ELDER

Sambucus canadensis, S. mexicana, S. nigra 

Common Names: Elder, Elderberry, Black Elder, Mountain Elder, Sambu
Family: Adoxaceae
Part/s Used: Flowers, berries
Energetics: Flowers: cooling / Berries: warming
Taste: Flowers: sweet, astringent, salty / Berries: sweet, sour
Actions: Flowers: diaphoretic, anti-catarrhal.  Berries: diaphoretic, diuretic, laxative. Bark: emetic, diuretic.  Leaves: external emollient, vulnerary and internally as purgative, expectorant, diuretic, diaphoretic.
Constituents: Flowers: flavonoids including rutin, isoquercitrin, kaempferol,  tannins, essential oils. Berries: sugar, fruit acids, tannins, vitamin C and P, traces of essential oil.
Planet: Venus
Element: Water 

Medicinal Preparations:

Tincture (ratio & % alcohol): Fresh: 1:2   Dry:1:5 60%
Drops: 30-60   Times a day: 3-4x

Glycerite: 1:5   Glycerin: 40%  Alcohol: 30%  Water: 30%
Drops: 10-60   Times a day: 3-4x

Tea: Hot/cold infusion     
Ounces: 8-12  Times a day: 4x

Habitat and Botanical Description: 

Elder (Sambucus spp.) has a rich history deeply intertwined with the indigenous cultures of North America and Europe. Native American tribes, such as the Cherokee, Delaware, and Iroquois, have long revered the elder tree for its medicinal properties. They utilized various parts of the plant in their traditional medicine, crafting remedies for a range of ailments and employing elder in spiritual practices and ceremonies.

In Europe, elder has been surrounded by folklore and myth. The Celts believed it to be a tree of protection, and it was often planted near homes to ward off evil spirits. The Norse associated the elder with the goddess Freyja, who governed love, fertility, and magic. It was considered bad luck to cut down an elder tree without asking the permission of the tree's spirit, known as the Elder Mother.

Elder is a small tree/large shrub perennial that grows in rich, moist soil, partial shade to full sun in pastures, meadows and light forests. The flat-topped masses of creamy white, fragrant blossoms are in full bloom during the spring which then ripen to small juicy berries in late summer, early fall. 

Medicinal Uses:

Elder is a revered plant in herbal lore, with nearly every part imbued with healing properties, making it a staple in any witch's apothecary. As herbalist Matthew Wood says, "The dried or fresh flowers, green or ripe berries, seeds, buds, leaves, shoots, inner bark, outer bark, pith, root, and even the tree’s fungal companion, Jew's ear, can be used in various preparations—syrups, tinctures, distillations, extracts, wines, oils, waters, vinegars, conserves, decoctions, infusions, hot and cold teas, baths, powders, salts, salves, smokes, and amulets." The most commonly used parts are the luminous white flowers and ripe, succulent berries.

Elderflower tea, a first responder to colds and flu, boasts cooling diaphoretic properties that help lower fevers. This pleasant-tasting herb, favored for its flavor and suitability for children, gently tightens mucus membranes, easing symptoms like runny noses, watery eyes, and seasonal allergies. Its mild antiseptic properties make it ideal for washes, poultices, creams, and salves for sprains, bruises, and sore muscles. A potent tea in the bath soothes rheumatic pain, while elderflower washes treat burns, weeping eczema, dermatitis, and poison oak. Additionally, the flowers act as a diuretic for edema and water retention and as a subtle nervine to alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression.

Elderberries are powerful immune stimulants, brimming with broad-spectrum antiviral and antiseptic properties. They cool and soothe tissues and mucous membranes, making them perfect for the early stages of a cold or flu and for recovery post-illness. These berries, high in iron, are excellent for those with iron deficiencies or anemia and are beneficial in treating upper and lower respiratory conditions and acute and subacute viral infections.

Fresh elder leaves, with their pungent scent, repel insects. A decoction of young leaves can protect delicate plants. Externally, elder leaves, used as a poultice, aid bruises, sprains, and wounds due to their vulnerary and astringent actions. An infusion of elder leaves, combined with peppermint, acts as a diaphoretic and diuretic for water retention.

The bark of the elder tree, semi-toxic if ingested, can be used in decoctions for external antiseptic washes for skin issues. Ingested with caution, it serves as an emetic when properly dosed.

Harvesting:

When the earth awakens in early spring, seek out the tender leaves of the elder tree, gathering them before the blossoms appear, for they hold the promise of protection and healing. As spring gives way to the warmth of summer, the elder’s creamy white flowers burst forth in full bloom. Harvest these delicate umbels when they are at their peak, vibrant and fragrant, but before they begin to brown. Dry them swiftly in the shade, for quickness ensures their magical potency remains intact. By late summer, as the days grow shorter, the elder berries ripen to a deep, mystical purple, juicy and soft to the touch. These berries, brimming with life and energy, are best collected when they are dark and full. Handle them with care, separating them from the stems with a gentle touch or the prongs of a fork, preserving their enchantment for your apothecary. The elder’s gifts, gathered with reverence and intention, become powerful allies in your magical and healing practices.

Contraindications:

Avoid consuming raw, uncooked elderberries in large quantities due to their high flavonoid content, which can cause stomach upset and nausea. The elder stems contain toxic alkaloids that may cause stomach issues. Steer clear of the toxic red elder.

 Sources:

  • Gladstar, Rosemary. The Science and Art of Herbalism. A Home-Study Course
  • Grieve, M. (1971). A Modern Herbal. Volume 1. New York, NY: Dover Publications. (Original work published 1931)
  • Hoffman, David. The Complete Herbs Sourcebook. New York, NY: Skyhorse Publishing Inc; 2016
  • Moore, Michael. Medicinal Plants of the Pacific Northwest. Santa Fe, NM: Museum of New Mexico Press; 1993
  • Popham, Sajah. Alchemical Herbalism Course. School of Evolutionary Herbalism. Lecture Notes; 2020
  • Popham, Sajah. The Vitalist Herbal Practitioner Program. School of Evolutionary Herbalism. Lecture Notes; 2021
  • Sinadinos, Christa. Northwest School for Botanical Studies Course. Lecture Notes; 2014
  • Wood, Matthew. The Book of Herbal Wisdom. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books; 1997

Disclosure: This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.