Black Elder

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Black Elder

 

Sambucus nigra

 

Much folklore is associated with this European plant that is also known as

"bourtree." Pre-Christian documents attributed protective, healing powers to

the black elder, and in

England it was believed bad luck to cut its branches for fear of showing

disrespect to the mother elder, who was thought to inhabit the tree.

 

 

 

Plant Facts: The elder is a member of the honeysuckle family and can grow to

a height of33 feet. The sweet-smelling, spicy but somewhat bitter & shy;

tasting flowers produce blackish-purple fruits with an aromatic, tart taste. The

stalk and branches contain a white, .fluffy pulp.

 

Origin

 

The elder is native to Europe, North Africa and western and central Asia. It

thrives throughout lowland forests and along roads and fences and is very

often found in farmhouse gardens.

 

Parts used

 

The flowers and ripe berries are used medicinally. The flowers should be

harvested as the plant begins to blossom.

 

Components

 

The black-elder flowers contain flavonoids, rutin, mucins and tannins and a

large portion of organic acids and calcium. The berries contain fruit acids,

vitamins Bl and C and folic acid, as well as essential oils.

 

Indications

 

Described as a "complete medicine chest," black elder induces perspiration.

When you have a feverish cold, take it in the form of a hot drink. Elder also

promotes expectoration, which makes it a good treatment for coughing and

bronchitis. The pulp of the berry and the freshly pressed juice have a diuretic

and laxative effect on the body. Avoid the red & shy; berry species of elder, as

it can irritate the digestive system and make you feel nauseous.

 

Tip

 

A folk remedy for burns is a paste made of elder and milk. Boil freshly

picked, chopped flowers in enough milk to make a thick paste. Allow to cool and

apply to the affected part of the skin.

 

Tea flowers

Pour about 1 cup of boiling water over 2 heaping tsp. of dried elder

flowers. Strain after 10 min. Drink 1-2 cups of freshly prepared tea several times

daily. For best results, drink the tea as hot as you can tolerate it.

 

Tea from berries

Add enough cold water to cover approximately 3 heaping tsp. of dried

elderberries and allow to stand for several minutes. Then slowly bring the

water & shy; berry mixture to a simmer. Gently simmer for 10 min., and then strain and

drink.

 

Juice, syrup

Remove the stems from 4 lb. of ripe berries. Squeeze the juice from the

berries into a saucepan and add about 1lb. of sugar. Boil for 5 min. Skim the

foam from the surface, fill canning jars with the syrup and seal while hot.

Prepared syrup is available from pharmacies and health-food stores if you don't

want to make your own. To prevent or

to treat a cold, drink the heated juice or syrup dissolved in hot water.

 

Puree

Boil about 1 lb. of ripe elderberries with 1 cup of

water and 2 diced apples. Put through a sieve and

sweeten to taste.

 

 

The coward believes he will live forever If he holds back in the battle, But in old age he shall have no peaceThough spears have spared his limbs Stanza 16 of the Havamal (the Sayings of Har) from the Poetic Edda

 

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