Elderberry juice and syrup has been used for thousands of years to treat colds, flus, and coughs. In the early 1900s hospitals served elderberry jam because of it's high vitamin C content and ability to promote appetite, increase digestion and regular elimination.

Historically in Europe, chopping elder branches was considered dangerous because it was believed that the tree was inhabited by the Elder Mother.

When we think of Elder we often associate the berries, but the flowers are also highly medicinal and are an incredible cooling agent when ingested during the summer months. The flowering tops also tone the mucous linings of the nose and throat, which increases their resistance to infection.

Energetics: Cooling, drying

Element: Water

Taste: sweet, sour, slightly acrid

System/Organ Affinities: digestive, nervous, immune, mucous membranes, respiratory, skin

Spiritual/Magical Use: Considered a sacred tree and a symbol of birth and death. The wood has been used to make wands. The plant is said to bring prosperity, happy marriages, healthy children, protection from evil forces, clears the past and letting go of old ways of being and allow for new beginnings. Was traditionally planted in cemeteries in Europe and parts of the US as protection against negative spirits.

Parts Used: bark, berry, flower, leaves, root

Preparation:

Flowers: gentle infusions, as a compress for headaches or skin issues attributed to heat like eczema, acne, psoriasis, rosacea. Elderflower water is great for sunburns. Salves.

Berries: decoction, syrup, jam/jelly, hot infusion, tincture

Indications: stimulates circulation, improves oxygenation, berries build blood (anemia), diabetes, constipation, colic, encourages body to release toxins, purifies the blood, clears heat and infection, prevents virus from penetrating cellular membranes, antiviral, strengthens immunity, general health tonic, reduces inflammation, clears congestion, uterine fibroid tumors, clears the skin, helps with acne, bruises, sprains, wounds, relieves congestion, helps with asthma, colds, cough, fever, flu, bronchitis or other respiratory conditions.

Contraindications: none known. However it can interfere with other diuretics and can potentiate the diuretic effect