The Efficacy and Functions of Elderberry
In traditional Chinese medical classics and modern horticulture, elderberry has always held a unique position. This plant, which combines ornamental and medicinal values, not only adorns courtyards with its elegant posture but also safeguards human health with its unique pharmacological properties. This article will guide you through the diverse values of elderberry and teach you to accurately identify this miraculous plant through high-definition real-time images.
Analysis of the Three Core Values of Elderberry
Paragon of Natural Aesthetics: Ideal Choice for Garden Landscaping
Elderberry, with its distinct seasonal landscape characteristics, has become a favorite of landscape designers. In spring, its new leaves display a translucent jade-like嫩 green; from May to June, its star-shaped white flowers form umbel inflorescences with a diameter of 10-15cm. In the midst of summer, its Ruby-like berries and deep green leathery leaves create a strong visual contrast. Its cold resistance (can tolerate -20℃ low temperatures), and rapid growth (annual growth reaches 60-80cm) make it an ideal shrub for绿化 in northern courtyards.
Treasure House of食疗养生: Unveiling Its Edible Value
Various parts of the elderberry can be used in cooking: fresh flowers can be dried in the shade for 24 hours to make health-preserving flower tea (recommended to be brewed with 85℃ warm water), rich in flavonoids, which are effective in alleviating seasonal allergies; mature fruits, after pasteurization treatment, can be processed into jam that meets EU food standards (total phenol content reaches 3.2mg GAE/g); tender leaves, after de-enzyming treatment, can be made into substitute tea, with a gallic acid content of 0.35mg/g, especially suitable for daily consumption by arthritis patients.
Gem of Natural Pharmacopoeia: Detailed Explanation of Pharmacological Effects
Modern pharmacological studies have confirmed that the ursolic acid (content 0.8-1.2%) contained in the stems and branches of elderberry has significant anti-inflammatory effects, and its analgesic effect is equivalent to 73% of aspirin. Clinically applied in orthopedics, it can accelerate the formation of callus (5-7 days earlier than the control group), and the leaf extract has an antibacterial zone diameter of 18.3mm against Staphylococcus aureus. It is worth noting that unripe fruits contain trace amounts of cyanogenic glycosides and must be processed professionally before being used as medicine.
Accurate Identification Guide for Elderberry
Master three key identification features: odd-pinnate compound leaves (5-7 leaflets), leaf edges with fine and dense锯齿; the pith of the stem is uniquely light brown and spongy; paniculate cyme diameter ≥10cm. Be especially careful to distinguish from the plant known as "elderflower": the latter has pinnate veins instead of reticulate veins, and its fruits are purple-black drupes.
From garden landscapes to食疗养生, elderberry perfectly illustrates the symbiotic relationship between plants and humans. Through this article's systematic efficacy analysis and comparison with high-definition images, it is believed that you have grasped the core value and key points of identification of this miraculous plant. The next time you encounter it in the wild or a nursery, you will be able to accurately identify and rationally utilize this natural gift.