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The description and medicinal properties of black elderberry are of great interest to fans of traditional medicine. This plant is often planted in areas not only for decorative, but also for medicinal purposes. To prevent elderberry from causing harm, you should carefully study its features.
What does black elderberry look like?
Of the many varieties of elderberry, black is the most common. It belongs to the Honeysuckle family and is most often found in the form of a tall shrub with a wide, dense crown. The maximum height of the shrub can be up to 10 m, but in areas with a temperate climate it often grows to only 2-6 m.
According to the photo and description of the black elderberry, it is easily recognized by its brownish-gray branches and oval elongated green leaves with pointed ends. In May or early June, the shrub blooms with beautiful white or yellowish umbrella inflorescences, and its flowers exude a pleasant almond aroma. In August, the plant bears fruit - small dark purple berries with 2-3 seeds inside.
Is it possible to eat black elderberry?
The fruits of black elderberry contain toxic substances that pose a danger to the human body. However, their concentration is low, much lower than in red elderberries. Therefore, it is allowed to eat fruits, but in minimal quantities, and it is even better to first subject them to heat treatment or dry them.
Where does black elderberry grow?
The plant is widespread throughout the globe in the southern regions and in the middle zone. Black elderberry grows in Asia and North Africa, in Transcaucasia and New Zealand and even in the Azores Islands; it can be found in Georgia and Armenia, in Ukraine and Belarus, and Moldova.
In Russia, the shrub is found in the southern regions of the European part - mainly in the Crimea and the Caucasus. As the photos confirm, black elderberry grows almost everywhere, its favorite places are deciduous and coniferous forests, but the plant can also be found in vacant lots, on roadsides and even in abandoned cemeteries.
In its natural habitat, elderberry can grow as a free-standing tree, but it also takes root well in shrubs. Moreover, the rapid growth of the plant leads to the fact that it itself often forms dense thickets.
When is black elderberry harvested?
The beneficial properties and contraindications of black elderberry are highly valued in folk medicine, and not only the fruits, but also other parts are used for treatment. Therefore, the collection time depends on which part of the plant needs to be harvested.
- The fruits of the plant, which have the greatest benefits, are collected during the period of natural ripening - in August, after the berries acquire a rich black-violet color.
- Flowers appear on the branches of the bush in May or early June, and at this time they are collected, and it is customary to cut off not individual flowers, but the entire inflorescence using pruning shears.
- The leaves are also harvested in late spring or early summer, at the same time as the flowers - the younger the foliage, the more valuable substances it contains.
- The bark of the plant is collected in the spring, before the beginning of the growing season, while the juice inside the elderberry has not yet begun to move, and the roots - in September, after the last fruits have been collected.
For medicinal purposes, the berries, flowers and leaves of black elderberry can be used fresh, but it is better to dry the roots in the sun or in the oven at a minimum temperature.
Black elderberry in landscape design + photo
Ornamental black elderberry trees and shrubs are highly valued in landscape design. The plant is used in both large and small areas. In the first case, elderberry can complement tall garden trees, and in the second, it can replace them, helping to decorate a small garden lushly and expressively.
In private areas, gardens and parks, black elderberry is used:
- to create natural and artistic hedges - several shrubs planted side by side or adjacent to other plants reliably hide the territory from prying eyes;
- as a bright accent on empty plots or near blank walls of residential buildings;
- to repel insect pests and eliminate unpleasant odors - elderberry not only pleases with its beautiful appearance, but also brings benefits, being located near compost heaps or latrines in a summer cottage.
In landscape design, the black elderberry bush goes well with taller plants, as it emphasizes their slender shape and beauty. Just as often, black elderberry is planted next to flower beds and low-growing bushes, in which case it acts as the center of an artistic composition.
Another use for shrubs is to create a strong protective barrier around fragile and weak plants. The bush protects the area well from the wind, and if the garden is located near a highway, it also stops the movement of polluted, dusty air.
Planting and caring for black elderberry
Despite the fact that the shrub feels best in the southern regions, it is also very suitable for growing in temperate climates. In the conditions of the middle zone, black elderberry is unlikely to reach its maximum possible height, but the cold climate will not affect the beauty of the plant and fruiting in any way.
The shrub is undemanding to lighting and can grow in both sunny and shaded areas.True, ornamental plant species lose their attractive color in the shade, so it is recommended to select places for them with sufficient sunlight.
Planting black elderberry is quite simple, but you need to pay attention to the soil.
