Black elderberry flowers

Black elderberry flowers are part of the Sambucus nigra plant, which is also known as the European elderberry. Black elderberry flowers are widely used in traditional medicine and cooking due to their medicinal and taste properties.

In traditional medicine, black elderberry flowers are used to prepare infusions and decoctions that can help with colds, flu, sore throat, and also have diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties. They are also used as antioxidants and can help reduce inflammation in the body.

Black elderberry flowers are also added to foods and drinks, including teas, compotes, syrups and jams, to provide a refreshing taste and aroma. They have a slightly sweet and floral taste.

Indications Black elderberry flowers

1. Colds and Flu: Black elderberry flowers are often used to relieve cold and flu symptoms such as runny nose, cough, sore throat and fever.
2. Upper respiratory tract diseases: They can help treat sore throat, tracheitis and other upper respiratory tract diseases.
3. Gastrointestinal Problems: Black elderberry flowers are sometimes used to reduce inflammation and irritation of the gastrointestinal tract, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastritis and colitis.
4. Diuretic: Using elderflower can help stimulate the elimination of excess fluid from the body, so it can be used for swelling and other bladder problems.
5. Antiviral Action: Some research suggests that black elderberry flowers may have antiviral properties, which may be useful in treating viral infections, including the flu and colds.

Release form

1. Dried Flowers: This is the most natural form of black elderberry. The flowers can be collected, dried and packaged for use in tinctures, teas and other folk remedies.
2. Extract: Elderberry flowers can be used to produce extracts, which can be liquid or dry. Extracts are widely used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.
3. Tincture: Elderberry flowers can be used to prepare tinctures, which are aqueous-alcoholic solutions with a high content of active elderberry components.
4. Tea: Dried elderflowers can be packaged and sold as tea. Elderberry tea is usually infused in hot water and consumed as a drink or as part of traditional medicine.
5. Essential Oil: Elderberry flowers can also be used to produce essential oil, which can be used in aromatherapy and for cosmetic purposes.
6. Tablets or Capsules: Elderflower extract or powder may be included in tablets or capsules for ease of administration.

Pharmacodynamics

1. Antiviral activity: Black elderberry flower extracts contain flavonoids and other biologically active compounds that exhibit antiviral properties. They can help fight a variety of viruses, including influenza and respiratory viruses.
2. Anti-inflammatory effect: Flavonoids and phenolic compounds contained in elderberry flowers have anti-inflammatory properties. They may reduce inflammation and reduce the production of inflammatory mediators.
3. Immunomodulatory effects: Some studies have shown that black elderberry flowers may have an effect on the immune system, helping to strengthen it and improve the body's immune response.
4. Antioxidant Properties: Elderflower contains antioxidants such as flavonoids and vitamin C, which help protect the body's cells from damage from free radicals and oxidative stress.
5. Antitussive: Elderberry flowers are often used in folk medicine to relieve coughs and throat irritations. They may help soften the lining of the airways and reduce the frequency of coughing.
6. Antibacterial: Some studies also point to the antibacterial properties of black elderberry flowers, which may help fight various bacterial infections.

Pharmacokinetics

1. Absorption: The active components of black elderberry flowers, such as flavonoids, anthocyanins, phenolic acids and other bioactive substances, are usually absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract after ingestion.
2. Distribution: After absorption, the active components can be distributed throughout the body through the bloodstream.
3. Metabolism: Metabolic processes can occur in the body, including the decomposition and transformation of the active components of black elderberry flowers.
4. Excretion: Metabolites and unchanged active components can be excreted from the body through the kidneys (in the form of urine) or through bile (into the intestines).
5. Semi-terminal period: The length of time the active constituents remain in the body before their concentration is reduced by half may vary depending on the specific characteristics of the active constituents of the black elderberry flowers.

Dosing and administration

Elderflower tea

1. Making tea:

   • Take about 1-2 teaspoons (3-5 grams) of dried elderflower.
   • Pour boiling water (about 200 ml) over the flowers.
   • Let it brew for 10-15 minutes, then strain.

2. Tea dosage:

   • Drink 1-2 cups of tea a day at the first symptoms of a cold or flu.

Elderberry flower tincture

1. Preparing the tincture:

   • Soak elderflower flowers in vodka or other strong alcohol in a ratio of 1:5.
   • Close tightly and leave to infuse in a dark place for 2-4 weeks, shaking occasionally.
   • After time, strain the tincture through gauze or a clean cloth.

