"Elder is shrub and tree, it is flexible and firm it is medicine and food and is both gentle and strong. This important native herb is the first to be introduced on my plant walks. Elder flower tea conveys its qualities to us on the honeyed aroma and flavor of mother nature herself." -- Susan Marynowski, Herbalist.
The elder plant is one that has a long and deep history in the world that dates thousands of years back. Elder seeds were found in Neolithic pole-dwellings in Switzerland that date back to around 2000 B.C.E. This suggests that the plant was in cultivation at that time, though much of the ancient information about Elder is in regards to ceremonial and funerary practices (1). Elder’s first recorded medicinal use is typically attributed to around the time of the Romans (2). In around 800 CE, Charlemagne decreed that every household would plant an Elder tree, making it one of the most prominent plants used in European folk medicine.
Common Name: Elderberry, Elderflower, Pipe Tree, Scot Tree, European elder, Black Elder, Bore Tree, Hylan Tree (Anglo-Saxon), Ji-Gu-Mu (TCM for berries)
Botanical Name: Sambucus nigra, Sambucus canadensis, Sambucus cerulea (blue,)Sambucus racemosa (toxic)
Part used: Berry, Flowers, sometimes bark and leaves (we'll just discuss the flowers here!)
Key constituents: Flavonoids (rutin, quercetin, flavanols), mucilaginous polysaccharides, triterpenes (alpha and beta-amyrin, sterols), volatile oils, coumarins, tannins, fixed oils (free fatty acids), pectin, bitters
Energetics: This is a cooling plant (both the berries and the flowers) that is well indicated for hot and irritable conditions, which is why it makes for such a great diaphoretic that brings down a fever. Elder flowers have a cooling and moistening effect due to the mucilaginous polysaccharides, but there’s also a drying effect from the tannins and the diuretic action of the flowers. Over the long term though, as a diuretic and diaphoretic, we will usually see a net drying effect (Popham).
Taste: The taste of the flowers are sightly sweet, sour and slightly mucilaginous.
Actions and properties: Alterative, Anticatarrhal/Decongestant, Astringent, Antiviral, Demulcent, Relaxant Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Expectorant, Hepatoprotective, Inflammation Modulating, Skin protectant, Antioxidant rich, Relaxing nervine.
Plant uses: Colds and influenza, Herpes, Seasonal Allergies, Strengthen eyes, Fevers, Ear Infections, Skin health
Medicinal uses:
Elder flowers have many uses, but they particularly shine in two areas: for fevers and to promote healthy skin. While that may seem an odd pairing, it’s not uncommon that herbs acting as relaxing diaphoretics also support the physiological functions of skin health. You'll notice we use this herb in both ways in our home and the shop!
Anticatarrhal/Decongestant: Catarrh is an old fashioned word for mucous that you would see with sinusitis. Elder flower is an excellent choice for alleviating congestion from excess mucous in the upper respiratory tract like one would experience with hay fever or sinusitis. It is a unique botanical as it is different than other decongestant herbs that tend to be pungent, warming and spicy. Without having these qualities, Elder flower's energy works to move things up and out of the upper respiratory tract, opening and draining congestion.
Demulcent: Nothing near the level of something like Marshmallow root, the flowers of Elder have mucilaginous polysaccharides that give it a slightly slimy effect on the mucous membranes and skin. Demulcent herbs soothe and protect irritated and inflamed tissues.
Relaxant Diaphoretic: This is one of Elder flower's best uses! Dried Elder flowers are said to be a cooling diaphoretic that work to cleanse the lymphatics, capillaries and the blood. They work in the respiratory system and the pores of the skin. Diaphoretic herbs are incredibly valuable in the vitalist herbalist's world. They work to move with the body's vital force and support a fever. Fevers are an important mechanism of the immune system and the constant suppression of fevers only prolongs illness. Elder flowers work to let heat out of the body by dilating the capillaries close to the skin (3). This is akin to opening the windows in a hot, stuffy room. They don't work to reduce the fever but bring relief during this phase of illness. This is what makes Elder flower (when dried) a relaxant diaphoretic. It encourages perspiration and the release of heat by relaxing tension and resistance in the peripheral vasculature (mainly capillary beds). When used fresh, the flowers are more of a stimulating diaphoretic as their volatile oils are still potent. Those oils increase peripheral circulation. Elderflower’s ability to enhance blood circulation also promotes better cardiovascular health. Research also suggests it may play a role in reducing cholesterol levels, which helps support overall heart function.
Diaphoretics are incredibly valuable in the treatment of respiratory infections and ailments as they typically occur with a fever. Conveniently, Elder flower is both a diaphoretic and an expectorant (as are other herbs with this action).
Expectorant: The flowers help to excrete mucous (a bronchial secretagogue effect). This is considered an amphoteric expectorant in that it works as either a relaxing OR stimulating expectorant (4).
