February 27 2025 Lunar Cycle
Hello!
Below is a manuscript for the Elder tree, which we know produces both the
elderberry and elderflower. So you’ll find information on both below. I will be
focusing on elderflower during live gathering, so you can find that video in
the next section on or after March 2nd :)
Elder
Sambucus nigra, S. canadensis
Common Name
Elder, black or blue elder, bore tree, bourtree, common elder,
elderberry, elkhorn, sweet elder, English-man’s grape
Botanical Description
Elder tree grows from 10 to 30 feet tall with compound leaves comprised of 5-11 serrated oblong leaflets and an extra leaflet on top. The leaves grow opposite each other along the stem, which is hollow and has a pithy core. The creamy white, flat-topped, lacy blossoms, which can be up to 10 inches in diameter, appear in early summer and consist of hundreds of tiny, fragrant, five-petaled flowers arranged in flat panicles. The tree is hermaphroditic (Heckels et al., 2019) and following pollination, the flowers transform into flat or slightly rounded branching clusters of glossy dark purple or black berries that appear in late summer to early autumn. The tree has a fairly shallow root system (Johnson et al., 2010). True to its name, elder is a perennial with a lifespan of about 60 years (Heckels et al., 2019).
Key Constituents
Berries: vitamins A and C, antioxidants, iron, anthocyanins, flavonoids (catechin, quercetin, kaempferol) (Salmón, 2020), tannins, cyanogenic glycosides (sambunigrine) (Johnson et al., 2010), procyanidins (Cech, 2016). Flowers: anthocyanins, vitamin C, mucilage, flavonoids, volatile oils, quercetin, free fatty acids, triterpenes, phenolic acid, minerals, sterols, sugars, tannins, hydrocyanic glycoside (sambunigrine) (Ulbricht et al., 2014), rutin (Tierra, 1990), pectin (Hoffmann, 2003). Leaves: cyanogenic glycosides (Johnson et al., 2010; Ulbricht et al., 2014; Chevallier, 2000), triterpenes, flavonoids, fatty acids, alkanes, tannins (Hoffmann, 2003).
Sustainability Issues
None known.
Harvesting Guidelines
Elderflowers can be removed from the base of the flower cluster stalk. Only remove a few clusters from a tree, so that the tree can produce berries later in the year. The clusters of tiny, blue-black berries ripen in late summer and are a favorite for birds, so always leave some for them when harvesting (if they’ve left any for you)! Alternatively, they can be easily shaken into a bag. Berries should be fully ripe before harvesting – do not pick green or unripe berries. Harvest the berry stalk and then separate the berries from the stems. When making herbal preparations you can determine if the berries are ripe by submerging them in water; under-ripe berries will surface and should be discarded, as their consumption can lead to nausea (Heckels et al., 2019). The leaves can be harvested at any point in the growing season and are generally used while fresh (Cech, 2016) for external application.
Uses
Black elder is a tree formerly classified in the honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae), reclassified into the Adoxaceae family, which is native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. It particularly likes its feet in moist soil near a brook, river, or wetlands, but it also grows in forest gaps, fields, roadsides, farmyards, and suburban gardens throughout the world. The name elder derives from the Anglo-Saxon derivative aeld, which means fire, as young elder branches were used to build up fires by blowing through the hollow stems. Elder’s botanical name Sambucus is from the Greek musical instrument the sambuke, made from the hollow stems of elder wood, and nigra refers to its black berries. The Sambucus genus comprises approximately 20 different species distributed worldwide, all of which produce beneficial flowers and leaves (Cech, 2016). The primary varieties of elder are those with black berries (Sambucus nigra, Sambucus canadensis), blue berries (Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea), and those with red berries (Sambucus racemosa); the red are smaller and somewhat toxic, while the black berries are slightly larger and edible when cooked (Buhner, 2013). This monograph focuses on black elder, although a variety of species have historically been used for food and to support health.
Elder has been utilized extensively throughout European history; evidence from archaeological excavations reveals a significant presence of elder seeds at prehistoric sites, suggesting that elder was part of the diet during the Magdalenian era, spanning from 9,000 to 17,000 years ago (de la Forêt, 2017). Elder is referred to time and again as “the medicine chest” herb, alluding to its wide-ranging beneficial actions and ready availability. In the 4th century B.C.E., Hippocrates suggested elderberry for a wide variety of complaints (Johnson et al., 2010).
