Elderberry
An Excellent Immunity Herb

Elderberry is rich in history and folklore. Plant this herb in a biblical herb garden; use it in medicinal or culinary preparations as well as a great deterrent for garden pests.

Elderberry tea is made from the flowers and berries.

The Purple Antioxidant Herb

Sambucus Nigra, common elder

It's has been called “the medicine chest of the people.”

This historic herb is used internally for common chest complaints like the common cold and flu virus to sinusitis, fevers, constipation, rheumatic and arthritic complaints. When combined with other herbs it enhances the medicine for a more powerful effect.

Externally used for minor burns, sore eyes, irritated or inflamed skin, mouth ulcers, and minor injuries.

History of Elderberry

This medicinal herb has been used since Egyptian times using the flowers to improve complexion and heal burns. Romans used this historic herb too.

This herb is rich with much legend and history almost as much as the mandrake.

Folklore has it that Judas Iscariot was hung from the gallows made of elder and Jesus Christ was hung on the cross with the same wood…elder. So, it was never used to make baby cradles. A symbolic herb to have in a biblical herb garden that is used for meditation and prayer.

This herb has been used to ward off evil spirits when hung outside barns and stables. When planting elder in gardens like a cottage garden it was used to ward off witches.

Another belief was the elder tree would grow robustly when planted near a happy family. It must mean we’re happy because all of mine are growing more each year. As you can see in this photo, it’s over 15 feet tall.

Medicinal and Culinary Uses

Flowers:

Lowers fevers by promoting mild perspiration
Reduces inflammation
Stimulates immune system
Prevents virus from invading respiratory tract cells
Coughs, colds, influenza
Diuretic and antimucus effects by toning the lining of the nose and throat
Soothes irritations…skin lotions, oils and ointments
Chronic congestion, allergies and ear infections, and candidiasis
Encourages sweating and urine production for arthritic conditions
Make white wine
“Elderflower champagne”
Culinary - crepes
Edible flowers for elderberry tea, crepes
Tincture, infusion and creams
Eyewash and mouthwash/gargle
Complexion milk
Anti-dandruff hair rinse
Foot powder
Herbal compost activator – key ingredient “QR”

Berries

Rheumatism and erysipelas (a skin infection)
Mildly laxative and help with diarrhea
Coughs, sore throats, colic, asthma and flu
Rich in vitamin A & C and anthocyanin
Syrup, gargle
Tincture infusion (dried berries)
Jam, ketchup, sauce, shrubs, vinegar's, cordial, wine, champagne, liqueur, cordial
Must be cooked before eating

Leaves

Garden pests
Insecticidal spray (boil leaves, strain and bottle)
Insect repellent – fresh leaves rubbed on skin, very effective
Rodent repellent - Fresh leaves – simple infusion – pour down mouse or mole holes
Powdery mildew and leaf rot - simple infusion

Bark

Minor burns and chilblains (inflammations or blisters)
Strip in late winter before new leaves appear or in autumn before leaves change colors
Dried for decoctions

Roots