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Elderflowers are blooming everywhere right now — why not make the most of this season?
Elderflower ranks among the most commonly used medicinal plants in the world. People have used it for centuries to treat infections and inflammations, and the ancient Egyptians used it to improve skin health and to treat burns. Even today many people still gather the flowers of the black elder and use them as a natural remedy for many different ailments.
Elderflowers and their effects on health
Black elder is an effective herb that can “fix” many health problems — take a look and it may help you too.
- Strong immune support, protects cells against free radicals
- Antiviral, antibacterial effects
- Antiseptic and detoxifying effects
- Mild antibiotic effects
- Promotes sweating (flu …)
- Supports digestion, cleanses the digestive tract
- Relieves constipation, normalizes stools
- Eliminates bloating and abdominal pain
- Keeps the respiratory tract healthy
- Eliminates inflammations, coughs and phlegm
- Suitable for colds, flu, allergies, bronchitis
- Diuretic effect, cleanses kidneys and urinary tract
- Flushes uric acid from the body
- Relieves joint pain (rheumatism, gout …)
- Soothes the nervous system
- Reduces stress
- Alleviates pain and cramps (migraine, stomach)
- Promotes skin healing (rashes, eczema, wounds)
- Disinfects and speeds up skin healing
They say elderflowers are one of the most medicinal plants in the world because they contain large amounts of flavonoids, carotene, and vitamin C.
It has long been known to be very helpful for the flu, clogged sinuses, bronchitis, asthma and allergies. It also boosts immunity and helps with diabetes and constipation.
Elderflower jam
This jam is excellent, for example, for stomach aches, poor digestion, also for immune support, during bouts of coughing and it also works wonderfully for migraines, headaches and stress or insomnia. Plus it tastes fantastic, so definitely make some to keep in reserve!
We need:
- 200 g cane sugar
- 800 ml water
- juice of 1 lemon
- 20 elderflower heads
- a piece of fresh ginger to taste
- juice and grated zest of 1 lemon
- gelling agent 2:1 — 1–2 packets
- torn flowers from 2 elderflower heads
Method:
Simmer the cane syrup together with the water for 5–10 minutes over low heat. After cooling, add the lemon juice, stir and add the cleaned elderflowers, which can be easily weighed down so they remain under the surface. Let steep overnight in the refrigerator.
Finishing the jam:
Strain the infused syrup, add grated ginger (without fibers), grated lemon zest and the gelling agent 2:1, boil for 3–5 minutes. At the end add the lemon juice, which will flavor the jam and also help it set. After removing from the heat, stir in the torn little flowers from the elderflower heads. This will create an enchanting jam full of tiny blossoms.
Pour the hot jam into clean jars, seal them, place them upside down and let cool.