Skin health: Traditionally, Elder flower has been used externally for problems of the skin. They can be used in a toner or wash or infused into oils. They are known to soften and rejuvenate the skin (3). Elder flower washes or lotions are perfect for red and inflamed skin conditions, such as irritated rashes, sunburn, and rosacea. Recent in vitro research has shown that elder flower preparations used topically have the potential for broad spectrum UV protection. (6). “Elder flowers are diaphoretic and sudorific in proportion to the quantity administered, but find their principal employment in external applications, as for fomentations and poultices to swellings, and in the earlier stages of gatherings, boils, and abscesses, to discuss any collection of lymph; an ointment, also, is prepared from them, which is suitable in those cases where a cooling and emollient application is desired, as for cracks and chaps in the hands, lips, nipples of the breasts, and for similar purposes.” (7).
Diuretic: Elder flowers promote urination and have been used in cases of edema and swelling. They are widely known for their ability to correct kidney problems. They can be used for both a cold, pale edema and a hot, inflamed kind with scanty urine (5).
Hepatoprotective: Elder contains a compound called aribion A along with alpha and beta-amaryin palmitate which gives Elder hepatoprotective qualities against liver damage that has been induced by carbon tetrachloride (4). This is a chemical found in refrigerants, cleaning products, and fire extinguishers that can destroy the nervous system, liver and kidneys. Thankfully, it’s been phased out, but Elder still demonstrates an amazing ability against liver damage due to toxic chemicals.
Inflammation Modulating: Elder flower contains the flavonoids quercetin and rutin which accounts for its inflammation modulating properties. These are also useful for inflammation due to allergies. It’s also important to note that the mucilaginous polysaccharides add a soothing effect to tissues that will sedate heat and inflammation when accompanied with dryness.
Adult Dose
Tincture: 2-4 mL (1:5, 40%) up to 3x/day (Hoffmann, 2003).
Tea: 8 fl oz (2 teaspoons dried or fresh flowers in 1 cup boiling water) up to 3x/day (Hoffmann, 2003).
Topical: Lotion, salve, or wash as needed (Hoffmann, 2003).
Given all the amazing benefits of Elder flower, it won't surprise you find all the places we use it here at Handmade by Bumble!
Herbal Tincture: Allergy Relief
Botanical Facial Nectar: Bee Ageless
I also make a fever supportive tea using Elder flower.
References:
1. Amidon, Caroline. “History and Lore of Sambucus,” The Herb Society of America’s Essential Guide to Elderberry, 2013.
2. Bergner, Paul. “Sambucus: Elderberry,” Medical Herbalism: Materia Medica and Pharmacy, 2001.
3. De La Forte, Rosalee. Alchemy of Herbs, 2017.
4. Hoffman, David. Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. 2003.
5. Wood, Matthew. The Book of Herbal Wisdom. 1997
6. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1011134413001759
7. Hatfield, John G. Botanic Pharmacopoeia, 1886
Comments
I am here to say a very big thanks to dr aba for making me a complete woman again, i was infected with Herpes for 2 years. I have been seriously praying to God and searching for a cure. I came here last month to search for solution to my problem and i saw comments of people talking about different doctors and God directed me to choose dr aba and i contacted Him, he sent me a medicine and directed me on how i will take the medicine for 14 days, i did so and went for a test and my result came out as Negative. i am so happy, i shared tears of happiness. and i have taken it upon myself to always testify about how God used dr aba to solve my problem. I am a clean. woman now, without any virus, if you are infected with any disease like HIV, AIDS,CANCER, HERPES or any other disease you can also be happy like me by contacting dr aba through his Email: dr.abaherbalhome@gmail.com or whatsapp him +2348107155060
I am here to say a very big thanks to dr aba for making me a complete woman again, i was infected with Herpes for 2 years. I have been seriously praying to God and searching for a cure. I came here last month to search for solution to my problem and i saw comments of people talking about different doctors and God directed me to choose dr aba and i contacted Him, he sent me a medicine and directed me on how i will take the medicine for 14 days, i did so and went for a test and my result came out as Negative. i am so happy, i shared tears of happiness and i have. taken it upon myself to always testify about how God used dr aba to solve my problem. I am a clean woman now, without any virus, if you are infected with any disease like HIV, AIDS,CANCER, HERPES or any other disease you can also be happy like me by contacting dr aba through his Email: dr.abaherbalhome@gmail.com or whatsapp him +2348107155060.