The flowers, berries, and leaves are harvested and used dried for tea or extracted in a tincture. The flowers were traditionally used in Elder Flower Water or Aqua Sambuci, a popular preparation outlined in the British Pharmacopoeia that was used as a base in many different skin or eye formulations; given that the flowering season is limited, the flowers were often preserved by salting, allowing them to be distilled at a later time; this preservation involved adding 10 percent common salt, and the resulting flowers were then referred to as ‘pickled’ (Grieve, 1971). The flowers and berries are used to make wine, cordials, champagne, and jelly. Elder bark is also used for its purgative, emetic, and diuretic actions, but is toxic if prepared incorrectly, so rely on a highly informed herbalist for this purpose.
Elderflower and elderberry are both exceptional allies during colds, flu, and respiratory infections due to their diaphoretic and antiviral actions. Both are safe for use in children; the flowers can be combined with spearmint or peppermint in a tea to help reduce fevers and black elderberry syrup’s flavor is appealing and helpful in cases of flu (Romm, 2024). Herbalists Thomas Easley and Steven Horne observe that the combination of elderflower with yarrow (Achillea millefolium) and peppermint (Mentha x piperita) yield synergistic effects in herbal preparation; elderflower is regarded for its capacity to expedite recovery and ease flu symptoms (Easley & Horne, 2016). Herbalist Rosalee de la Forêt (2017) suggests taking small doses of elder preparations frequently for acute conditions such as colds or flu; she mentions taking 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of elderberry syrup every 60 minutes when she experiences the onset of such symptoms.Traditionally, elderflower tea was taken hot right before bed to ward off colds and flu (Grieve, 1971). Taken as a hot tea (or tincture), elderflower moves energy and qi outward by stimulating circulation and promoting sweating, removing toxins from the body and reducing fever after their work of killing pathogens is done (Hamel & Chiltoskey, 1975; Salmón, 2020). Herbalist Ed Smith (2011) suggests immersing oneself in hot water and ingesting 40 to 80 drops of elderflower tincture in hot water or tea in order to promote sweating. When taken cold, the tea also has diuretic actions (Cech, 2016).
Elderflower is also anti-inflammatory, anticatarrhal, and expectorant, and helps in cases of colds, sinusitis, and sinus allergies to reduce inflammation of sinus tissue and allow for the movement of congestion. Traditionally, elderflower tea was used to encourage expectoration in cases of pleurisy, and was also infused in vinegar to help clear a sore throat (Grieve, 1971). In cases of a sore throat, herbalist Richo Cech (2016) suggests making an acetum (vinegar preparation) using fresh elder buds and flowers; to do this, pack the fresh herb into a crock or jar, cover them with hot apple cider overnight, and then strain the mixture through cheesecloth the next day before using. Research reviewed by Ulbricht et al. (2014) suggests that “herbal preparations containing elder may result in less swelling of mucus membranes, better drainage, milder headache, and decreased nasal congestion.” Elderberry is also effective for coughs and congestion associated with lower respiratory viral infections, promoting expectoration of mucus associated with bronchial infections. Additionally, it is noted that elderberry can help limit the spread of viruses (Easley & Horne, 2016).
Elderberry tincture or syrup is a mainstay in many an herbalist’s cupboard, as the go-to herb at the very initial signs of cold or flu. This is due to the herb’s actions as an immune stimulant, rather than as an immunomodulatory; the immune-stimulating impact is thought to be associated with the regulatory influence the berries exert on cytokines (chemicals released into the blood during illness) (Heckels et al., 2019). Traditionally, the berries were used to craft homemade wine or cordials and taken hot with sugar right before bedtime to ward off colds and bronchitis (Grieve, 1971). According to Dr. Enrique Salmón (2020), Indigenous Rarámuri ethnobotanist, Indigenous peoples use the syrup to ward off a variety of different sicknesses. Taken at onset, elderberry can reduce the duration of cold/flu because it interferes with virus replication, and strengthens cell walls to inhibit viral penetration (Hoffmann, 2003). Herbalist Rosalee de la Forêt (2017) mentions using elderberries to help minimize a herpes outbreak.
Elderberry has been the subject of numerous research studies. In one placebo-controlled, double-blind study using Sambucol (a syrup containing elderberry juice), significant improvements in flu symptoms were seen in 93.3% of the elderberry treated group within only 2 days; on the other hand, 91.7% of the patients in the control group showed improvement within 6 days (Zakay-Rones, 1995). An in vitro study on elderberry extract and H1N1 flu infection identified the anti-viral components of elderberry and “established that flavonoids from the elderberry extract bind to H1N1 virions and, when bound, block the ability of the viruses to infect host cells” (Roschek et al., 2009). The researchers concluded that the H1N1 inhibition activities of the elderberry flavonoids compare favorably to prescription medications Tamiflu and Amantadine.
