The Majestic Elder

"If the medicinal properties of the leaves, bark, berries, etc. were thoroughly known, I cannot tell what our countryman could ail for which he might not fetch a remedy from every (elder) hedge either for sickness or wound." John Evelyn, Herbalist

Elder (Sambucus nigra) is nature’s medicine chest, it was said that almost anything that ailed you, a remedy could be found within the Elder tree. I have 2 beautiful trees, each one is now hedging (making me rather excited) so I know in the not too distant future I am going to have one big, bolshy hedge supplying me with flowers, berries, leaves and bark for many a herbal remedy. You can go to any chemist or supermarket and find Elder products for cold and flu – such is the popularity and ability of this quite amazing plant.

I have a huge amount of respect for the Elder; it is a powerful, potent tree – not only medicinally but also magically. It is said to burn the wood of an Elder tree is commit an offense against the Fae, a powerful witch tree and portal to the Other Realms so one must approach it with caution and respect. The Elder was often planted on the edge of a garden to be the “Protector” and nowadays can be found growing in any hedgerow with the likes of blackberry, blackthorn and the herbal powerhouses of hawthorn and rosehip.

"There is a tradition that once when a child was put in a cradle of Elder-wood, HyldeMoer came and pulled it by the legs and would give it no peace till it was lifted out Permission to cut Elder wood must always be asked first and not until Hylde-Moer has given consent by keeping silence, may the chopping begin." Lady Northcote, The Book of Herbs

Elder is a herb rich in bioflavonoids, Vitamin C and A, iron, potassium, beta-carotene, tannins, mucilage and phenolic compounds. The lovely deep rich purple berries have powerful anti-viral and analgesic properties helping with viral infections, cold and flu (elder berries are immune enhancing and stimulating and is often well complimented when mixed with Echinacea). The flowers are diaphoretic – meaning they induce perspiration which helps to lower fevers and rids the body of toxins. The parts used medicinally are the bark, leaves, flowers and berries.

The flowers are collected when in full bloom - you can’t miss them, big, soft florets of creamy flowers with a gorgeous scent. They are best used straight away in their fresh state or dried for use later. They tend to droop after being harvested as do most herbs as the water content evaporates; the flowers also take on a somewhat brown colour when left for too long after harvesting. Elderflower tea is an excellent remedy for colds, general stuffiness, most respiratory issues and has been traditionally used for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. If it were to be used as a supplement, it has a mildly diuretic and laxative effect. In the culinary world, elderflower heads are battered, deep fried and eaten making it a light delicacy. The flower heads have also been used to make wine and cordial, a tasty treat for a hot summer’s day.

Together the flowers and berries pack a very big punch, my favourite way to have them is either in a tea (prepare yourself for the weirdly mentholated buzz that goes through you) or in an elixir with honey and Echinacea – but to give it an extra kick, you can always add other healing herbs like Rosehip, Ginger and Cinnamon for a warming boost. Even on its own though, Elder is Mother Nature’s All Rounder.

Classic Elderberry Syrup

4 cups cold water
2 cups organic dried Elderberries
1 organic Cinnamon Stick
1 tsp fresh grated organic ginger root or organic dried Ginger Root
Raw honey

Directions:

To make the syrup, combine the berries and herbs with cold water in a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and allow herbs to simmer for 30 to 40 minutes. Remove from heat and mash the berries in the liquid mixture. Strain the berries and herbs through cheesecloth and squeeze out the juice. Measure the liquid and add an equal amount of honey. Gently heat the honey and juice for a few minutes until well combined. Do not boil! Bottle in sterilized glass.

From Mountain Rose Herbs