Elder, Berries
(also referred to as...)
Elder flower, Black elder, Common elder, Pipe tree
Latin Name: Sambucas Nigra
Family: Caprifoliaceae
Description
Considered one of the land's greatest medical chest, this entire plant from roots to berries has been used medicinally at some point, from the Anglo-Saxon to today's modern day herbalist. It's generic name Sambucas comes from the writings of Pliny and other ancient writers. It is derived from the Greek word Sambuca, the Sackbut, which is an ancient stringed musical instrument used among the Romans, made from the elder tree.
"What says my Aesculapius? My Galen? My heart of elder?"
-- William Shakespeare
Elder, Flower
Ailments / Situations Where Used
It is the flowers that are widely used today as a sweat inducing plant to break fevers and colds, and influenza. This is due to the bioflavonoids which stimulate circulation. There are few plants that help reduce phlegm quite as well as the elder flower, and is because of this that they are employed in mucous conditions of the upper respiratory system and the lungs. For centuries the flowers have been taken as a preventative for hay fever early in the season. Externally they are used for inflammatory conditions, and according to 18th century folklore they have been known to whiten the skin, remove spots, and freckles. If applied faithfully they can preserve and soften the skin. They are a great wash for sore inflamed eyes, skin ulcers, eruptions, eczema and broken skin.
The berries are used very similar to the flowers except for their reputation in rheumatism, and their high vitamins A and C content, which makes them all the more useful in cold conditions where the high vitamin intake would be desirable.
Source
All of plant, from roots to berries, has medicinal qualities.
The leaves are used externally as an ointment for bruises, swellings, sprains, and hemorrhoids. They are not employed internally very often.
The bark has been used as a stimulant to the liver for sluggishness resulting in constipation, and for skin conditions and arthritis. It is rarely used today.
Preparations
Infusion: Made with the flowers using 1 teaspoon herb to 1 cup boiling water covered for 10 minutes and taken three times a day.
The berries are usually taken in a syrup form usually made by boiling the berries with water and honey and taken from two to four times a day.
Contraindications / Precautions / Warnings
There are no real contraindications with this plant as with anything if taken in moderation. Due to the tannins it would not be advisable to take any parts of the elder if the condition would be worsened by further drying or fluid depletion.
The bark of this plant is a very strong purgative so is not that safe to take especially in pregnancy.
Ailment / Situation Listing
Elder Flower, Closeup
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