Health Benefits of Elderflower

Elderflowers in bloom at Mud Lake Farm

​We've all heard a lot about the health benefits of elderberries, and they've become a common ingredient in cold remedies.  But did you know that the elderflower shares the same health benefits?  Elderflowers also have a much milder flavor than the berries, which some find too strong for their liking.

We thought we'd share a few links to information about elderflowers and their benefits for those who might be interested, and for those who might like to know they're getting something good even when they indulge in St. Steve's Elderflower Soda!

Elderflowers have been used for centuries as a natural remedy against colds and flu.  In 1845, Hans Christian Anderson wrote this story about "The Little Elder-Tree Mother" which tells of a little boy who gets sick and his mother makes him elderflower tea.  Herbwisdom.com talks about the antiseptic and anti-inflamatory effects of elderflower.  Most of the research studies on health benefits of the elder have to do with the elderberry, but the flowers and berries share many of the same active compounds. Here's a study by Caroline Hearst et. al. from 2010 that showed promising results using elderflowers against a variety of common "hospital pathogens".   Fithog.com lists 8 Surprising Health Benefits of Elderflower.

If you'd like to try some Elderflower Tea, we recommend pouring a tablespoon or two of St. Steve's Elderflower Cordial into your mug and adding hot water.  So soothing when you have a sore throat!  If you're old enough and so inclined, you can add a bit of rum as well...

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