- The shrub prefers loose loams with a moderate level of moisture. In addition, soil fertility is very important for black elderberry - it will not be able to grow high enough on depleted soil. If you plan to plant the elderberry specifically as an accent tall shrub, then a month before planting you need to add compost and mineral fertilizers to the soil.
- Shrubs are planted in spring or autumn, and it is best to use seedlings that have reached 2 years of age as planting material.
- A hole for planting a seedling is dug such that the root system of a young shrub can be freely accommodated in it. When burying the plant, it is advisable to adhere to the same depth at which the shrub is accustomed to growing.
Immediately after planting, it is recommended to prune the bush a little, first removing diseased and dried branches, and water it properly.
Caring for black elderberry can be considered quite simple; it does not require much effort from the gardener.
- Since the shrub prefers moderately moist soils, additional watering is rarely done - black elderberry needs to be abundantly fed with moisture only during drought.
- Fertilizing the plant should be done only when the elderberry obviously stops growing and begins to weaken.Many gardeners prefer to simply mulch the tree trunk with manure or compost every year - the nutrient layer not only saturates the soil with useful substances, but also allows you to avoid loosening and weeding the soil.
- Black elderberry is usually pruned for sanitary purposes once a year, in early spring - removing dry and damaged branches is necessary in order to protect the bush from diseases and pests. Decorative pruning can be done only once every 5 years; more often it is simply not required, although the elderberry tree recovers surprisingly quickly after pruning.
As for wintering, black elderberry tolerates severe frosts well and does not need shelter. Even if some of the shoots of the bush freeze, the elderberry will quickly recover with the beginning of the new growing season.
What are the benefits of black elderberry?
The medicinal properties of black elderberry are used in the treatment of dozens of different ailments, including very serious ones. However, the parts of the plant differ in chemical composition and therefore provide different benefits in home medicine.
Medicinal properties of black elderberries
The most useful part of the plant is its fruits; they contain a huge amount of vitamins, minerals, organic acids and antioxidants. The medicinal properties of black elderberry fruits help:
- for colds and high fever;
- for rheumatism and other inflammatory processes in the joints;
- with metabolic disorders and sluggish intestines;
- for problems with the outflow of bile and difficulty urinating;
- for pancreatitis, hepatitis and diabetes;
- for atherosclerosis and varicose veins.
A variety of healing remedies are prepared using fresh and dried berries of the bush: decoctions, infusions and alcoholic tinctures. Red elderberry jam has medicinal properties; drinking it with tea is not only tasty, but also healthy.
Benefits of black elderberry flowers
The flowers of the plant contain a lot of ascorbic acid, glycosides and essential oils, and therefore have strong anti-inflammatory properties. They are most often used in the form of infusions and decoctions in the treatment of flu and cough, urological inflammation in men and cystitis in women.
In addition, decoctions and infusions of flowers can be added to medicinal baths - the plant also has a very beneficial effect on the skin.
Benefits of black elderberry root
The roots of the bush contain tannins, saponins and bitterness, which gives the raw material anti-inflammatory, restorative and rejuvenating properties. Dried elderberry roots are used to prepare medicinal drinks and are used in the treatment of atherosclerosis and high blood pressure. Decoctions based on the root help with diabetes, as they can lower glucose levels.
Infusions and decoctions of the roots are beneficial for genitourinary inflammation. And if you wipe your skin with healing agents, you can quickly get rid of irritations, scratches and ulcers.
Benefits of black elderberry leaves
The leaves of the plant contain increased amounts of ascorbic acid and carotene, and they also contain essential oils and resins. In folk medicine, black elderberry leaves are used to prepare painkillers, healing and hemostatic agents.
A decoction of the leaves of the plant in milk is well known; this remedy helps to quickly heal wounds, burns, diaper rash and abscesses on the skin.
What does black elderberry treat?
Home medicine offers many effective recipes to help get rid of the symptoms of minor and serious illnesses. The properties of black elderberry become especially valuable in the fight against dangerous chronic diseases.
The use of black elderberry berries for oncology
Reviews of black elderberry for cancer claim that medicinal products based on the plant are beneficial for cancer tumors, especially if foci of the disease are located in the stomach, prostate gland and prostate adenoma. A healing effect can be obtained if you use the tincture on the berries of the plant, and it is prepared as follows:
- black elderberry fruits are washed, dried and grated or crushed in a blender, and then squeezed through cheesecloth to obtain fresh juice;
- Elderberry juice in an amount of 3 liters is mixed in a glass jar with 500 g of granulated sugar, the neck of the jar is covered with gauze and put in a warm place for 3 days;
- the fermented tincture is poured into another vessel with a water seal - you can also use a pierced glove placed on the neck of a bottle or jar;
- In this form, the tincture must be kept for another 2-3 weeks until the primary fermentation ends.
