Elderflowers for Health and Enjoyment. Elderflower is the flower of the Elder or Alder tree. It is useful for swollen sinuses (sinusitis), colds, influenza (flu), swine flu, bronchitis, diabetes, and constipation. It is also used to increase urine production (as a diuretic), to increase sweating (as a diaphoretic), and to stop bleeding.
Elderflower is also used as a gargle and mouthwash for coughs, colds, hoarseness (laryngitis), flu, and shortness of breath. It is used on the skin for joint pain (rheumatism), and pain and swelling (inflammation). Some people put elderflower in the eyes for red eyes. In combination with gentian root, verbena, cowslip flower, and sorrel, elderflower is used for maintaining healthy sinuses and treating sinusitis. It is also useful combined with senna to treat constipation. In foods and beverages, elderflower is used as a flavoring component. In manufacturing, elderflower extracts are used in perfumes. Elderflower water is used in eye and skin lotions.
Elderflower is LIKELY SAFE when used in amounts found in foods. Elderflower is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when used in small amounts as part of a combination product containing elderflower, sorrel, gentian root, verbena, and cowslip flower (SinuComp, Sinupret). There isn’t enough information to know if elderflower is safe when used in medicinal amounts other than as part of the combination product. The combination product can cause digestive system upset and occasionally allergic skin rash. There is a concern that elderflower might lower blood sugar levels. If taken with diabetes medications, it might make blood sugar levels go too low. We always advise you to thoroughly research any new herb you are thinking of using and if pregnant, breast-feeding or taking a prescription drug, book an appointment with your midwife or GP.
Dried elderflowers are an old home remedy for common cold. To make elderflower tea, put 1 tablespoon dried elderflowers in a cup and fill up with boiling water. Let steep for 7 to 10 minutes. Strain and sweeten with honey to taste. To make elderflower cordial: Bring 2 cups of water and 2 cups of castor sugar to a boil over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and let this simple syrup cool. Slice a lemon and place in a seal-able glass jar along with quarter cup of elderflowers and 1 1/2 teaspoons of citric acid and cooled sugar syrup. Shake well and put in the fridge for a minimum of 24 hours, preferably 72 hours. Strain your cordial through cheesecloth into your desired container, pressing down to extract all the liquid. Store in a sealed glass container in the refrigerator for up to three months. If you like, use oranges or grapefruit instead of lemons, or substitute honey or agave nectar for the sugar. This mixture is concentrated and non-alcoholic, but you can combine it with vodka or pear eau de vie for an impromptu liqueur.