Elderflower: Health Benefits, Uses & DIY Recipes

Elderflower is a flowering plant native to Europe, North America, and Asia. The plant produces delicate, cream-colored flowers in spring and summer. This beautiful plant has been used for centuries to treat various ailments. However, its health benefits are being recognized by modern science lately. Elderflower is known for its anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and antioxidant properties. Moreover, it supports immune system, promote healthy skin, and aid digestive and respiratory health. It can be consumed in the form of teas, tinctures, syrups, and supplements. Furthermore, it can be used as a poultice, oil, or facial mask.

This article will explore incredible elderflower health benefits, DIY tips, and recipes.

Elderflower Health Benefits

Immune System Support

• Elderflower is comprised of certain compounds that enhance immunity. This immunity boost is due to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant nature of flavonoids present in elderflower. The flavonoids in elderflowers include quercetin, kaempferol, and rutin.
• Moreover, phenolic acids such as caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid presence are also present, which are recognized anti-inflammatory compounds.
• Elderflower tea, tincture, syrup, capsule, and extracts can be consumed to gain benefit from enhanced immune system support.

Respiratory Health

• Elderflower is a traditional choice to relieve colds, coughs, flu, and congestion. This ability is due to the presence of mucilage. Mucilage is a polysaccharide, supporting mucus relief and dilution in the respiratory tract. Moreover, elderflower also contains saponins. Saponins act as an expectorant and alleviate mucus. They help in mucus breakdown, ultimately making it easier to expel.
• The anti-inflammatory compounds present in elderflower also relieve the respiratory tract by reducing inflammation.
• Elderflower can be used as tea, tincture, syrup, supplemental aid or steam inhalation to unblock the respiratory tract.

Digestive Health

• For centuries, digestive issues like constipation, bloating, and diarrhea have been treated with elderflower.
• The compounds anthocyanins and flavonoids have diuretic effects which promote regularity. Another compound, tannins, provides relief and protection to the digestive tract.
• You can use elderflower in the form of tea, tincture, syrup, and supplements to aid digestive health.

Skin Health

• Elderflower is also used in topical application to treat numerous skin conditions, including eczema, acne, and sunburn.
• The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects reduce irritation and puffiness. It also has antimicrobial effects inhibiting bacterial growth on the skin. It provides moisture, tones skin, reduces wrinkles, and gives a younger and fresh look.
• Elderflowers can be used as a toner, serum, facial mists and masks, and eye compress.

Urinary Tract Health

• Elderflower has diuretic properties, which ease urination and flushes out the body’s toxins. In this way urinary tract is protected from various infections and diseases.
• Flavonoids and tannins present in elderflower soothe and maintains a healthy urinary tract.
• You can use it in the form of tea, tincture, syrup, and supplements.

Stress and Anxiety Relief

• Elderflower promotes relaxation and reduces stress and anxiety. The reason behind this is the presence of compounds like flavonoids and terpenes such as linalool and alpha-terpineol. These compounds impose soothing effects on the body.
• Another helpful substance, ursolic acid, is also present in elderflower, which has the same effects as any anxiety-reducing drug.
• It can be used as a tea, tincture, dietary supplement, or oil for aromatherapy. It can be added to a warm bath to release tension from body.

Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Properties

• Elderflower contains compounds such as phenolic acids and flavonoids which have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
• These compounds relieve pain by decreasing the production of pro-inflammatory molecules such as prostaglandins and cytokines. Elderflower can ease arthritis pain, gout pain, and sore throat.
• The methods to use elderflower for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties are tea, tincture, capsules, salve or ointment, and poultice.

Elderflower Uses & DIY Recipes

Elderflowers can be used in numerous ways for gaining health and remedial objectives. Here are some standard valuable DIY methods to use this flower daily.

Elderflower Tea

• Elderflower tea is the best remedy to treat colds, flu, sore throats, and digestive issues. It is also beneficial for fever and headache reduction, improving symptoms of stress and anxiety, and respiratory and immune system health.
• Elderflower tea is an effective and straightforward way to reap the health benefits of this flower. To make the tea, boil 2 cups water in a pan and add a handful of dried or fresh elderflower. Steep for 5-10 minutes for the best aroma and flavor. Strain and pour in a cup and add honey or lemon to taste.

Related: 9 Benefits of Ginger Tea at Night

Related: Things to do with Dried Lavender

Elderflower Syrup

• Elderflower syrups are used as a natural sweetener in beverages. These are added to sparkling water and cocktails to enhance their flavor.
• The syrup is easy to prepare. Add elderflower and sugar in water and simmer until sugar dissolves and the mixture is thickened. Strain the mixture after it cools down. Store in refrigerator for up to a month.
• You can use either fresh or dried elderflowers for making syrup. However, fresh ones are preferred to have a more potent flavored syrup. To produce rich syrup, pick the flowers that have fully bloomed. While using dried flowers, check them for a strong fragrance for a rich syrup.

