by Melanie Brown
A wealth of folklore, magic, and superstition is attached to this shrub-like tree, often described as a “complete medicine chest,” because of its extensive healing abilities on a wide variety of ailments. The most used species is Sambucus nigra, which grows throughout North America, Europe and many other parts of the world. Its history of medicinal use includes the entire plant in different preparations and dosages, such as the fresh leaf tincture as a reliable nervine. Today most commonly used are the fragrant white flowers that bloom in the spring and the ripe purple-black berries in the fall. The entire plant has shown to possess both anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties while also being a moderate immune system stimulant.
A wealth of folklore, magic, and superstition is attached to this shrub-like tree, often described as a “complete medicine chest,” because of its extensive healing abilities on a wide variety of ailments. The most used species is Sambucus nigra, which grows throughout North America, Europe and many other parts of the world. Its history of medicinal use includes the entire plant in different preparations and dosages, such as the fresh leaf tincture as a reliable nervine. Today most commonly used are the fragrant white flowers that bloom in the spring and the ripe purple-black berries in the fall. The entire plant has shown to possess both anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties while also being a moderate immune system stimulant.
The flowers make a wonderful cooling, slightly sweet, diaphoretic tea. I love combining the dried blossoms with peppermint, yarrow, and catnip for my little one when he has a cold or fever. This is a time honored and well respected blend. It works beautifully for relaxing and helping the body naturally fight against infection by bringing on a sweat. The flowers also strengthen the upper respiratory tract and help those who experience allergic reactions to pollen. For inflamed or sore eyes a cooled, strained infusion of flowers makes a soothing compress. Or try elderflower champagne, elderflower vinegar, elderflower water--there are so many other exciting and fun options for the Elder lover in you to choose from!
Each spring I harvest umbels of the creamy white flowers once fully in bloom, being sure to leave plenty to become berries in the fall. At that time you can find me anxiously waiting to see the beautiful drooping clusters. Harvesting elderberries is one of the most enjoyable and fulfilling things a plant lover can do. Do taste a couple fresh berries; don’t be scared, a couple will not hurt you. However, eating a very large amount can cause upset stomach, diarrhea, and possibly vomiting. But one or two will make you smile.
The ripe berries are rich in vitamins A and C. They have a slight diuretic and laxative effect. My favorite uses of the fresh or dried berries are syrups and tinctures. Elderberry syrup can be now be found on any grocery or natural food store shelf. But please do yourself a favor and make your own, for it is less expensive and better than anything on the market. For every cup of fresh berries or half cup of dried I decoct them in 3 cups of water, simmer uncovered until reduced by half, smash all the spent berries with a potato masher, then strain through a cloth or fine mesh sieve. Sugar or honey is then dissolved in the hot liquid. My favorite additions to this recipe are dried rosehips, astragalus root, ginger root, sweet cinnamon chips, cardamom, and cloves. Your kitchen will be filled with the most pleasant fragrance of warming spices and berries. This healing herbal liquid will help ease coughs and befriend the immune system. I prefer to keep my syrup refrigerated and take by the spoonful. My family asks for this syrup every day because it tastes so delicious. You can also tincture the berries which will extract both alcohol and water soluble constituents then add to the syrup which will make an excellent preservative.
It is well worth getting to know elder on a deep and personal level; the mysteries she unfolds are immense and I don’t believe that anyone will ever truly know what “Hyldemor” has hiding up her branches.
The ripe berries are rich in vitamins A and C. They have a slight diuretic and laxative effect. My favorite uses of the fresh or dried berries are syrups and tinctures. Elderberry syrup can be now be found on any grocery or natural food store shelf. But please do yourself a favor and make your own, for it is less expensive and better than anything on the market. For every cup of fresh berries or half cup of dried I decoct them in 3 cups of water, simmer uncovered until reduced by half, smash all the spent berries with a potato masher, then strain through a cloth or fine mesh sieve. Sugar or honey is then dissolved in the hot liquid. My favorite additions to this recipe are dried rosehips, astragalus root, ginger root, sweet cinnamon chips, cardamom, and cloves. Your kitchen will be filled with the most pleasant fragrance of warming spices and berries. This healing herbal liquid will help ease coughs and befriend the immune system. I prefer to keep my syrup refrigerated and take by the spoonful. My family asks for this syrup every day because it tastes so delicious. You can also tincture the berries which will extract both alcohol and water soluble constituents then add to the syrup which will make an excellent preservative.
It is well worth getting to know elder on a deep and personal level; the mysteries she unfolds are immense and I don’t believe that anyone will ever truly know what “Hyldemor” has hiding up her branches.
Melanie Brown is a native New Englander who has had an early connection to nature and the outdoors. Together with her four year old son she gathers the ingredients to make small batch plant based body care products which you can find at her herbal apothecary, FIR&ELM. She is a graduate of Boston School of Herbal Studies and currently attending The Gaia School of Healing and Earth Education in Vermont. Her passion is to share and spread the message of community herbalism that lies right outside in our own backyards.
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