2. Tincture dosage:

   • Take 10–20 drops of tincture, diluted in a small amount of water, 2–3 times a day.

Precautions

• Elderberry flowers, like any other medicinal herbs, should be used with caution. You must ensure that you are not allergic to this product.
• Elderberry flowers must be clearly identified, as some other elderberry species can be poisonous.
• Pregnant and nursing mothers and children are advised to consult a physician before using elderflower.

Use Black elderberry flowers during pregnancy

During pregnancy, the use of any medicinal herbs should be done with caution. There are several things to consider about black elderberry flowers:

1. Lack of sufficient research: There is not enough data on the safety of using black elderberry flowers during pregnancy. This means that the potential risks to the pregnant woman and the developing fetus are not fully understood.
2. Traditional Uses: Although elderflower has been used in traditional medicine for a long time, this does not guarantee its safety during pregnancy. Traditional use is often not accompanied by rigorous clinical studies.
3. Potential Risks: Elderflower may cause a diuretic effect, which is not always desirable during pregnancy as it may affect the fluid and electrolyte balance in the body. In addition, diaphoretic properties may increase dehydration.

Recommendations

• Consult Your Doctor: It is important to consult your doctor or qualified herbal practitioner before using black elderberry flowers during pregnancy. They will be able to evaluate potential risks and benefits based on your individual health status.
• Alternatives: Your doctor may be able to recommend safer and better-researched alternatives to treat the symptoms that elderberry typically helps with, especially if you are looking for relief from cold or flu symptoms during pregnancy.
• Caution: If your doctor approves the use of elderflower, follow all dosage and use recommendations to minimize any possible risks.

Contraindications

1. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Use of black elderberry flower during pregnancy or lactation may be contraindicated due to limited safety data in these conditions. Although black elderberry flowers are traditionally considered safe, the safety of their use during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been fully studied.
2. Allergic Reactions: Some people may have an allergic reaction to black elderberry flowers, especially if they are allergic to other plants in the lilac family (Adoxaceae), such as red currants or white lilacs. Allergic reactions can manifest as skin rash, itching, swelling or even anaphylactic shock.
3. Individual intolerance: Some people may have an individual intolerance to the components of black elderberry flowers. In this case, their use may also be contraindicated.
4. Drug Interactions: Interactions of black elderberry flowers with certain medications may also be contraindicated. For example, they may increase the effect of diuretics, which can lead to a potentially dangerous decrease in potassium levels in the blood.

Side effects Black elderberry flowers

1. Allergic reactions:

   • Some people may experience allergic reactions to elderflowers, which may include rashes, itching, and swelling, especially if they have allergies to other plants in the olive family.

2. Gastrointestinal problems:

   • Excessive consumption of elderberry flowers may cause gastric disorders such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. This is especially true if infusions or decoctions are prepared too concentrated.

3. Drug interactions:

   • Elderberry flowers may interact with some medications, especially diuretics (diuretics) and diabetes medications, as they may increase the diuretic and hypoglycemic effects.

4. Effects on pregnancy and breastfeeding:

   • There is insufficient data on the safety of using elderflower during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so caution or avoidance of use is recommended during such periods.

Overdose

1. Nausea and vomiting: Consuming large quantities of black elderberry flowers may cause stomach irritation, leading to nausea and vomiting.
2. Diarrhea: Overdose may cause increased intestinal motility and, as a result, diarrhea.
3. Dizziness and weakness: General weakness and dizziness may occur.
4. Cardiovascular disorders: In some cases, changes in blood pressure and heart rate may occur.
5. CNS disorders: Drowsiness, decreased concentration and other neurological symptoms may occur.

Interactions with other drugs

1. Cardiovascular drugs: Black elderberry flowers may increase the effects of drugs that affect the cardiovascular system, such as antihypertensive drugs or diuretics. This may lead to unwanted side effects such as hypotension.
2. Diabetes drugs: Black elderberry flowers may increase blood sugar levels and increase the effects of drugs used to treat diabetes. People with diabetes should be careful when using black elderberry products.
3. Medicines that affect the blood clotting system: Black elderberry flowers may increase the effect of anticoagulants (such as warfarin), which may lead to increased clotting time and the risk of bleeding.
4. Medicines used to treat inflammation: Black elderberry flowers may increase the effect of drugs used to treat inflammation, such as aspirin or nexstatin.
5. Other herbal preparations: Interactions with other herbal preparations are also possible, especially if they affect the same body systems. For example, combining black elderberry flowers with other herbal remedies that affect the cardiovascular system may lead to undesirable effects.