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Elder is a deciduous tree growing to a height of 33 feet, with oval leaves, cream flowers, and blue-black berries.
Native to Europe, elder thrives in woods, hedges, and on waste-ground. It is now found in most temperate regions and is often cultivated. Elder is propagated from cuttings in spring. The flowering tops are harvested in late spring and the berries are picked in early autumn.
Elder has more folklore attached to it than almost any other European plant, except perhaps mandrake.
Chopping elder branches was considered dangerous in rural England because it was believed that the tree was inhabited by the Elder Mother. To avoid her wrath, woodcutters would recite a placatory rhyme.
In ancient times elder trees were thought to have special mystical properties and it was considered good luck to plant a tree near your house to protect against problem and evil spirits.
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Elder Flower Historical Use
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Elder has often been described as 'the a substance used in managing discofort chest of the country people' and in the past, its benefits were commonly extolled in exorbitant proportions. The tree itself was proclaimed useful for practically any Subjective feeling, from toothache to the plague. It seems a whole apothecary could be stocked solely from the many preparations that can be made from its various parts.
In 1644, a book dedicated entirely to the many uses of the Elder-tree was translated from Latin into English. The author praises its countless virtues in no less than 230 pages. His book became so popular that both the English and the Latin version ran through several editions. Every single part of the plant is mentioned as medicinally useful. The list was quite exhaustive - ‘a rob or syrup, tincture, oil, ointment, spirit, water, liniment, extract, salt, conserve, vinegar, oxymel, sugar, decoction, bath, cataplasm, and powder’ all prepared from one, several or all parts of the plant. Reference is even made to an edible fungus known as ‘Judas Ear’ (in allusion to the above-mentioned myth), which often appears on Elder trees that grow in damp and shady places. Accordingly, its medicinal powers were deemed effective for treating quinsy, sore throats and strangulation (!).
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Elder Flower Remedy For
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- Chest congestion
- Allergies
- Arthritis
- Eye & skin problems
- Measles
An infusion of elderflower tops is relaxing and produces a mild perspiration that Enhances to reduce fever. The flowering tops tone the mucous linings of the nose and throat, increasing their resistance to Problem created due to harmful organism. They are prescribed for chronic congestion, allergies, ear Problem created due to harmful organisms, and candidiasis. Infusions of the flowering tops and other herbs can reduce the severity of hay fever attacks if taken for some months before the onset of the hay fever season.
By encouraging sweating and urine production, elder flowering tops promote the removal of waste products from the body and are of value in arthritic conditions.
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Elder Flower Active Constituents
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Key constituents in elder flowers are Flavonoids (up to 3%) - rutin, phenolic acids, triterpenes, sterols, volatile oil (up to 0.2%), mucilage, and tannins.
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Elder Flower Typical Dosage
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A tea made from 3 - 5 grams of the dried flowers steeped in 250 ml (1 cup) of boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes may be drunk three times per day.
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Elder Flower Side Effects
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CAUTION: The fresh roots of the American Elder (Sambucus canadensis), which closely resembles Sambucus nigra, are extremely poisonous and can cause death if ingested.
The seeds from the raw elder plant are toxic; therefore, don't eat the berries unless they are cooked. Store bought preparations (teas, salves) are perfectly safe.
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