"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 Marry Timothy 40 years old female I tested genital herpes (HSV1-2) positive in 2016. I was having bad outbreaks. EXTREMELY PAINFUL. I have try different kinds of drugs and treatment by the medical doctors all to know was avail. Six months ago I was desperately online searching for a helpful remedies for genital herpes (HSV1-2) cure, which I come across some helpful remedies on how Dr AYO have help so many people in curing genital herpes (HSV1-2) with the help of herbal treatment because I too believe there is someone somewhere in the world who can cure herpes completely. At of the past 2 months, however, I’ve been following his herpes protocol and it stopped all outbreaks completely! To my greatest surprise I was cured completely by following the protocol of his herbal medicine . Don’t be discouraged by the medical doctors. if you need you want to get rid of all kinds of Herpes and virus infections, Diabetes, Hepatitis A B C, Menopause and HIV with Natural Roots, There is a cure for HSV with the help of herbs and roots by a herbalist Dr AYO, he is so kind and truthful with his herbal treatment, kindly contact Dr Ayo for more information
Email: ridvid8@gmail.com
Skype : Dr.ayoherbalcure@outlook.com
Hello everyone I’m here to share how a traditional herbalist called Excel cured me from genital herpes virus with his ancient herbal medicine’ I will forever be grateful to him for curing me from such virus when I thought it was all over’ today I am happy with my life after the lab tests confirm severally that the virus of 3 years is gone, I have never in my life believed that HERPES VIRUS could be cured by herbal medicine. you also try him out’ it can as well work for you so reach him today via his website. Excelherbalcure.com
I want to give all the glory to a herbalist for changing my life by destroying the yoke of Herpes Virus from my system with herbal herbs medication. I have had the virus for three years now' I continued to pray for divine intervention for my healing because I'm a believer, my condition was so obvious because of the constant Fever & flu like symptoms, Tingling, burning or itching sensation in the area where blisters will appear. I started using antiviral drugs until I saw on the internet that a herbalist called Excel specializes in curing herpes! Everyone on the site was talking about him so I got in contact with the herbalist and he assured me I will get rid of the virus within a month or two. I believed in herbal means and I really needed his help so he sent me the herbal medicine through delivery to drink for almost two weeks! after a month I was experiencing changes in my body system cause the whole pain, Muscle aches were gone so I went for several lab tests and all were negative. I advice you do the same by contacting this herbalist his website if you have herpes virus https://excelherbalcure.com
Find a natural alternative method to reverse different diseases and STDs no matter what hospital’s says about these illness. I am sharing my healing encounter from genital herpes after using World Rehabilitation Clinic Formula to cure my HSV-1&2 diagnosis permanently. A few weeks ago my new lab result shows that I tested negative. I am so happy I did gave it a try. Currently, my 65 years old mom is using " herbs" to eliminate her diabetes and the recovery process is amazing. I am recommending this product for those that are willing to give it a try as these holistic remedies do not have any side effects. It’s also crucial to learn as much as you can about your diagnosis. Seek options check out: ( worldrehabilitateclinic. com )
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
Hello people all over the world I want to share my experience with herpes and how I got cured from it using herbal meds. I got the virus from my ex and lost all hope because they all say it has no cure, I never believed that I could be cured until I meant this great man’ a herbalist called Dr Excel who knows about ancient herbs. He prepared the herbal medicine for me which I drank for several days, my lab tests all came back negative after I finished with the medicine and all the sores were gone. I want you all with herpes to know that all hope is not lost’ you can contact this herbal man on his web address https://excelherbalcure.com you
I promise to share this testimony all over the world once my partner returns to me and today with all due respect I want to thank DR ISIKOLO for bringing joy and happiness to my relationship and my family. I want to inform you all that there is a spell caster that is real and genuine. I never believed in any of these things until my partner left. I required help until I found Dr Isikolo, a great spell caster, And he cast a love spell for me, and he assured me that I will get my partner back in two days after the spell has been cast, which happened as promised. All thanks goes to Dr Isikolo for the excessive work that he has done for me and others. Below is the email address if you are in any situation where you are undergoing a heart break, and I assure you that as he has done mine, he will definitely help you too. You can call/text him via WhatsApp on +2348133261196 or review his page (https://isikolo-temple.com) for more information about his good works.
Hello I want everyone to know that finally there’s cure for herpes virus because I have just tested negative twice since I finished drinking a herbal medicine that I ordered from a herbalist called excel through his website: ( Excelherbalcure.com ) I used to believe there’s no cure for the virus because that’s what they all say until I tried a herbal medicine and now I’m totally cured so I’d advise anyone with herpes virus to quickly visit his website and order for the herbal cure as well’ I contacted him through his website then we talked and I provided my address as he requested then I received the medication in less than a week. He is a real traditional and herbal medicine doctor.
I wanna share my experience on how I got cured from herpes through the help of Dr excel. I’ve suffered from herpes for the past three year and I’ve been trying and taking some antiviral medication but they were not working out for me until I saw a post about Dr Excel natural herbal remedy on the internet then I contacted him and he prepared and sent me the herbal medicine using DHL which I drink just as he ask me to and my problems was solved because I was totally cured and tested negative severally. he is a real traditional herbal doctor and he has cured a lot of people from herpes virus. Visit & Contact him on his website: https://excelherbalcure.com
I am amazed by Dr Aba herbal remedy. I Have had herpes for over 6 years with frequent outbreaks. Sometimes average 2-3 times per month. Before one breakout could end, the next would begin. Nothing has helped me. I came online in search for a possible way to see how I can fight this virus so I found Dr Aba here online after seeing a lot of testimonies of how he cured herpes and other diseases with natural herbs so I decided to give it a try, I only took his remedy for two weeks and I was completely cured. I recommend Dr Aba remedy to anyone suffering from herpes that wants to be completely cured too. email: dr.abaherbalhome@gamil.com and for quick response Message him on his whatsapp number +2348107155060