You need to consume black elderberry tincture against cancer in small quantities - 50 ml three times a day on a full stomach.For better absorption, it is recommended to drink a glass of plain water shortly before taking the medicine. You need to continue treatment with black elderberry for 1.5 months, then you need to take a month's break and, if necessary, continue therapy.
For uterine fibroids
Black elderberry increases immunity and overall resistance to harmful processes in the body. Using plant-based products is useful for women facing uterine fibroids.
To treat the disease, traditional medicine suggests using several remedies.
- First of all, you can use black elderberry syrup; it helps well with both malignant and benign tumors. To prepare the medicine, you need to compact the fresh berries of the plant and sugar in layers into a small jar, and then leave it in the dark for a month to get a sweet syrup. Take this remedy in the amount of a large spoon 3 times a day.
- A decoction of dried berries is beneficial in the fight against fibroids. Approximately 30 g of fruit should be poured into a liter of hot water and boiled on the stove, then left for half an hour and filtered. You need to drink the decoction three times a day on an empty stomach, just a quarter glass.
If a woman does not have alcohol intolerance, you can use the classic anti-cancer tincture of elderberry; to prepare it, 3 liters of elderberry juice are mixed with 500 g of sugar, kept in a warm place for 3 days, and then infused for 2-3 weeks in a vessel with a water seal for high-quality fermentation. Take 50 ml of this tincture on an empty stomach.
For diabetes
Herbal remedies based on black elderberry reduce blood glucose levels and regulate insulin production. For diabetes mellitus, the plant can be of great benefit; in particular, traditional medicine appreciates a decoction prepared from the roots. It is very simple to make - pour a large spoonful of dried crushed raw materials into a glass of hot water and boil over low heat for half an hour.
You need to take the decoction three times a day, 3-4 sips, this should be done on an empty stomach. Also, if you are ill, it is recommended to take baths with the addition of a decoction of flowers.
Benefits for women's health
Black elderberry can be especially beneficial for the female body. First of all, the anti-inflammatory properties of the plant are used in the treatment of gynecological ailments. Infusions and decoctions of black elderberry are used for rubbing, douching and sitz baths - the products quickly relieve discomfort and eliminate infections.
Black elderberry is beneficial for weight loss. If you use decoctions of fruits and flowers in small quantities during a diet, the plant will help speed up your metabolism and thereby help you lose excess weight. Baths with the addition of plant infusions not only have a strengthening effect on the body, but also tighten and rejuvenate the skin of the body.
It is impossible not to mention the use of elderberry fruits in cosmetology. Fresh berries mashed to a pulp when applied to the face help get rid of pimples and blackheads.And if you regularly wash your face with a decoction of the plant’s flowers, this will lighten your skin and eliminate freckles and age spots.
For joint diseases
The anti-inflammatory properties of the plant help with joint diseases - relieve pain, reduce swelling and improve mobility. Traditional medicine offers 2 main remedies.
- Medicine for arthritis. Dried elderberry flowers and leaves, dry nettle and parsley root are mixed in equal quantities, and then 2 large spoons of the mixture are measured and brewed in 500 ml of boiling water for 20 minutes. You need to drink the decoction four times a day, 100 ml, shortly before eating.
- Infusion for gout. Another remedy helps with inflammatory processes and salt deposits in the joints - pour 5 large spoons of dried flowers into a liter of hot water and leave for 4 hours. After this, the infusion is filtered, and then drunk twice a day on an empty stomach, half a glass.
It is recommended to drink medicinal drinks based on black elderberry warm - this way they will bring great benefits.
Restrictions and contraindications for use
The properties of elderberry can have not only beneficial but also harmful effects on the body. First of all, you should not overuse the raw berries of the plant. And the root of the shrub must be dried before use. When using infusions and decoctions, small dosages should be observed.
In addition, black elderberry should be discarded:
- pregnant women;
- nursing mothers;
- in the acute phase of gastritis, stomach ulcers or pancreatitis;
- with Crohn's disease;
- in the presence of individual intolerance.
Reviews of black elderberry warn children that remedies from this plant can only be offered to teenagers over 12 years of age - at an earlier age, homemade medicines will harm the child.
Conclusion
The description and medicinal properties of black elderberry allow us to conclude that in small quantities this plant is very good for health and can help even with serious ailments. But an overdose of berries and other parts of the plant can cause severe harm and should not be allowed.