Hello! I’m very excited to inform everyone that I’m completely cured from my HSV 1&2 recently.. I have used Oregano oil, Coconut oil, Acyclovir, Valacyclovir, Famciclovir, and some other products and it’s really helped during my outbreaks but, I totally got cured! from my HSV with a strong and active herbal medicine ordered from a powerful herbalist and it completely fought the virus from my nervous system and I was tested negative after 14 days of using the herbal medicine. I’m here to let y’all know that herpes virus has a complete cure, I got rid of mine with the help of Dr Osalu and his herbal exploit, Contact him via email: drosaluherbalhome@gmail.com and as well write him on WhatApp +2348078668950 https://drosaluherbalhome.wixsite.com/drosaluherbshome
Hello! I’m very excited to inform everyone that I’m completely cured from my HSV 1&2 recently.. I have used Oregano oil, Coconut oil, Acyclovir, Valacyclovir, Famciclovir, and some other products and it’s really helped during my outbreaks but, I totally got cured! from my HSV with a strong and active herbal medicine ordered from a powerful herbalist and it completely fought the virus from my nervous system and I was tested negative after 14 days of using the herbal medicine. I’m here to let y’all know that herpes virus has a complete cure, I got rid of mine with the help of Dr Osalu and his herbal exploit, Contact him via email: drosaluherbalhome@gmail.com and as well write him on WhatApp +2348078668950 https://drosaluherbalhome.wixsite.com/drosaluherbshome
I never believe there is a cure to this herpes 1&2 because all the hospitals have told me there is no cure to it, a few months ago I came across this EMAIL dr.abaherbalhome@gmail.com on the internet from a message shared by someone who he helped with his herbal cure. I contacted him through the email and asked for the cure and he informed me about the process and this man sent me a herbal medicine from africa which I took according to the way he instructed for weeks. I can’t believe when I go for a test my result comes out negative after all the symptoms have gone. I am so happy to share this to the world there is real cure to this herpes you can also contact DR ABA through his email address on dr.abaherbalhome@gmail.com
I can’t express my gratitude to Dr Aba for making me a living testimony. i have battled with HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS 2 for about 7years now, and i have done all i can to make sure i am cured but nothing worked out, but miraculously my friend invited me to see a video on his Blog and as i visited i decided to see few of the comment below, and i found some people talking about Dr Aba, and i decided to contact this great herbal healer to also help me,so i wrote to him, and he replied me back and assure me that i will get a cure for my HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS 2. and after preparing my medicine he sent it to me and when i started using it for 2weeks i was completely cured, I am assuring you that you will be cured if you also contact this great man on his Email: dr.abaherbalhome@gmail.com or whatsapp is mobile number on +2348107155060
I GOT RID OF HERPES WITHIN 6 DAYS
I’m a US resident who contracted genital herpes from my ex-boyfriend, who showed no symptoms. Living with the condition for four years significantly impacted my life until I found a cure. I want to raise awareness that herpes is more than just a minor skin irritation; it has long-term health effects. Unfortunately, the stigma surrounding this virus is perpetuated by misinformation. In reality, many people have herpes in some form, often unknowingly. Personally, I found relief through Dr. Oosa medicine. Inspired by a testimonial from an Irish woman who cured her herpes with his help, I contacted Dr. Oosa. He assured me of a cure and provided his herbal medicine via DHL. Following his instructions, I took the medicine twice daily for six days. After completing the treatment, I was herpes-free, confirmed by my doctor. If you’re struggling with herpes or similar conditions and seeking a cure, consider contacting Dr. Oosa for guidance. Kindly contact doctor oosa via email: doctoroosaherbalhome@gmail.com whatsapp +2349032500038
I was heartbroken when diagnosed with herpes and HPV, but now I’m 100% cured after using natural herbs from Dr onokun and i got 100% cured. You can contact him through the info below.
website: Onokunherbs.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/naturaltreatmentcenter1
I have been suffering from Herpes for the past 3 years and 8 months, and ever since then i have been taking series of treatment but there was no improvement until i came across testimonies of Dr.Ahonsie on how he has been curing different people from different diseases all over the world, then i contacted him as well. After our conversation he sent me the medicine which I took according to his instructions. When I was done taking the herbal medicine I went for a medical checkup and to my greatest surprise I was cured from Herpes. My heart is so filled with joy. If you are suffering from Herpes or any other disease you can contact Dr.Ahonsie today on this Email address: drahonsie002@gmail. com or WhatsApp him on this Tel.Number +2348039482367 https://drahonsie002.wixsite.com/dr-ahonsie
HOW I GOT CURED FROM HERPES: I already gave up on ever getting cured of herpes because I have tried many treatment and none has work, I have gone to different hospitals they always recommend me same drugs and it not working on me, until I came across a post about DR ABA on the net from a lady who is recommending people, then i contacted him that day, and he started giving me hope and then prepared some herbal medicine which I took according to his prescription on them, so I was still doubting if it was working on me so at a time my Husband just ask me to go for check up and I did, so I found out that I was cure and free from the herpes virus, thanks to DR ABA once again. his email address is dr.abaherbalhome@gmail.com or WhatsApp him on +2348107155060