Elderberry, whole, wild crafted

Scientific Names: Sambucus nigra, Sambucus Canadensis, Adoxaceae family (formerly Caprifoliaceae)

Common Names: Common Elder, European Elderberry, North American Elderberry, Black Elder, Bore Tree, Bour Tree, Pipe Tree

Parts used: The flowers (S. Canadensis) and berries (S. nigra). The leaves and stems are toxic.

Compounds: Contains vitamins A, B, and is abundant in vitamin C. Also contains potassium nitrate, flavonoids (rutin and quercertin), anthocyanins, sambucin, sambunigrin, volatile oils (0.03-0.14%), palmitic acid, chlorogenic acids

Background: Elderberry has been used in folk medicine for centuries in Europe and also known to Native Americans as a remedy for gout, asthma, arthritis, fever, and colds and flu. However, Hippocrates wrote of elder as comprising his personal “medicine chest” as early as 400 BC.

To Europeans, the elder tree was thought to possess magical powers due to being inhabited by a tree spirit known as Elder Mother. For this reason, the wood was often used to make dowsing rods and other instruments for divination purposes. The long-standing tradition of paying homage to the Elder tree is conveyed in an old Austrian adage: Tip your hat to the elder.

Elder is native to most of Europe and North America, where it can be found growing in wayside patches in fields and along roads. It is also cultivated in the garden by propagation from root runners.

Actions: Anti-viral, diaphoretic, sudorific, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, laxative

Applications: Increases bronchial secretions, soothes inflammation of the respiratory tract, eases symptoms of cold and flu. Has a mild laxative and diuretic action. Stimulates milk production in nursing mothers.

Description: Hardy shrub or small tree reaching up to 12 feet in height with shallow roots. The mature bark is light brown to gray, but the young branches are green. Leaves are ovate, densely serrate, odd 3-7 pinnate, green on the topside and blue-green underneath. The flowers, which bloom in summer, range from yellow to white in color and possess a strong perfume. Individually, they are small 5-petaled flowers, but grow in prolific clusters measuring up to 8 inches in diameter. The berries are violet to black in color with dark, red juice.

Dosage:

Tea: 3–5 grams (1/2–1 teaspoon) dried flowers steeped in 250 ml (1 cup) boiling water for 15 minutes and strained. Taken 3 times per day.

Extract or syrup: 10–30 ml (2 teaspoons to 2 tablespoons), taken 2 times per day. For children: 5–15 ml (1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon), taken 2 times per day.

Elder berries may be baked in pies, or prepared as jam, jelly, or a preserve. The berries are also used to make wine and cordials.

Safety: There are no known health risks associated with use of this herb.

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