Home Herbalism

Herb of the Week: Elderberry

Elder (Sambucus spp.)

Family: Adoxaceae previously Caprifoliaceae.

Common Names: Common Elder, Black Elder, Sweet Elder

Parts Used: Berries and Flowers, Fresh Leaves *externally

Plant Description: Native to Europe, North Africa and Western/Central Asia, Elder consists of over 20 species. Sambucus nigra the species most commonly used, is a deciduous tree often growing upwards to 32ft with oval-shaped leaves, creamy white flowers and blue-black berries.

Cultivation & Harvest: Elder grows in low moist grounds bordering fences and small streams. It thrives in fertile, well-drained soil but is very forgiving. It flowers from May to July and the fruit ripens mid-August to September. Flowers should be collected at peak bloom and shade dried quickly. Berries are best collected when fully ripe and stripped individually from their clusters. Berries freeze well.

Elderberry - often referred to as the “medicine chest of the country people”

Herbal Actions: Alterative - cleansing, Astringent - contraction of tissues, Demulcent -soothes inflammation/irritation, Diruetic - promotes urination, Diaphoretic - induces sweating [ flowers ] Expectorant - expels mucus from airways, Laxative - loosens stool and promotes bowel movements.

Medicinal Benefits: effective at preventing and managing colds and flu, stimulates the immune system, both flowers and berries help to detox extracellular fluid. Elderberry syrup and gummies are a common cold and flu remedy. Elder Flowers are commonly used for sore throats and for inducing perspiration.

Cautions: The seeds of the berries are toxic if eaten raw - causing nausea, vomiting. For fresh berry remedies remove seeds before ingestion, cooking the berries reduces seed toxicity. Leaves are harmless for external use. Elder bark, root and stem are not recommended for internal use.

Culinary: Elderberries are commonly made into jams, jellies and pies. Flowers and berries can be made into mead, wine and kombucha.

Preparations:

Tea - basic extract hot or cold
Syrup - 1 part juice of raw or cooked berries to 2 parts honey, refrigerate and use within 6 months. Add cinnamon and ginger for a herbal boost
Tincture - fresh or dried flowers, berries
Glycerite - dried berries
Oxymel - 1 part honey, 1 part apple cider vinegar, fresh or dried berries and or flowers
External Uses - use cooled tea as a wash for acne or to improve oily skin, use dried flowers in a tub tea soak, fresh leaves infused into oil can be made into a cooling salve for injuries or old wounds.

Dosages: No two bodies are alike, I recommend reading Making Plant Medicine by Richo Chech for an in-depth look at herbal dosages and figuring out what is best for you or consulting your local herbalist.

Disclaimer: One could study Herbalism for a lifetime and still not know everything. I encourage you to cross reference and reach out if you have questions or concerns. While I believe herbal medicine can be accessible to all, one should always ensure a positive identification of any plant they plan to ingest as well as consulting with a trained practitioner. The monographs in my Herb of the Week Series may change, be added to or altered as I continue my Herbalism studies.