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These health guides are no substitute for proper diagnosis and treatment from your own health professional.
Elder
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Sambucus nigra
This is a small tree or shrub with large, flat-topped clusters of scented creamy white flowers, followed later by small shiny black berries. All parts of the shrub-- bark, flowers, berries, leaves and roots are useful medicinally
Elderberry extract has been shown to be a very effective remedy for treating colds and flu symptoms such as fever, coughing, muscle aches and pain. If taken at the first signs of flu, the symptoms will generally disappear within 24 to 48 hours.
There is a report that it is just effective at treating the herpes- like Epstein-Barr virus. A tea, made up of elder flowers, is both soothing and relaxing, and is good for cold and headaches. The flowers can be used to treat both acute and chronic ear infections; and to decrease the production of mucus discharge in the upper respiratory system. Externally, a decoction of the dried flowers is used as an inhalation to aid in the relief of headaches, head cold and hoarseness of voice. A compress made up of elderflowers infusion is used to soothe and relieve sunburn. Elderflowers infused in milk, is used as a mild bleach to fade away freckles.
Precautions
The berries should never be eaten uncooked, and nor the raw juice be taken, as they can cause diarrhoea.
References
- Tierra M.The Way of Herbs. New York. Pocket Books. 1990.
- Black P. The Illustrated Herbal. Hamlyn. 1987
- Boxer A, Black P.The herb Book. Reed International Books Limited. 1980.
- Burch E (N.D.).The Complete Herbal Companion.Harper Collins 2000
- L’Orang D.The Herbal Healing Secrets of the Orient.Prentice Hall 1998
- Tierra M.The ways of Chinese Herbs.Pocket Books. 1998.
- Liu HC.Chinese System of Food Cures.Pelandok Publication.1989.
- Dr.Hong YH, PhD, Hsu CS, PhD. Commonly Used Chinese Herbs.Oriental Healing Arts Institute, 1980.
- Dr.Hong YH, PhD. How to Treat Yourself with Chinese Herbs.Oriental Healing Arts Institute. 1993.
- Murray M, Pizzorno J.The Encyclopaedia of Natural Medicines. Prima Pub. 1998.
- Tierra L.The Herbs of Life.Freedom, CA. Crossing Press. 1992.
- Dr.Walker M.Olive leaf extract. Kensington books. 1997
- Kloss J, Promise M.Back to Eden, revised version. Mass Market Paperback. 1989.
- Prevention Magazine (editors).The complete book of natural & medicinal cures. Health books. Berkley Publishing Group, 1996.
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