Botanical Name: Sambucus nigra
Common Names: Black Elder, European Elder, Elder, Common Elder, Elder Bush, Fairy Flowers
Herbal Energetics:
- Elderberry: Cooling, drying
- Elderflower: Warming, drying
Flavor:
- Elderberry: Sweet,
- Elderflower: Mildly sweet
Herbal Actions:
-
Elderberry:
- Antiviral
- Immunomodulatory
- Antioxidant
- Anti-inflammatory
-
Elderflower:
- Diaphoretic
- Anti-catarrhal
- Mildly diuretic
- Anti-inflammatory
Organ Affinities:
- Elderberry: Immune system, Respiratory system, Cardiovascular system
- Elderflower: Respiratory system, Skin, Nervous system, Urinary system
Uses:
-
Elderberry:
- Cold & Flu Support: Elderberries are renowned for their antiviral properties, particularly in the treatment and prevention of cold and flu. They help to shorten the duration and severity of symptoms by boosting the immune system.
- Respiratory Health: Elderberry is effective in treating respiratory infections and congestion. It is often used to soothe coughs, reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract, and alleviate symptoms of sinusitis and bronchitis.
- Antioxidant Support: Rich in flavonoids, elderberries provide strong antioxidant support, helping to protect the body from oxidative stress and free radical damage.
-
Elderflower:
- Fever Management: Elderflower is a traditional diaphoretic, used to promote sweating and help break fevers during the onset of colds or flu. It’s especially useful in cases of feverish conditions with a stuffy nose or sinus congestion.
- Respiratory Support: Elderflower’s anti-catarrhal properties make it effective for relieving symptoms of upper respiratory infections, such as nasal congestion and sinusitis. It helps to clear mucus and reduce inflammation.
- Skin Health: Elderflower can be used topically to soothe and heal inflamed or irritated skin, including conditions such as eczema, rashes, and minor wounds.
Preparation and Dosage:
-
Elderberry:
- Syrup: The most common preparation of elderberry. To make, decoct 1 cup of dried elderberries in 4 cups of water, with added spices like cinnamon and cloves, for 45 minutes. Strain, cool, and add honey to taste. Take 1 tablespoon (15 ml) 2–3 times daily for adults, or 1 teaspoon (5 ml) 2–3 times daily for children, as a preventive or at the onset of symptoms.
- Tincture: A tincture can be made using fresh or dried berries in alcohol. Standard dosage is 2–4 ml (about 40–80 drops) 2–3 times daily.
- Tea: Elderberry tea can be made by steeping 1–2 teaspoons of dried elderberries in a cup of hot water for 10-15 minutes. Drink 1–3 cups daily.
-
Elderflower:
- Infusion (Tea): Steep 1–2 teaspoons of dried elderflowers in a cup of hot water for 10-15 minutes. Drink hot, 1–3 cups daily, especially at the onset of cold or flu symptoms and fever.
- Tincture: Elderflower tincture can be prepared using a 1:5 ratio of dried flowers to alcohol. Standard dosage is 2–4 ml (about 40–80 drops) 2–3 times daily.
- Poultice/Compress: Elderflowers can be steeped in hot water, then cooled and applied as a compress to inflamed skin or rashes.
Contraindications:
Raw elderberries, as well as the seeds, leaves, and bark of the elder plant, contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can produce cyanide and are toxic if consumed in large amounts. Always ensure elderberries are properly cooked before consumption.
Autoimmune Diseases: Elderberry may stimulate the immune system, which could exacerbate symptoms in individuals with autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or multiple sclerosis. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
Allergies: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to elderberry, including rashes, itching, or gastrointestinal upset. Those with known allergies to plants in the Adoxaceae family should avoid elderberry.
Surgery:
Diabetes: Elderberry may lower blood sugar levels. Individuals with diabetes or hypoglycemia should use elderberry with caution and monitor their blood sugar levels closely.
Materia Magica
Elder is sacred to various deities, including:
Freyja: The Norse goddess of love, beauty, and magic, due to Elder's association with love and protection.
Hecate: The Greek goddess of witchcraft, the moon, and the underworld, reflecting Elder's connection to transformation and protection.
Hyldemoer (Elder Mother): A spirit or goddess in European folklore believed to inhabit the elder tree, protecting it and those who honor it.
Magical/Ritual Uses:
Protection: Elder branches and flowers are traditionally used in protective charms and spells to ward off negative energies, evil spirits, and harmful influences.
Healing: Elder has long been revered as a powerful healer. It is used in spells and rituals to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.
Divination & Transformation: Elder can be used in rituals that seek to enhance psychic abilities, facilitate communication with spirits, or aid in personal transformation and growth.
Purification: Elder is also employed in cleansing and purifying rituals, whether it's the body, space, or spiritual energies.
Creating wreaths or amulets from elder branches, flowers, or berries for protection.
Elderwood is often burned to purify a space and invite protective energies. Leave offerings beneath an elder tree to honor the Elder Mother or to seek blessings and protection. Elder’s deep-rooted connection with both the physical and spiritual realms makes it a potent ally in magical practices. Whether for protection, healing, or transformation, elder embodies the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth.