Elder

Buy Elder Herb

Scientific Name:  Sambucus nigra


Parts Used:  Flowers (in spring) and berries (in fall) - COOKED berries only, raw are toxic
Be cautious! The roots, stems bark and leaves are toxic.


Cautions:

• Can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea if used in excessive amounts (cooking will remove the chemical that causes this reaction however)
• Can lower blood sugar levels, so if you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar levels closely to avoid lowering too far.
• Do not use for 2 weeks prior to having any surgery.
• People with autoimmune conditions should only take under the supervision of a doctor.

Healing Properties

• Anti-viral, nutritive, anti-inflammatory
• Flowers: Reduces phlegm, can prevent hayfever if taken in early spring. Good for feverish cold/flu
• Berries: Diuretic, laxative, promotes sweating and mucus secretion. Can be used in the defense and treatment of colds and the flu
• Externally used in creams for dry skin. Elderflower water can be used to lighten the skin and reduce the appearance of freckles. 

How to Use: 

• Add fresh or dried flowers or berries to food and beverages.
• Tea/Infusion (best consumed immediately, but can be stored in the fridge for up to 48 hours) - 2 to 3 cups daily:
  • Cover 1/4 cup fresh herb with boiling water.  Let steep for 15 minutes. Strain & drink.
  • Cover 1 Tablespoon dried herb with boiling water.  Let steep for 5-10 minutes. Strain & drink.
• Syrup (Can be stored longer - up to 2 weeks in the fridge, or frozen indefinitely): 
  • Make 2 cups of the tea.  Add to cast iron or stainless-steel pan.  Add 2 cups sugar or honey and heat the mixture on med-low heat until the sugar/honey is dissolved and it thickens into a light syrup.  Remove from heat and let it cool.  Store in a glass bottle (cork top, not screw, because syrups can ferment and explode if sealed too tightly).  Take in 1-2 teaspoon doses every 3-4 hours. 
• Tincture (Can be stored longer - generally last for 2+ years and some say potency increases with age):
  • Add 2 cups water to 1 quart of vodka or rum that is approximately 37.5% alcohol).  Put this in a clean bottle, clearly labeled (not all will be used for the tincture and you can use the remaining for additional batches).  Put 1/4 pound of dried herb (or 3/4 pound fresh) into a large wide-mouthed glass jar.  Add 2 cups of the diluted alcohol mixture to the jar, screw lid on tight and shake well.  Leave jar in a cool dark place for 2 weeks, shaking well every couple of days.  After 2 weeks, strain the mixture and store the liquid in a clean, dark glass bottle.  Add 1/2 - 1 teaspoon tincture to juice or warm water  3-5 times daily.  
• Oil Infusions (Can be stored longer - generally will last for at least a year, often longer): 
  • Hot Infusion:  Use a large double boiler.  Fill lower pan with water and put 1/4 pound dried herb (or 1/3 pound fresh) and 2 cups of base oil (sunflower or similar) to the top pan.  Heat on medium-low heat for 3 hours (check water level of bottom pan often and add boiling water as needed). Strain the oil into a pitcher.  Cool completely, then pour oil into glass bottles and store in a cool dark place.
  • Cold Infusion: Pack a medium sized jar with dried or fresh herb (1 inch from the top).  Cover herb with safflower or walnut oil.  Leave the jar in a sunny indoor location for at least 3 weeks.  Strain the mixture and repeat process again using more herb and the oil from the first infusion.  Leave it in a sunny indoor location again for an additional 2-3 weeks.  Strain the oil again, place in glass bottles and store in a cool dark place. 
• Compress: Soak a cotton ball or gauze in hot tea/infusion or tincture (4 teaspoons tincture to 2 cups hot water) and apply to area affected.  Note: it may be beneficial to use a cold compress instead, for some types of headaches for example).  
• Poultice:  Use a cotton ball or piece of gauze about 3 times the size of the area needing treatment. Fold in fresh or dried herbs and place it in a shallow dish. Pour boiling water on it and soak for 5 minutes.  Remove poultice from water and place on affected area.  Replace when it cools (or put a heating pad on top to keep warm).  

Grow/Harvest Yourself: 

• Buy Elder Tree Seeds
• Harvest berries that are deep purple-black in color with a plump appearance (usually begins in late July).
• Harvest flowers when in full bloom
• Zone: 3-8
• Soil pH: 5.5-6.5
• Moist, fertile soil
• Full sun to partial shade

*I am not a doctor.  The information on this platform is not a claim to treat, cure, prevent or diagnose any illness.  These remedies are intended to aid the healing process within your body (in correlation with existing traditional treatments).  Please talk to your family doctor before trying any natural remedies (especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or on prescription medication).  ​