Elder

Jun 17

6 min read

Updated: Aug 23

Elder is one of the two for one plants, giving the healing power of the flower in the summer and the illness fighting power of the berry in the fall, just in time for winter. I refer to elder as the Illness Herb, because it is used for whatever may ail you. Super powerful in combination with echinacea.

Printable for Herbal

Sambucus nigra, s. Canadensis

Family: Adoxaceae (Viburnaceae)

Parts used: flower, berry

There has been much disputing about the family, it began in the Honeysuckle family then segregated to

Adoxaceae – Adoxa (Botany in a Day)

Viburnaceae – (Herbal Academy)

Caprifoliaceae – (Healing Plants of the Rocky Mountains, Backyard Medicine)

What's in a Name - Sambucus nigra

Sambucus stems from a Greek reference to an ancient instrument called a samburke which was made from elder wood.

Nigra is Latin for black in regards to the color of the berry. This species has been studied the most and is the one used by herb distributers.

Canadensis is a species strongly associated with Canada.

Common Name: Elder

There was an ancient tree used for centuries as medicine, said to promote a long life called the Elder.

Another name explanation is the word “Elder” comes from the Anglo-Saxon word aeld, meaning “fire.” The soft pith in young elder branches is easily pushed out, and the hollow tubes that remain were commonly used to blow air onto fires. I have also connected this meaning of fire to the story of Prometheus bringing fire (knowledge) to mankind.

Folk Names

Black Elder
Common Elder
Sweet Elder
Pipe Tree
Bore Tree
Popgun Tree
Tree of Music (named by some Soshoni tribes as they made “courtship flutes” from the stems)
Tree of Medicine
Sacred Elder
Medicine chest of country people

History

Remnants found in many ancient sites in different areas of the world pointing to its use throughout civilizations since the beginning.
Egyptians first discovered elder flower use for the skin and complexion.
First appeared in the herbal De materia medica (largest herbal compilation in antiquity) by Greek physician Dioscorides.
Ancient Greece; Galen and Hippocrates included it in their herbals and called it “the medicine chest” of all herbs. It was used in Grecian formulas to dye the hair black.
Scandinavian tradition believed that the tree was the home of "Elder Mother", a dryad-like guardian spirit who brought protection.
Medieval beliefs would extend the protection tradition as people would plant it next to their homes for protection, to bring prosperity, a happy marriage and healthy children. That symbol has continued through time up to this 21st Century. I think of Christ as the Tree of Life and as we have him at the center of our homes we can have those same blessings they hoped for.
Included in Nicholas Culpeper's 1652 herbal, The English Physitian. He assigns Elder to the rule of Venus, calling it one of the most useful trees for the body. Venus is known as the "morning star" - the same title Christ gives Himself in Revelation 22:16. I love that connection as Christ is the light that brings healing and hope to the soul just as Elder has long been used for comfort and healing to the body.
The Anatomie of the Elder by Dr. Martin Blockwich, 1644 devoted 230 pages of virtues of Elder.
17th-19th century found elder mentioned in herbals of all kinds.

Actions

Flowers:

Alterative

Anti-Catarrhal

Anti-Inflammatory

Anti-Spasmodic

Aperient

Diaphoretic (warm infusion)

Diuretic (cold Infusion)

Demulcent

Febrifuge

Vulnerary

Berries:

Alterative

Anti-Inflammatory

Anti-Microbial

Antioxidant

Anti-Rheumatic

Antiviral

Aperient

Diaphoretic

Diuretic

Expectorant

Laxative

Nutritive

Energetics/Body Systems Affected

Cooling

Drying

Sweet (berry)

Bitter (flower)

Immune

Respiratory

Mucus membranes

Cardiovascular

Constituents/Nutrients

Antioxidants

Beta carotene

Compounds

Flavonoids

Iron

Potassium

Phytosterols

Vitamin C

Uses

Promote and support immunity for illness, cold, flu, etc.

Respiratory congestion, infection, inflammation, etc.

Sinusitis, nasal discharge, drainage, etc.

Wounds, bruises, burns, swellings, etc.

Upset stomach, nausea, constipation, etc.

Gum disease, mouth sores, cold sore, infection, etc.

Flower:

Clears heat from the body, promotes sweating to clear “channels”
Fevers, cold, and flu with accompanying symptoms (hot tea)
Respiratory and sinus issues, sore throat (cold tea)
Allergies and hay fever
Earache, headache
Helps reduce excessive amount of mucus, restores balance
Eyes: sore, strained, leaky, inflammation, infection (cold)
Mouth sores, gum disease, cold sores
Blood cleanser
Skin care: clears, moistens, softens, balanced complexion
Bruises, burns, swelling, rashes, etc.
Sunburn, night sweats and hot flashes (compress or spritz with cold tea)
“…for a dozen miseries”

Berry:

Antiviral; strengthens cell walls, inhibits viral penetration into cells, interferes with virus replication which can reduce duration of illness and aid in prevention.
Nutritive; antioxidants, vitamins A and C, iron, etc.
Tonic for illness prevention and treatment
Viruses of all types; flu, herpes, shingles, etc.
Enhances immune system function
Lung and sinus congestion, tonsilitis, sore throat, etc.
Blood building and cleansing
Cardiovascular tonic; strengthen arteries and capillaries
Inflammatory conditions; joints, bowels, etc.

Herb Preparations

Extract
Syrup, honey
Herbal oil, salve, cream (flowers)
Tea and herbal drinks (flowers steep for about 3-5 minutes, berries make a decoction)
Compress (flowers)
Poultice (all parts can be used)
Bath, foot soak, face steam
Toner, face wash, gargle (flowers)
Food: jams, jellies, preserves, pies, soda, or juice

Foraging/Harvesting

Deciduous shrub can get up to 30 feet. Found in streambanks, open flats, and valleys. Loves moist, fertile, and well-drained soil.

Propagate from a cutting or purchase a transplant from the nursery. Space 5-6 feet apart. Pollination is stronger if you plant two shrubs.
Keep roots moist, although elder will still survive if it gets dry and hot.
To harvest the flowers, pick on a dry, sunny day when fully open. They should smell lemony and fresh. Pick the whole head of flowers and dry or use fresh. Remove completely from the stem.
Berries are ripe when they look almost black in color and juicy, usually around August and September. They need to be prepared immediately or dried with gentle heat (dehydrator on low). Remove fully from stems with a fork or fingers.

Safety/Dosage

Raw, ripe berries can cause upset stomach, so it is best to cook or dry them before use. The leaves and bark can be toxic, but when used under professional care can be a strong antiviral for SARS and coronavirus.

At onset of illness it can be taken every hour until feeling better.

Tea: 1 cup every 1-2 hours

Syrup: ½ - 1 tsp

Symbolism

Zealousness

Protector

Endings and rebirth

Transformation and change

Myth/Folklore

Folklore was deeply connected to plants and herbs during the Dark Ages when superstition ruled the heart and mind. Myths and legends usually have truths connected to them so I like to look for symbolism in these historic beliefs, though some are just silly.

There are many legends and folklore surrounding this ancient “tree”.

Druids believed elder was inhabited by the Elder Mother.
In Denmark it was believed that Dryads lived in its branches and watched over the land.
Ancient Greek mythology told the story of Prometheus bringing fire (knowledge) to man from the gods in the hollow stem of Elder.
Elder was the home of the Norse goddess Freya.
European folklore claimed the wood from the elder was used for the cross on which Christ was crucified.
Many connections with elder and Christ as he is the great healer and the "Tree of Life."