The perennial tree Elder, officially known as Sambucus nigra and named sambucus by the people of ancient Rome, produces small, tight clusters of deep purple-black berries. It is most notable for the layered feathery clusters of tiny white-gold flowers. In past times, elderberries and flowers were widely known for being a cure-all. It has been documented to cure up to seventy different diseases.
There are over 20 species and many cultivars grown for edible berries, which contain flavonoids, sugar, fruit acid, and vitamin C. The flowers contain essential oil, flavonoids (rutin, quercetin), alkaloids, anthocyanins, and vitamin C. Elder contains more vitamin C than any herb, except for rosehips and black currants. Elder also contains a constituent, ursolic acid, which reduces inflammation. Whether elder is used for culinary or medicinal purposes, the berries and flowers have excellent curing power.
Medical Treatment and Cosmetic Benefits
Elder tea made from equal parts elder flower, peppermint, thyme, and yarrow flowers effectively reduces fever and treats flu, colds, hay fever, ea,r, and sinus congestion. An elderflower gargle reduces the pain and swelling of a sore throat. A strong, straielderflowerower tea made with distilled water is an excellent eye wash. This same tea also treats severe infections such as conjunctivitis.
Elder flower is a common ingredient found in salves for cuts, burns, and swellinElderberriesries are used to treat cases of rheumatism and gout. A rinse of elderflower water is a refreshing skin toner. Skin washes and cosmetics made with elderflower refine the complexion and heal eczema and psoriasis.
The 17th century The Anatomie of the Elder, by Dr. Martin Blokwich, recorded over 70 diseases that were treatable with elderberries. These diseases include: cephalic affections, deliria, melancholy, epilepsy, apoplexy and palsy, toothache, blemishes of the face and head, diseases of the mouth and throat, dyspnoea, asthma, cough, hoarseness, catarrhs, eye afflictions, pleurisy, phthisis, fainting, feminine breast issues, fevers, small pox, measles, stomach and intestinal problems, diarrhea, dysentery, costiveness, hemorrhoids, mesentery and liver obstructions, menstrual and womb afflictions, arthritis, herpes and ulcers just to mention a few.
FertilityA Culinary Look
Although elder is used for many culinary purposes, the leaves and fruit should never be eaten raw. They create a harsh laxative effect on the body. The flowers are eaten raw, fried as fritters, or pickled when they are young buds. The flowers are used to flavor drinks and fruit desserts. The berries are delicious when mixed with other fruits for preserves, jellies, and jams.
The flowers and berries are also used to make wine. 17th-century botanist stated the view that the “berries greatly assist longevity,” so in his period, the British supplied elderberry cordials in their coffee houses and eating establishments. The flowers look beautiful floating in a bowl of traditional elderberry punch, which is loaded with vitamin C.
History of the Cure All
Once regarded as a ‘cure-all’, it was the main ingredient in many ancient herbal remedies. Many species of elder have been used as medicines by Native Americans, ancient Egyptians, and Europeans. It was called “the medicine chest of the country people” in Europe. The earliest use of elder has been traced back to the ancient Egyptians, who applied the flowers to improve their complexions and heal burns.
Elder has a strong history, rich in folkloric tradition common in many cultures. It was held sacred by gypsy tribes for its protective mystical powers. It was also linked with the Jewish Cabbala. The root of the word elder, referring to both an elderly person and the tree, comes from the Anglo-Saxon word for old, eald. A folk tale attributes the longevity of an old man and his extremely elderly people to good health and a simple diet of elderberries.
The herbal tree, Elder, is often overlooked but possesses strong powers for healing and treating over seventy diseases. Packed with many nutrients and one of the highest sources of vitamin C, elderberry can fight off colds and flu. Whether the preparation is a hot tea, tonic, wine, or punch, the effectiveness of this common herb remains intact. In the kitchen, its usefulness makes a welcome addition for desserts, jams, and preserves. As a favorite of the Europeans and Egyptians, its discovery was held in high esteem as an overall good treatment for health and healthy living.
