"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
Herpes has been one of the most significant virus in the US now, and its spreading really fast, and the government are only producing medical drugs that can suppress it but rather keep on eliminating the African herbal doctors who were able to discover a way to completely cure the virus…I’m delighted to be finally cured of herpes 2 after i applied doctor Oyagu herbal medicine for two weeks ,,, I can tell you, I went back a month later to confirm my status and i was still negative.. If i could get cured, why do you think You can’t?, you believe in the lying government and medical scientists and keep spending money on buying their stupid pills.. I’m glad I am finally cured from it forever…apply oyaguherbalhlm@gmail.com herbal formula. Visit Herbalist Oyagu Natural Herbal Medicine Website : https://oyaguspellcaster.wixsite.com/oyaguherbalhome or contact him via WhatsApp +2348101755322 good luck as you reach him
AN AMAZING REMEDY FOR HSV 1 & 2. It’s so unbelievable how wonderful herbs can be. when I first saw a post that said that a man have a perfect cure for HSV 1&2, i was like could this be real or some kind of scam but due to my eagerness to be cured I took the risk of contacting him, he gave me reasons to believe he is a real herbalist so I followed all his instructions on how to take the drugs for 14 days and now all my test results shows HSV 1&2 (-) negative , Dr Aba have the most safe cure for herpes and other stubborn virus which are HSV 1&2,STI,STD just name it he has the cure for them all. Contact him via his personal email address which is dr.abaherbalhome@gmail.com . Trust me you will like this method, it’s safe, cheap and easy. Do well to let others know about this.
I have been suffering from Herpes for the past 1 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. UMA 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. UMA today on this Email address: dr.umaherbalcenter@gmail.com or whatsapp +2347035619585.’’
Herpes has been one of the most significant virus in the US now, and its spreading really fast, and the government are only producing medical drugs that can suppress it but rather keep on eliminating the African herbal doctors who were able to discover a way to completely cure the virus…I’m delighted to be finally cured of herpes 2 after i applied doctor Oyagu herbal medicine for two weeks ,,, I can tell you, I went back a month later to confirm my status and i was still negative.. If i could get cured, why do you think You can’t?, you believe in the lying government and medical scientists and keep spending money on buying their stupid pills.. I’m glad I am finally cured from it forever…apply oyaguherbalhlm@gmail.com herbal formula. Visit Herbalist Oyagu Natural Herbal Medicine Website : https://oyaguspellcaster.wixsite.com/oyaguherbalhome or contact him via WhatsApp +2348101755322 good luck as you reach him
HELLO EVERYONE.. FEW MUNINETS TO REDY THIS INFOR ON HERPES CURE 2018..
2017 MY MOTHER WAS DIAGNOSED OF HERPES/ KNOWN AS GENITAL WARTS ,I SPENT A LOT OF MONEY ON HER MEDICATION TILL A POINT I EVEN LOST HOPE,BECAUSE MY MOTHER WAS GRADUALLY DYING AND LOST HER MEMORY TOO, I WAS SO DESPERATE TO GET MY MOTHER BACK TO NORMAL, ONE DAY MY UNCLE WHO LIVES IN LONDON UNITED KINGDOM TOLD ME ABOUT DR OLIHA ,WHO HELPED HIM GET RID OF HERPES /GENITAL WART WITH HERBAL MEDICINE AND HIS HERBAL SOAP ,I WAS SO SHOCKED WHEN HE TOLD ME ABOUT THIS ,ALTHOUGH I NEVER BELIEVE IN HERB BUT, I KEEP TO BELIEVE BECAUSE MY UNCLE CAN’T TELL ME LIES WHEN IT COMES TO HEALTH CONDITION I CONTACTED DR OLIHA VIA HIS EMAIL; OLIHA.MIRACLEMEDICINE@GMAIL.COM , YOU CAN TALK TO HIM VIA CALL OR WHATSAPP MESSENGER ON +2349038382931 , HE REPLIED AND ASK ME TO SEND MY HOME ADDRESS AND MY MOTHER’S DETAIL AND THEN I PURCHASED THE HERBAL MEDICINE,SENT ME THE HERBAL MEDICINE THROUGH COURIER SERVICE, WHEN I RECEIVED THIS HERBAL MEDICINE USED IT FOR 2 WEEKS, AND 4 DAYS OF USAGE THE WARTS FELL OFF, MY MOTHER I NOW TOTALLY CURED AND MY MOTHER IS LIVING FREE AND HAPPY AGAIN. YOU CAN TALK TO DR VIA HIS MOBILE NUMBER OR WHATS APP HIM ON +2349038382931 OR https://olihamiraclemedici.wixsite.com/drolihamiraclemedici/ ALL THANKS TO DOCTOR DR OLIHA
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 I 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 or WhatsApp +2348078668950 website….
https://drosaluherbalhome.wixsite.com/drosaluherbshome
I have been suffering from Herpes for the past 1 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. UMA 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. UMA today on this Email address: dr.umaherbalcenter@gmail.com or whatsapp +2347035619585.
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
My name is Ashley Jason from Canada, my husband and I have been quarreling almost all the time because he barely gives me attention. I didn’t know that it was because he was seeing another woman. One day I went through his phone and found his chat with her and how he was always spending time with her so i confronted him and he told me that he has fallen out of love with me and he wanted a divorce I told him I don’t want us to end our marriage because I love him so much, he didn’t even listen to me he went to our room packed his clothes and left. I tried reaching out to him but to no avail, I cried and cried for weeks but nothing changed so I decided to search for ways to get my husband back online and I came across a testimony on how Dr ahonsie use his spell to reunite two lovers so i decided to contact him on WhatsApp and we spoke and he assured me that my husband will come back to me 24 hours after he finish casting the spell. And exactly 24 hours after I heard a knock on the door I went to open the door and I saw my husband on his knees begging me to accept him back again and he promised never to leave me or do anything to hurt me again. I let him plead for a few minutes before I accepted him again. I’m so happy today to tell the world that Dr ahonsie is truly a man of his words. Do you have a problem with your marriage or relationship then contact Dr ahonsie at drahonsie002@gmail.com or WhatsApp +2348039482367
I am excited to share this testimony, I was 3 years ago diagnosed of Herpes virus . My medical condition was heart broken because it was causing me so many our brakes, I was subjected to different medications by my medical doctor just to control the ourbrakes. Despite my visit to several doctors my health wasn’t getting better, all they could say is for me to stay on the treatment. At the verge of giving up, I went to the internet to search for a treatment on my own at least. But I found a cure instead. In the internet, I read a testimony of a lady who had herpes. She shared an e-mail address of the Doctor. Luckily everything. seemed to be okay after I took the Herbal Medicine. I wish I could say that’s the end of it because I haven’t had any symptoms since then. Do not expose yourself to more danger, use a herbal remedy that is safe and effective. If interested contact him via email address dr.abaherbalhome@gmail.com. or call +2348107155060.