The elder plant (Sambucus) has flooded the world of natural remedies. The berries often outshine the rest of the elder plant, even though the flowers have amazing medicinal benefits. You won’t see them in an immune-boosting tonic, but those sweet smelling blossoms are commonly infused in oil blends or skin creams, salves, or lotions.
What Are Elderflowers?
The most common species of elder plants include the Sambucus nigra, black elder or European elder, the Sambucus Mexicana, Mexican elder, and the Sambucus australasica, yellow elder. The white or cream-colored flowers have a sweet aroma and are rich in a variety of nutrients, including antiviral agents, quercetin, and vitamin C.
Skin Smoothing Effect
The astringent properties of elderflowers help encourage a smoother, even skin complexion. Astringent properties help to reduce the size and appearance of pores because they tighten the skin. This contributes to healthier looking skin that is smooth and refreshed.
Nutrient-Dense
Elderflowers contain bioflavonoids, which are important for skin care because they contain anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. Isoquercitrin, anthocyanin, and quercetin are the most abundant flavonols in elderflowers. They also contain other antiviral agents that help reduce allergy symptoms and regulate blood glucose levels.
Anti-Aging Benefits
This is why you clicked on this article, right? The antioxidants and flavonoids in elderflowers help to combat early sings of aging, including wrinkles. Elderflowers are rich in vitamins A, B, C, and E, all of which promote firmer skin and even skin tone. The other antioxidants help protect against sun damage and fight oxidative stress, which contributes to early signs of aging.
Improve Hair Health
Both the berries and flowers of the elder plant are excellent for your hair. If you have damaged hair or want to enhance your natural hair color, look no further than shampoos and conditioners that are infused with elderflowers. Elderflower extracts also give your hair extra shine.
Anti-Aging Edlerflower Salve
Ingredients:
- 15 blossoms dried or fresh elderflowers
- 15.2 fluid ounces sweet almond oil
- 2 tablespoons beeswax
- 15 drops frankincense essential oil
Instructions:
- First you need to make elderflower infused oil. To do that, combine the elderflowers and sweet almond oil in a glass jar.
- Place the jar in a warm place for two weeks; a windowsill that is exposed to direct sunlight is an excellent place. Strain the oil into another jar after two weeks, discarding the flowers.
- Measure out ½ cup of elderflower infused oil and pour it into the top of a double boiler. Add the beeswax as well and heat until the mixture is thoroughly mixed and melted.
- Remove the double boiler from heat and let the melted mixture cool for about 10 minutes. Stir in the frankincense essential oil and then pour the mixture into a glass container.
- Let the mixture harden (about 2 hours) and then use at your leisure.
