European elder (Sambucus nigra), not to be confused with the toxic American elder, is a small, shrubby, deciduous tree that bears deep purple drupes and cream-colored flowers. Also known as black elder, bore tree, and often written simply as elder berry or elderberry, this member of the moschatel family favors moist woodland areas in its native habitats of Europe, North Africa and Western Asia, although it is also grown as an ornamental hardy to Zone 3 in the United States.
Elder has a long and varied significance in herbal history that dates to the 5th century BCE. The plant was well known to Pliny the Elder, Culpeper, Dioscorides and Hippocrates. The first written scientific description of the plant’s pharmacological qualities, however, is credited to the 14th century German scholar, Conrad von Megenberg, who recommended drinking elderberry juice to ward off illness.
There is a great deal of folklore associated with European elder. In Scotland, for example, the tree was thought to protect against evil spirits, and crosses made of its wood were hung in homes and in stables to shield their occupants from harm. The Cross of Calvary was thought to be made of elder, as the ancient rhyme suggests:
In the Isle of Man, elder was believed to be the home of elves, while, in Ireland, any witch worth her salt could rise to meet the moon on a broom made of elder. In Denmark, the tree spirit of Hylde-Moer, or the Elder Mother, was said to live among the branches. Failing to ask permission of Hylde-Moer before cutting into the tree would result in the spirit haunting the person who raised the axe as well as whatever object the wood was used to make.
European elder may provide fruit and flower, but its branches are also of use. When the inner white pith that lines the bark is removed, a hollow tube remains. At one time, these “tubes” were used as tinder and to fashion bellows with which to blow air onto fires to create higher flames. In fact, many etymologists suspect that the English term “elder” is derived from the Anglo Saxon words aeld and eller, which mean “fire” and “kindler of fire,” respectively.
The hollowed-out branches also provided material for the earliest of children’s toys and musical instruments that are still enjoyed today – pop guns, whistles and flutes. Culpeper expressed the familiarity of elder in writing with, “It is needless to write any description of this [Elder], since every boy that plays with a pop-gun will not mistake another tree for the Elder."
Like other shrubs that produce white flowers, such as rowan and hawthorn, elder was strongly associated with Goddess-centric traditions in Ireland and its flowers, in particular, were believed to be favored by fairies. Leaving food out at night under a blooming elder tree was a habit born of desire to make friends with the mischievous wee folk. Women who washed their face with morning dew collected from elder flowers was certain to retain her youthful beauty. Elder flowers are still used to make aromatic waters, colognes and skin cleansers, such as the infamous Eau de Sareau.
The leaves of elder were also important. While the berries provided purple dyes and the bark grey and black, yellow and green dyes were produced from elder leaves, all of which were used to make Harris Tweed, the traditional wool cloth handwoven for centuries in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. The strong fragrance of the leaves was said to repel flies and other insects, so they were hung in bunches in the home and were affixed to the harness of one’s horse. It was common for elder trees to be planted around bake houses and dairies, too. Bake houses enjoyed protection from evil released from burning fires, while dairies hung cheese cloth to dry among the tree’s branches, hopeful that the practice would keep flies at bay and prevent the milk from turning sour.
dried elderberry Whole ripe elderberries have long been used to make pies, pastries, jams, jellies, wine, cordials and syrup. The dried berries are also added to tea blends.
dried elder flower The delicate, white flowers of elder are used to make syrups and cordials, as well as tea, soup, wine, brandy and other beverages, such as the fruity liquor known as St. Germain.
astragalus root + elderberry Known as Gum Dragon in its native China, astragalus root lends a sweet and earthy flavor to teas and tonics.
chamomile + elder flower This member of the magnolia family produces gorgeous red berries referred to as Wei Zi “five fruit flavors" because they wake up all five flavor experiences — salty, sweet, sour, pungent and bitter.
schizandra + elderberry This member of the magnolia family produces gorgeous red berries referred to as Wei Zi “five fruit flavors" because they wake up all five flavor experiences — salty, sweet, sour, pungent and bitter.
hibiscus + elder flower Also known as roselle, hibiscus produces large, colorful flowers. Pair with elder flowers in tea blends for bright color and flavor.
pleurisy root + elderberry Commonly known as butterfly weed, the taproot of this North American shrub is a frequent addition to winter time teas and tinctures.
yarrow + elder flower Combine elder flowers with yarrow leaf and flowers when making tea blends. This combo works well in natural skin and hair formulas, too.
Elderberry & Rosehips Winter Tonic Give your immune system a boost with this rich-tasting, nutrient-packed tonic. Both elderberries and rosehips pack a load of vitamin C and antioxidant flavonoids, as well as minerals and dietary fiber. This simple infusion can be made in minutes and enjoyed as-is from the refrigerator or mixed into juice or tea, either in the morning or before retiring to bed at night.
English Pontack Sauce This traditional condiment, known by most Americans as elderberry ketchup, get its name from The Pontack Head, the 17th century English eatery from which the concoction is thought to originate. It is typically served alongside cold cuts and game meats, although it can also be used to add fruity-spicy interest to sauces, soups and stews.
Winter Tea Blend This herbal tea is considered adaptogenic, meaning that it helps the body to maintain balance during times of physical or emotional stress. Delicious and soothing, whether served hot or cold. Makes one quart.
Elder Flower Liquor Also known as St. Germain, this sweet liquor is popular in Europe to use for mixing cocktails. You can purchase it in many liquor stores, but it’s easy (and more fun!) to make it yourself with just a few ingredients. Note, however, that this is a two-step process that takes time to complete.
Elder Flower Shortbread This treat is made even sweeter with a glaze of powdered sugar and elder flower liquor. The method of rolling the dough into a log makes it easy to slice-and-bake. If you want to get fancy, press each disc of dough with a cookie stamp before baking.
Elderberry Shrub A shrub is a fruit-infused, vinegar-based syrup that is typically mixed with soda water to create a refreshing beverage. It’s an old-fashioned favorite that’s making a comeback as a cocktail mixer. You can also use a shrub to enhance the flavor of salad dressings or to glaze roasted meats. The terms comes from sharbah, the Arabic word that means “drink” that has also given us “sherbet” and “syrup.”