Elderflower Tincture

• Elderflower tincture supports respiratory health, promotes relaxation and calmness, and provides immune system support.
• Half-fil the glass jar with dried flowers for tincture preparation and pack it with alcohol. Close the lid tightly and mix the contents thoroughly. Place it in a cool and dry place and mix it occasionally. After 4-6 weeks, strain the mixture and pour the ready tincture into amber bottles. Store in a cool and dry place.
• You can also use fresh flowers; however, fresh flowers’ water content is higher than dried ones. High moisture content can affect the potency and shelf life of the tincture.

This elderflower tincture is a concentrated liquid capable of providing medicinal relief. It can support respiratory and immune system health and promote relaxation and calmness.

Elderflower Oil

• You can use elderflower oil for dry and sensitive skin to soothe irritation and inflammation. Its massage relieves sore muscles and joints. Moreover, it can also be used as a natural hair conditioner. Apply a few drops of prepared oil to the scalp and hair, leave it on for 30 minutes, and then wash with any shampoo. Perform a patch test to check if it is suits your skin.
• To prepare elderflower oil, make sure to use only flower heads. Place them in a jar and cover them entirely by adding any carrier oil of your choice, like olive oil or sweet almond oil. Close the jar tightly and place it in a warm, sunny location. Thorough occasional mixing is necessary. After about four weeks, strain the mixture and store it in a dropper bottle.
• Dried flowers are recommended to make oil because of their lesser moisture content. They are less likely to spoil or grow mold during the steeping process.

Elderflower Supplements

• Elderflower capsules are a convenient way to gain various health benefits from the flower. They can be found in health food stores or online and should be taken according to the recommendations printed on the package. Take this supplement only after consulting your doctor, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking any prescription medication,
• Supplemental elderflower benefits digestive, respiratory and urinary tract health, immune system support, and hair and skin health.

Elderflower Compress

• Elderflower compress is easy to prepare; however, remarkably beneficial in relieving arthritis, sore muscles, bruises, and insect bites. It effectively alleviates pain and inflammation.
• Soak a clean cloth or towel in elderflower tea or tincture and apply this moist and warm compress to the affected area. Use a sterile material to use it on an open wound or cut. Leave it there until the compress cools down. Repeat the process. However, stop operating if it irritates the skin.
• Both fresh and dried elderflowers are suitable for making a compress.

Elderflower Poultice

• Elderflower poultices can be used for various conditions, including arthritis, joint pain, and skin irritations. Elderflowers’ anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties make them an effective remedy for many ailments.
• You can make a poultice by crushing fresh/dried elderflowers into a mortar, pestle, or food processor. Add a few drops of water for a smoother application of this paste. Smear the poultice directly on the affected area, cover it with a bandage, and leave for about 20 minutes to dry. After that, remove, and clean the area with warm water. Repeat the process with a fresh poultice if needed.
• Both fresh and dried elderflowers can be used for poultice preparation.

Elderflower Facial Mask

• You can make your own organic elderflower facial mask at home. Mix 1-2 tablespoons of crushed fresh/dried elderflowers with a few drops of water to make a paste.
• Apply this paste to your face, leave for 10-15 minutes, and rinse with warm water. You will have fresh and glowing skin.

Elderflower Facial Mist

• Add a handful of fresh/dried elderflowers in water and steep for 10-15 minutes. Strain the mixture and add a few drops of essential oil if you have dry skin. Pour this into a spray bottle.
• Use the prepared liquid as a mist throughout the day. This DIY facial mist will keep your skin well-hydrated and moisturized at the same time.

Elderflower Toner

• Add 1-2 tablespoons of fresh/dried elderflowers in water and steep for 10-15 minutes. Strain the mixture and add a few drops of apple cider vinegar or witch hazel if you have oily skin.
• This apple cider vinegar will add astringent benefits to the toner and keep your skin oil free. Apply the toner with a cotton pad after cleansing.

Elderflower Serum

• Add a handful of fresh/dried elderflowers in a carrier oil like jojoba or sweet almond oil. Store it in a cool and dry place for a few weeks. Shake gently once daily to ensure the flowers are adequately infused in oil. Strain the mixture and store it in a dark glass bottle. After that, add vitamin E oil as a natural preservative.
• Massage it gently in upward circular motions after cleansing and toning. This DIY elderflower serum will add natural plumpness and glow to your cheeks.

Steam Inhalation

• Preparing elderflower steam is an easy process. Boil a pot of water and add fresh/dried elderflowers to let it simmer for 2-3 minutes with the lid on. Now inhale this steam for 5-10 minutes to gain various health benefits.
• It can help alleviate respiratory issues such as congestion, coughing, and sinus infections. The steam helps to loosen mucus and soothe inflamed nasal passages. It can also help to reduce stress and anxiety.
• You can use either fresh or dried flowers for steam.

Conclusion

Elderflower is a versatile and beneficial plant used for centuries for its medicinal properties. From its ability to support the immune system, promote healthy skin, and aid in digestive and respiratory health to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, elderflower offers a variety of health benefits. It can be consumed in different ways, such as teas, tinctures, syrups, and supplements, and used topically as a poultice, oil, or facial mask/toner/serum. Before using elderflowers in any form, consult a healthcare provider, mainly if you are pregnant, nursing, or have a medical condition.

Let us know in the comment section if you prefer elderflower as a mask, serum, or toner for your face!