Elderberry + Flower: A look into her medicine chest
Rachel NelsonIntroduction
Elder wasn’t a plant that I immediately knew when I was studying to become an Herbalist way back in 2005. It wasn’t until I moved to Northern California many years later, where it grows by water abundantly, that I started to become intimately acquainted with her. On my walks by the Sacramento River and elsewhere I’d get to really indulge in her presence and get to know her better by watching her throughout the seasons. In late spring/early summer her huge creamy blooms beckon to the bees and to my nose and later her large umbel clusters of berries, hanging heavy on her branches, are food for the birds.
I love Elder so much and wouldn’t ever want to be without her for beauty, medicine and magick.
History & Folklore of Elderberry
Elderberry has a rich history of folklore and use throughout the ages all over the world. Elder's Latin name, Sambucus, come from the Greek word sambuke, which was an ancient stringed instrument (a harp or lyre) that some speculate was made from the Elder tree. Elder wood has soft pith that can be removed and a number of stringed instruments, flutes, whistles and my favorite bull roars can then be made from it.
Ironically the Elder bush has been looked on as sacred and cursed, being of the light and the dark. Some viewed it as cursed because they say the crucifix Jesus was nailed to was made from Elder wood. It was known as a Witch’s tree; which to some meant being a proponent of evil. Bringing it into the house or burning it could bring misfortune, death and even summon the devil. It was considered bad luck to make furniture from its wood.
On the other hand many associated Elder with nature spirits and is considered a tree of transformation. It is intimately associated with the Pagan holiday Samhain (Halloween) because Elder is seen as a gateway to the Underworld. It is the Celtic Ogham tree of the 13th month, which lies at the end of the year and the beginning of a new one. (The 13th month is seen as the three days of Samhain, Oct. 30-Nov. 1).
Many nature-oriented cultures like the Celtics and Druids saw Elder as a magickal medicinal tree that was to be respected. The Danish referred to her as Hyldemor or Elder Mother, seen as a protector, she was planted near the home for this reason. Native Americans viewed Elder as the “tree of music” and used the whole tree for food, medicine, music, and crafts.
Beauty
The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, & Europeans all used elder flowers for beauty throughout history. Today you can find Elder flowers in many natural and organic beauty products. Elderflower is a panacea for beauty rituals for the skin and hair. They are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory so can be used to calm irritated skin, reduce redness and tighten pores. Elderflowers act as a humectant so will draw moisture from the air to your skin making it hydrating and plumping to the skin.
Elderflower’s energetics is cooling and lends a soothing touch to skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and rosacea and makes a good after sun lotion to cool and soothe the skin.
As mentioned before, these creamy sweet smelling blooms are rich in antioxidants including Vitamin C making them very helpful for an “anti-aging” protocol by fighting free radicals and reducing the appearance of age spots.
For the hair Elderflowers cleanse the scalp balancing out excessive oils, helping to prevent breakouts and improve shine.
Medicine
Elder has been referred to as the “medicine chest of the country people” and “nature’s apothecary” demonstrating how useful this plant was to our forebears. While all part can be used for medicine I will focus on the berries and flowers here.
Elderberries
Elderberries are full of antioxidants such as anthocyanins (which give the berries their color), flavonoids, phenolic acids and Vitamin C. All these pack a powerful punch to neutralize free radicals, which are the end products of metabolism but also the result of air pollution, UV radiation and smoking. These antioxidants help protect the body from cell damage and chronic dis-eases from unchecked free radicals. The bioflavonoids are protective to the heart and cardiovascular system.
These antioxidants also boost the immune system in many ways. For example the anthocyanins prevent viruses from attaching to and infecting healthy cells. Vitamin C is essential for immune system health by supporting white blood cells, promotes antibody production and helps maintain the integrity of the epithelial layer of the skin, which acts as an initial barrier against pathogens. Studies have shown that if taken within 48 hours of the first onset of a cold or flu elderberries can shorten the duration of the illness. Elderberries are blood building and so helpful for those with anemia.
It is worth noting here that elder is a great preventive medicine, meaning that if you take it regularly during the cold and flu season, it will help you to not come down with an illness in the first place. If you do get sick, it is also a superb herbal medicine to have at hand, as you can see.
Let’s move on now to Elderflowers.
