10 Elderflower Recipes and Uses (2024)

FAQs

What are the disadvantages of elderflower? ›

Elderflower is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when used in excessive amounts. Some parts of the elderflower plant contain a cyanide-producing chemical which can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Cooking removes this chemical. Not enough is known about the safety of applying elderflower directly to the skin.

American elder flowers or cooked, ripe fruit are safe for most adults in the amounts found in foods. There is some scientific evidence that suggests the flowers are safe in medicinal amounts, which are typically larger. Some side effects might include nausea, vomiting, weakness, dizziness, numbness, and stupor.

The lightly sweet nuances of elderflower blend well with many other natural fruit flavors and botanicals, including honey, pear, blackberry, strawberry, grapefruit, orange, lime, passionfruit, ginger, and even herbal flavors like rosemary, basil, and lemongrass.

Elderflower is delicious mixed into cakes, tarts, trifles and jams. It pairs particularly well with tart fruits such as rhubarb and gooseberries. From casual nibbles to celebratory showstoppers, we have a whole host of fantastic floral recipes.

In a previously published study, we demonstrated nephroprotective effects, in terms of renal function and morphology, for Sambucus nigra L. elderflower extract rich in flavonoids, obtained from the wild specimens of European elder Sambucus nigra L.

Both the elderberries and elderflowers have a long tradition in herbal medicine of being used to reduce inflammation and diabetic symptoms, as diuretics, and in the treatment of colds and flu.

If you're looking for a nutrient rich herb for immune system support that's easy for the whole family to take, then elderberry is the best option. If you're looking to support everyday health and provide your body with a source of natural antioxidants, then elderflower is a great option.

Elderberry roots, stems, and seeds are poisonous. Eating them builds up cyanide levels in our system. However, it is fairly easy to circumnavigate these dangers. When they are ripe, berries can be pulled off the stem with a fork.

It is best not to eat elderflowers raw, as the plant has a mild toxicity, which is why it is best to cook them or make cordial from them. Some people get an upset stomach from eating elderflowers or elder berries (elder flowers and elder berries come from the same plant).

Absolutely, you can drink elderflower liqueur straight! If you're new to this, try it chilled or at room temperature in a small, elegant glass.

Does elderflower help with sleep? ›

Elder flower tea may also be useful against insomnia, anxiety and other nervous disorders. The flowers are a significant source of Vitamin C, as well as other antioxidants. The ripe berries also have a laxative effect in small doses, but may cause nausea and vomiting in larger amounts.

Fighting Flu and infection

Elderflower is a diuretic, laxative, antispetic, antiviral and also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Elderflower is generally recognized as safe by the FDA. However, it can cause allergic reactions in people with grass or honeysuckle allergies and should not be used alongside diabetes and blood pressure medications.

Pour the two litres of boiling water over the elderflowers, cover the container, and then leave the mixture to infuse for 24 hours. After 24 hours strain the liquid into a large saucepan through a sieve lined with a clean piece of muslin or a tea towel, this will help strain out any remaining bugs or bits of pollen.

Absolutely. Just pop fresh stems in a bag and pop them in the freezer. If you like, you can dry the flower heads, too.

Though limited, studies indicate that both elderflowers and elderberries are rich in bioactive compounds and may reduce blood sugar, assist with weight loss, and even improve blood pressure. One review found that the compounds in elderflowers stimulated glucose (sugar) metabolism and promoted insulin secretion.

There is evidence to suggest elderflower is great for heart health and may even help lower “bad cholesterol”. It has been proven to help lower blood glucose too and mild cases of hypertension or pre-hypertension.