"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
Dear friends online My name is Destiny Hudson And I live in the USA, Dominica I am here today to appreciate the good work of Dr Oyagu, for helping me curing my HSV 1&2 Disease, I contacted the virus from my Partner, i found out he was cheating on me, so i broke up with him, 2 month later i went to test myself in the hospital when i was seeing sore on my mouth and Private areas, i was diagnosed of HSV 1&2. i tried using the acyclovir medicine but it didn\‘t help in curing it, i went on a search and found out Dr Oyagu curing people illness, and so i got his email and i was told how i can get his herbal cure, 3 days later i received his medicine after using it for 2 weeks i was tested again and was confirm negative, today i am totally free. If you are over there looking for solution email: oyaguherbalhome@gmail.com or contact him on WhatsApp +2348101755322 today and share your own testimony. And He also has herbal cure for the Following DISEASES, eczema, urethra wart, chronic problems. Herpes, Cancer, Als, Hepatitis, Diabetes, HPV ,Infections, ulcer ETC https://oyaguspellcaster.wixsite.com/oyaguherbalhome
Dear friends online My name is Destiny Hudson And I live in the USA, Dominica I am here today to appreciate the good work of Dr Oyagu, for helping me curing my HSV 1&2 Disease, I contacted the virus from my Partner, i found out he was cheating on me, so i broke up with him, 2 month later i went to test myself in the hospital when i was seeing sore on my mouth and Private areas, i was diagnosed of HSV 1&2. i tried using the acyclovir medicine but it didn\‘t help in curing it, i went on a search and found out Dr Oyagu curing people illness, and so i got his email and i was told how i can get his herbal cure, 3 days later i received his medicine after using it for 2 weeks i was tested again and was confirm negative, today i am totally free. If you are over there looking for solution email: oyaguherbalhome@gmail.com or contact him on WhatsApp +2348101755322 today and share your own testimony. And He also has herbal cure for the Following DISEASES, eczema, urethra wart, chronic problems. Herpes, Cancer, Als, Hepatitis, Diabetes, HPV ,Infections, ulcer ETC https://oyaguspellcaster.wixsite.com/oyaguherbalhome
I want to testify how I was cured from Herpes By Dr. OFUA Ofure, I have been living with this disease for the last 11 months, I have done everything I can to cure this disease , but all my efforts proved to be abortive until I met an old friend who told me about an African herbalist who cures various types of diseases like hepatitis B and C, human papillomavirus (HPV), herpes and so on. further. Although I have no doubt about it, I decided to give it a try when I contacted this herbalist, he helped me cast a healing spell and sent me a herbal medicine which I use according to his instructions and now here is the herpes is gone and now I have my life again, if you are out there living with this disease I would like you to get the cure today by contacting this great herbalist on his email: thegreatherbalhealinghome@gmail.com Tel/Whatsapp : +2347055955394
Good luck and God bless you.
I was once diagnosed with herpes but after drinking Dr Osalu herbal Medicine for a couple of weeks I couldn’t trace it anymore because all the symptoms disappeared totally so I went to several labs for tests and they all came out Negative. Order and get Your herbal cure today from him.
WhatApp: +2348078668950
Email: drosaluherbalhome@gmail.com
Website: https://drosaluherbalhome.wixsite.com/drosaluherbshome
I was once diagnosed with herpes but after drinking Dr Osalu herbal Medicine for a couple of weeks I couldn’t trace it anymore because all the symptoms disappeared totally so I went to several labs for tests and they all came out Negative. Order and get Your herbal cure today from him.
WhatApp: +2348078668950
Email: drosaluherbalhome@gmail.com
Website: https://drosaluherbalhome.wixsite.com/drosaluherbshome .
I was once diagnosed with herpes but after drinking Dr Osalu herbal Medicine for a couple of weeks I couldn’t trace it anymore because all the symptoms disappeared totally so I went to several labs for tests and they all came out Negative. Order and get Your herbal cure today from him.
WhatApp: +2348078668950
Email: drosaluherbalhome@gmail.com
Website: https://drosaluherbalhome.wixsite.com/drosaluherbshome
HOW I GOT CURED FROM HPV: Words are not enough to thank you Lord Vasikar for healing me of this HPV that has been disturbing me for 3 years now. I have promised to tell the whole world about your good works if the herbs are legit and work, now I’m here to do it and say thank you so much Lord Vasikar I’m so happy with my life now. At last I’m free from HPV. He can also cures HERPES,EPILEPSY, DIABETES,COLD SORE, Multiple Sclerosis, CANCER, Stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, FIBROIDS, LEUKEMIA , LIVER, KIDNEY PROBLEMS , INFERTILITY, ULCER, LUPUS, ARTHRITIS ,THYROID, HIV, Hepatitis A,B,C ,DYSTONIA, AIDS, ALS, C.O,P.D, Parkinson’s Disease, Dementia and a lot more. CONTACT INFO Below With his WhatsApp +44 7494 422098?. Email: homeofnaturalremedie@gmail.com
I thought the physicians says there is no cure for HSV 2!!! I am telling you today that DR.UMA cure HSV 2 with his herbal medicine and once you get cured you are cured forever it is never reversible, I have been suffering for this deadly disease called HSV 2 for more than 2years and I lost all hope because my doctor says there is no cure for HSV 2. Brethren I saw a testimony on the internet on how DR.UMA cure HSV, Hapatitis etc with his herbal medication and an email and watsapp to contact him was also displayed, I thought this was a joke but I decided to contact him and he replied telling me not to worry that my problem is over . DR.UMA sent me a herbal medication to drink for one month but only 2weeks I feel strange and I went to my doctor and he confirmed me negative. He can help you too. Contact him via email…dr.umaherbalcenter@gmail.com WhatsApp +2347035619585. He is capable of curing AUTISM, HERPES, HPV, HSV1&2, HEPATITIS A B C, and DIABETES.
I already gave up on ever getting cured of HSV2 because i have try many treatment none of them work out for me i have gone to different hospital they always tell me the same thing there is no cure for herpes, when i came across a post about Dr UMA in the net from a lady called Angela i contacted her and she reassured me with his herbal medicine which i took according to the way he instructed, that how i was cured. I doubted at first because i have been to a whole lot of reputable doctors, tried a lot of medicines but none was able to cure me. so i decided to listen to him and he commenced treatment, and under two weeks i was totally free from Herpes. i want to say a very big thank you to DR UMA for what he has done in my life. feel free to leave him a message on email dr.umaherbalcenter@gmail.com or also Whats-app him +2347035619585.. he also cure all this 1.HIV 2.HIV HPV 3 .ALS 4. BED WETTING DIABETES.
I was diagnosed of herpes 3 years, and ever since then i have been taking treatment to prevent outbreaks, burning and blisters, but there was no improvement until i came across testimonies of Dr. Aba on how he has been curing different people from different diseases all over the world, then i contacted him. After our conversation he sent me the medicine which I took according to his instructions for up to 2 weeks. After completing the medication I went back to my doctor for another test and the virus was all gone and I was completely cured, since then I have not had any signs of outbreak. I’m so filled with joy. With herbal medication Herpes Virus is 100% curable. I refer Dr. Aba to everyone out there with the virus. His email address is dr.abaherbalhome@gmail.com you can also Add Dr.Aba on whatsApp number on +2348107155060