Elderflowers
Elderflowers are a relaxing diaphoretic, which means it will open up the capillaries to allow heat to be released from the body, effectively lowering a fever. This isn’t the same mechanism of action as say Ibuprofen where the fever is stopped in its tracks. The fever response is your body’s natural defense against infections and inflammation. To un-naturally stop it takes the body’s ability to effectively kill the infection (bacteria, virus or fungus) or reduce inflammation.
These creamy dreamy blooms are also anti-inflammatory and are helpful for congestive upper respiratory conditions such as hay fever, sinusitis and seasonal allergies.
Elder flowers are effective for ear infections and for this purpose I would infuse them into infused oil along with mullein blooms and some garlic.
Elder flowers are cooling, drying, dispersing and opening. They are sweet and pungent helping to decongest the sinuses and open up the respiratory system. As a diuretic, Elderflowers help the body remove toxins and excess water through the urine. They are also anti-viral and antimicrobial.
Magick
The uses of Elder don’t stop at beauty and medicine. I feel all plants have their own magick that lends a more ethereal aspect to their use and our lives. Intention is everything when it comes to using plants for more energetic purposes and having clear intentions about what and why you are using a plant for is important.
Elder has been used for protection as mentioned earlier. Country folk planted her near their homes to provide all within protection from psychic attacks, negative energy and evil. Seeing her as the Elder Mother, Hyldemor, this makes sense, as a mother’s job is to protect her children. One can carry elderberries or elderflowers in a small pouch with other items such as crystals and other herbs to provide your person with protection as well.
For purification purposes one can burn the dried leaves and flowers to clear a space, the aura or objects.
Since Elder is an herb of transformation and is a symbol of rebirth and renewal, she can be used in spells when growth and transformation are desired. Use her also in spells to enhance passion and attract love.
One last way to use Elder for the less mundane is for dream work. Elderflowers are said to promote vivid dreams and bring one closer to the fairy or spiritual realms. For this purpose you could make an elderflower and mugwort tea and drink before retiring for the night. Keep a journal near so that you can record your dreams and any insights upon awakening.
Recipes
Easy Elderflower Tea
Use this tea for fever support or as a facial toner or hair rinse.
2-3 teaspoons dried elderflowers
8 ounces boiling water
Add you Elder flowers to an infuser cup or teapot. Pour just boiled water over and let steep covered for 5 minutes for a more light and floral flavor or for 10 minutes for a more earthy flavor.
Add a little honey or agave to your taste preference if desired.
This infusion can also double as a facial toner. It is gently astringent and can be used to reduce redness and puffiness, soothe irritated skin, smooth and soften skin, minimize pores, and as an after sun tonic. Store in the refrigerator and use within a few days. To use wet a cotton pad and smooth over skin, alternatively put in a small spritz bottle and spritz your face leaving the infusion to be soaked up by the skin.
Elderberry Decoction
Use this decoction when you need some fresh medicine to fight off colds and flu. Take at first signs of illness or if someone in your household or work environment is sick.
½ cup elderberries or 1 cup of fresh berries
2 cups pure water
In a small saucepan, simmer the berries and water, covered over low heat for 30 minutes. Turn off heat and allow to steep for 1 hour. Strain and enjoy as is or add a small amount of honey or other sweetener to your taste preference.
Elder Leaf Salve
Use this salve for bruises, insect bites, strains and sprains, and wounds. Elder leaves are anti-inflammatory and soothing. Makes 6 ounces.
1/8 cup Elder leaves, dried
1/8 cup Elder flowers, dried
2/3 cup vegetable oil of choice (Olive, Sunflower, Almond)
½ ounce/1 ½ Tbs. Beeswax
Place herbs in a clean dry canning jar and cover with your chosen oil. Place in a warm dry place for 4-6 weeks shaking regularly. When ready strain through a fine mesh sieve with some muslin or cheesecloth lain over the top. Squeeze as much oil out as you can.
In a clean jar or other heat proof container add ½ cup of your infused oil and your beeswax. Place in a saucepan of a few inches of water making sure the water does not allow the jar to float around. Heat on low until the beeswax completely melts. Carefully pour into your chosen final container, which could be the container.
Moon Wise Herbals’ products featuring Elder
In honor and respect to you, our Planet and the plants that sustain us,
And until next time,
Rachel, Herbalist & Owner @ Moon Wise Herbals
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