Elder
Sambucus
canadensis, Sambucus nigra
This
small tree is a member of the Caprifoliaceae, the Honeysuckle family.
It flowers in the early summer, late June and first few weeks of
July, and the berries usually ripen by early September. It thrives
in moist locations, requiring very little care if it likes its home.
Traditionally home to fairies and nature spirits, it was customary
to leave offerings to the Elder to ensure that it would protect
the rest of the garden and ensure its fertility. All parts can be
used – although I use the flowers and berries primarily, since
the leaves and bark are generally just purgative. The root is toxic,
as are all parts of the plant if used fresh: must dry the flowers,
and blanch the berries for 30 seconds before use.
Elemental
associations: Air
Phytochemistry: Flowers: Flavonoids, glycosides, tannin, essential
oil. Berries: polysaccharides, ascorbic acid, flavonoids including
anthocyanidins (D. Hoffmann)
Actions: Flowers: Diaphoretic, anti-catarrhal. Berries: Immuno-stimulant,
diaphoretic, laxative, anti-viral
Specific systems: Respiratory, upper respiratory
Elder
has a long history of medicinal and magical use. It is used to fashion
wands (as are many trees with hollow stems) and to communicate with
beings in the ‘afterlife’. Taken in large doses, it
can induce visions as part of a well-structured ceremony.
The flowers are a premier remedy for fevers resulting from respiratory
conditions. In addition, they are very effective in thinning out
mucus secretions (combine with Catnip for that purpose) and therefore
make an excellent cold-and-flu remedy (take as a hot tea).
The berries have a stronger effect on the immune system, due perhaps
to their rich content of vitamins and antioxidants. They can also
be used as circulatory stimulants, helpful in long-term conditions
of recovery, again from respiratory conditions like bronchitis.
The leaves are a bit purgative when taken as a tea, helping (albeit
violently) to remove waste and poisons from the digestive tract.
For this use they would be employed dry; used fresh, Elder leaves
are an excellent poultice for sprains, applied as a compress with
Yarrow and/or Arnica.
Indications:
Upper and lower respiratory viral infections, congestion in the
sinuses and bronchi, immune deficiency
Contraindications: Do not use the fresh plant in any form
Preparation/Dosage: A hot infusion of the dry flowers is the traditional
fever remedy; use 3 TBS per quart of water and serve as hot as possible;
cover the patient and allow rest. A tincture of the dry flowers
can also be prepared, in 25% alcohol, 1:3. Take 1-2 tsp. in hot
water.
The berries are best slightly blanched and juiced. This juice can
be preserved with 25% alcohol and, if desired, mixed with the tincture.
Elderberry jam is also a traditional preparation, less rich in vitamins
(due to the high, long heat) and perhaps a bit sugary, but very
effective as a food during colds and flu (especially for kids!).
