Forums HomeGrown Herbalist Student Forum Medicinal Herbs elder flowers as antihistamine

Viewing 4 reply threads
  • Author
    Posts
    • #15546
      Annett
      Student

        I have read in a couple places that elder flowers are antihistamines. Is this true? If so, how good of an antihistamine are they? And what is their action?

        1 user thanked author for this post.
      • #16812
        Dr. Patrick Jones
        Homestead Instructor

          Elder flower contains quercetin which has antihistamine effects. Those effects are due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

          Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

          7 users thanked author for this post.
          • #18426
            Jennifer de Gee
            Student

              Thanks for asking this question, valuable information for seasonal allergy sufferers

              1 user thanked author for this post.
            • #18430
              Jennifer de Gee
              Student

                Great question. I would also like to know if elderflower can be used for animals as an antihistamine, and how to use it for them?

                • #18661
                  Dr. Patrick Jones
                  Homestead Instructor

                    Elder is safe for animals. See the Herb Forms & Dosing Lesson in the General Herbalism section for dosing. I’d stick with flower or berry on animals rather than the leaf which is  a bit strong for little critters.

                    Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

                    2 users thanked author for this post.
              • #16819
                Annett
                Student
                Topic Author

                  Thanks Doc!

                  Do you know the histamine effect strength?  Are they worth using in a formula?

                   

                  1 user thanked author for this post.
                  • #18031
                    Dr. Patrick Jones
                    Homestead Instructor

                      I don’t have any experience using it to knock down histamines so can’t say.

                      Brigham tea is quite bueno for that though.

                      Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

                      1 user thanked author for this post.
                  • #18428
                    Jennifer de Gee
                    Student

                      First up, Elderflower. Good to know the elderflower/elderberry tree can treat allergies as an antihistamine. Thank you

                      2 users thanked author for this post.
                    • #25734
                      Sharon
                      Student

                        When would be the best time to harvest the leaves?  Before, during, or after the berries?  Thanks 🙂

                        • #25874
                          Dr. Patrick Jones
                          Homestead Instructor

                            Before is better. But as long as they look vibrant and happy, they’re fine.

                            Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

                            1 user thanked author for this post.
                      Viewing 4 reply threads
                      • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
                      Scroll to Top