By the Doctor Giuseppe Annunziata
Sambucus nigra (vulgar Sambuco) is a plant used in broad spectrum phytotherapy. Thanks to the diuretic, diaphoretic, laxative, emetic, antineuralgic properties. Let's find out better.
Property of the Elderberry
The main therapeutic properties of Sambuco are: diuretic, diaphoretic, antineuralgic, emollient, laxative or purgative, anti- fibrillating, emetic, anti-rheumatic, weakly anti-inflammatory, stimulating bronchial secretion, depurative.
The drug is commonly recommended in case of: colds, infections of the respiratory tract, cough, pharyngitis, bronchitis, rhinitis, constipation or constipation, haemorrhoids, arrhythmias, infections or inflammation of the urogenital tract, cystitis, urethritis, urinary lithiasis, edema from retention, rheumatism, gout (helps eliminate uric acid), skin problems, dermatosis, rashes, neuralgia, epilepsy, need to purify the body.
Acts on different organs and systems. Among the main ones are heart, oral cavity, intestine, stomach, kidneys, urinary tract, liver, immune system.
Method of use
The drug can be used in the form of fluid extract, mother tincture or as an infusion or decoction. It is possible to prepare a purgative or diuretic decoction with bark, dried flowers and leaves, to sweeten with honey.
Elderberry among the ingredients of laxative teas: discover the others
Contraindications and side effects
Elderberry is a practically safe drug, if used at the recommended doses. The consumption of elderberry leaves and seeds, highly poisonous due to the presence of sambunigrin, a toxic glycoside, is strictly prohibited . Fresh leaves and flowers, applied to the skin, cause violent irritations and rashes.
Description of the plant
Elderberry is a plant belonging to the botanical family of Caprifoliaceae . It appears as a shrub or small tree which, however, in some cases can reach heights of even more than five meters, up to a maximum of ten.
The leaves are opposite two by two, with a dilated petiole at the base; the small and fragrant flowers, white or cream-white; the fruit is a black drupe. The balsamic period for the collection of drugs is between May and June.
To obtain the drug, dried fruits and inflorescences are used; the flowers dry quickly when exposed to sun and air, taking on a characteristic yellowish color and a pleasant aromatic odor.
Among the active principles of the phytocomplex we find essentially: sambucina, sambunigrina, rutin, isoquercitin, astragalina, campferolo, essential oil, free fatty acids, tannin (in the bark); emulsina, invertina, sambunigrina, benaldehyde (in the leaves); tannin, choline, mucilage, malate, valerianic acid, tartaric acid (in flowers); anthocyanins, wax, gum, acetate, malate, tartaric acid, citric acid (in fruits).
Discover also the properties and use of elderberry mother tincture
The elderberry habitat
In a geographical distribution of the species, the Elder is widely represented in Italy and in most of Europe, preferring, as an optimal habitat, mountain environments, ruderal, humid places and sparse woods.
Curiosity on the elderberry
From a distillate of elderflower, together with anise, fennel, mint, licorice and other aromas, a tasty digestive liqueur is obtained, known under the trade name of Sambuca.
