sprains, and muscle aches. A poultice made from the flowers was applied externally to tone and soften skin and heal wounds. The trees were often grown near living areas for convenience and near graveyard

· The ancient Egyptians used elderberry to improve their complexion and heal burns.

· St Germaine French liqueur is made from elderberries as is Swedish aquavit.

· Studies have confirmed that elderberry helps boost the production of cytokines. Cytokines are the protein messengers that help regulate immune response. The anthocyanins found in elderberries possess more antioxidant capacity than either vitamin E or C and are attributed to the greatly increased immune system coordination elderberry supports and triggers.

· Antivirin is an antiviral agent found in elderberry that helps to both prevent viral infections by inhibiting their ability to invade cells.

· For fighting colds and flu symptoms, elderberry is best started within 24-48 hours of symptom onset. A study of 312 air travelers who took 300 mg capsules of elderberry extract three times a day found that of those who got sick, those that used the elderberry capsules recovered faster and less severe symptoms.

· In Israel, Hasassah’s Oncology Lab has shown that elderberry stimulates the body’s immune system and they have integrated its use into their cancer and AIDS treatment protocols.

· In China, elderberry is used in medicinal wines to treat pain associated with injuries and arthritis. Also used to treat cold and flu symptoms, the berries are considered excellent for Clearing Heat as can be indicated by such signs as red itchy eyes, muscle aches, fever, chest pain, constipation, and urinary tract infections. It is considered excellent for reducing swollen lymph glands and easing sore throats.

· Elderberry is high in vitamin C. It contains 6 to 35mg of vitamin C per 100 grams of fresh berries, that’s up to 60% of your minimum recommended daily allowance. It is als high in fiber, containing about 25% of your minimum recommended daily allowance. The flowers contain ten times more flavonols than the berries do and both the berries and flowers are very high in powerful antioxidant phenolic acids.

Flower Essence: Elder flower essence stimulates powers of recovery and renewal of the vital life energies that rejuvenate. When body and soul are revitalised, you can be imbued with the sense of wellbeing that boosts vitality and self-esteem. How you appear is a direct reflection of how you see yourself, what you believe about your appearance, and how you feel about your body. “Energy follows thought”. Be the light and beautiful being that you truly are. Relax the desire for perfection and stimulate your natural powers of regeneration and renewal. Reveal your youthfulness and vitality.

Applications: Elderflower is anti-inflammatory, anti-catarrhal and expectorant, and helps in cases of colds, sinusitis and sinus allergies to reduce inflammation of sinus tissue and move congestion. It helps to reduce fevers by promoting sweating.