It was with a swift and mighty backhand that my sister who was a whopping 10 months my senior, taught me to “respect my elders.” She had her own ideas about keeping me in check. These days the elders I look up to are my elder trees. When I say look up to, I mean that literally and figuratively. My elder trees grew to a height of at least 15 feet tall this year. Although they do take up more room in the greenhouse than anything else, it’s well worth giving them space when you consider the many health benefits of the elder plant.
The elder plant is one of the eldest remedies used by man. It is well documented that elder has been in use since the dawn of civilization. In fact, there is evidence from Switzerland and Italy that elderberry may have been cultivated by prehistoric man. There are recipes dating back to ancient Egypt. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, considered the plant his medicine chest and over the centuries, elderberry has been used to treat colds, flu, fever, burns, cuts, and many other ailments, from toothache to the plague. In the 17th century, John Evelyn, a British researcher declared, “If the medicinal properties of its leaves, bark, and berries were fully known, I cannot tell what our country man could ail for which he might not fetch a remedy [from the elderberry], either for sickness or wounds.”
http://www.blackelderberry.info/elderberry-history/
The botanical name for the elder plant is Sambucus nigra and many products can be found on the market today under the name Sambucol or Sambucus. Often referred to as black elderberry, the berries are actually deep purple in color when ripe, when dried they do appear to be black. The purple pigment found in the berry contains anthocyanins, a class of flavonoids that act as powerful antioxidants. Per Dr. Gerhard Rechkemmer, president of Germany’s Federal Research Institute for Nutrition and Food, they have significantly greater antioxidant capacity than common antioxidants such as Vitamin C and among several foods tested are one of the most concentrated in anthocyanins.
Boost the immune
Get ahead of the game this winter. Elderberries are an excellent immune booster and one of my favorite recipes for enhancing the immune for children is elderberry syrup. This can be poured onto pancakes or enjoyed over a hot bowl of oatmeal. A teaspoon or two in the morning will do just as well and I haven’t met a child yet that didn’t love it. Another popular children’s product is elderberry gummies. For adults, I highly recommend elderberry wine!
Just in time for cold and flu season, the elder plant is one of the most effective anti-viral remedies known to man. Studies have shown that the flavonoids in elderberry extract bind to the H1N1 influenza virus. An infusion of elder flowers and peppermint is an almost infallible cure for the onset of influenza. A good old fashioned remedy for colds, sinus infection and sore throat.
Fact: Tests have shown that elder can significantly lessen the down time and severity of symptoms when taken before or during illness.
Elder Flower
The flowers were used by our elders for bronchial and pulmonary infection. Elder flower tea will promote sweating and reduce a fever by a degree or two. The flowers also promote expectoration assisting in removing excess mucous. They relieve wheezing and have a restorative effect on the lungs.
An infusion of the flowers promotes urination relieving fluid congestion or edema and are also useful for urinary tract infections. The flowers contain the flavonoids quercetin and rutin, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and antiallergic actions. Although all parts of the elder plant are useful, the flowers are the most versatile. I like to mix the berries and flowers for the benefits of both.
Historically, elder was used for scarlet fever, measles and other eruptive diseases. Topically an infusion or poultice of the flowers or leaves can be used to soften the skin or to relieve skin rashes, or to soften boils and draw out pus.
Folklore
There is no shortage of lore surrounding the elder from countries all over the World. An old custom of Gypsies forbade them to use elder to build their campfires. The practical reason I assume, could be because elder wood throws off sparks when burned. In some traditions, flutes were made by pushing out the pith in the center of the wood and were used to call the fairies close to you.
In Denmark, the elder is connected with magic. In its branches was supposed to live a dryad, the elder tree mother who lived in the tree and watched over it. It is said that if the tree is cut down and made into furniture, the spirit of the tree mother would follow it.
In earlier days, the Elder tree was supposed to ward off evil influence and give protection from witches. Green Elder branches were buried in the graves to protect the dead from witches.
Many indicate the elder as a tree of protection and growing an elder tree is associated with good luck. Even today some will not trim an Elder tree for fear of bad luck. In some parts of Scotland, it’s known for its ability to ward off evil spells and witchcraft. Crosses made of elder twigs were hung over stables and barns to protect the livestock. Drivers of hearses carried whip-handles made of elder to ward off evil influences.
Celtic lore tell us that this is the time of the elder moon. The elder tree marks the time of Winter Solstice. It is associated with the dark months of the year as it is the tree of the month of November 23rd to December 22nd.
In ancient times this tree symbolized eternity and was sacred to the wise woman. This is the tree of the cycle of birth and death and continuous growth from the cycle of rebirth. The Elder has strong connections with femininity and is often known as Our Lady.
Few plant remedies have received more respect and reverence in folklore and mythology; or been put to greater practical use for medicine and magic than the Elder tree.
http://www.mysticfamiliar.com/library/treelore/elder.html
https://www.druidry.org/library/trees/tree-lore-elder
How to make Elderberry syrup
Boil 2 cups of water and pour over 2 heaping teaspoons of dried elderberries. Steep 10 minutes and strain. Add remaining liquid to equal parts local honey. Maple syrup can also be used.
Elder starts and plants are available at The Thymekeeper and at the Outpost Feed Store in Florissant every Spring. Contact Mari for more information.
Mari Marques-Worden is a Certified Herbalist and owner of The Thymekeeper. For questions or more information contact: Mari at mugsyspad@aol.com or 719-439-7303. Mari is available for private consultation.
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