It’s crucial to note the attention and misinformation surrounding the use of elderberry in connection with COVID-19. Despite claims linking elderberry to cytokine storm, such assertions lack plausibility; elderberry is unlikely to trigger cytokine storm, whether used proactively or during an infection (Romm, 2020). According to MD and herbalist Aviva Romm (2020), Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) or, at its most severe, cytokine storm, represents an immunological occurrence observed in advanced infection stages, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and serious complications of COVID-19, including sepsis, and along with specific immunologic medications like monoclonal antibodies. Romm (2020) notes that this phenomenon has historical significance in the mortality of the Spanish Flu, SARS, and H1N1. It is imperative to underscore that herbal preparations alone, including elderberry, hold no efficacy in addressing cytokine storm, which can be a severe life support-level crisis.
Furthermore, a review study conducted by Wieland et al. (2021) revealed three studies exploring the ex vivo impact of elderberry in healthy adults. The researchers anticipated observing a decline in cytokine levels ex vivo, in line with conclusions drawn from in vitro studies; however, despite noting statistically significant reductions in cytokines, suggesting a potential influence of elderberry on inflammatory markers, the evidence remains uncertain and proved less robust in studies with prolonged interventions, which implies that the observed effect may diminish over time with repeated dosing (Wieland et al., 2021).
To gauge the clinical relevance of elderberry’s impact on inflammation and cytokine storm, Wieland et al. (2021) emphasized the necessity for new trials to include participants with inflammatory conditions. They advised that assessments extend beyond markers such as cytokine serum concentrations to encompass more meaningful clinical outcomes associated with inflammation. Notably, after reviewing 1187 records and five clinical trials, Wieland et al. (2021) concluded that they did not encounter any reason to be concerned about the overstimulation of the immune system during elderberry supplementation.
Elderflower and elderberry are anti-inflammatory. The flowers and berries contain anthocyanins (pigments which impart the blue and purple color) which reduce the buildup of uric acid in the joints, so are used to reduce inflammation associated with rheumatism, gout, and arthritis and as an overall tonic (Salmón, 2020; Edwards, 2000; McIntyre, 1996); through its anti-inflammatory effects, elder also exhibits analgesic properties. In their review of the scientific literature, Ulbricht et al. (2014) reported that clinical trials also indicate elderberry (in combination with other products) decreases gingivitis and gingival inflammation in human trials, with significant results 4 days after beginning the protocol.
The antimicrobial qualities of elderberry are indicative of its use in supporting urinary tract infections, a traditional Indigenous practice according to Salmón (2020).
Elderberries have a gentle laxative action; while typically no longer used for these purposes in part due to safety concerns, elder bark has a traditional use as a laxative and for soothing mucous membranes (Easley & Horne, 2016); herbalist Michael Tierra (1990) mentions that the bark should be aged for a year or more to reduce toxicity. The diuretic action of the berries helps to promote urination, aiding in detoxification of the kidneys (Heckels et al., 2019). The emmenagogue properties of the berries enhance blood circulation to the pelvic region, potentially inducing delayed menses (Heckels et al., 2019).
Elderflower can be beneficial for skin conditions resulting from metabolic toxins, particularly those presenting with watery discharge such as “weeping eczema” and dermatitis triggered by poison ivy or poison oak (Smith, 2011). Internally, serving as an alterative, elderflower aids in enhancing the expulsion and elimination of metabolic wastes, proving helpful in instances of edema (Smith, 2011). An infusion of dried elderflower, once cooled, serves as a wash or compress to enhance oily skin, addresses acne, and can also aid recuperating injured tissue; another option is to mix 2 dropperfuls of the tincture with 1 cup of cold water for use as a compress (Cech, 2016). In order to improve skin tone, one can infuse dried elderflower into a bath or facewash (Cech, 2016); traditionally the flowers were used in this fashion to help soften the skin (Grieve, 1971).
Fresh elder leaf is used externally as a poultice or an oil infusion for bruises, sprains, and wounds due to its vulnerary (tissue supportive) and astringent (toning) actions. The leaves also aid skin issues from infections to swelling to burns (Salmón, 2020). Herbalist Richo Cech (2016) suggests creating an infused herbal oil using the fresh, green leaves; this oil can be applied as is or transformed into a refreshing green salve or cream. Cech (2016) shares that oily formulations from fresh elder leaf prove beneficial in cases of traumatic injuries, old burns, ulcerations, or hemorrhoids; the leaves have a traditional use in many cooling ointments (Grieve, 1971).
When rubbed, the leaves release a potent and unpleasant odor with insecticidal properties, making them suitable for a natural insect repellent; however, as the elder blossoms mature and bloom during late spring and early summer, both the scent and insecticidal qualities of the leaves diminish (Heckels et al.& Lawton, 2019). Indeed, gardeners can use a decoction of young leaves as a protective measure by gently applying it over plants and flower buds, effectively deterring the presence of aphids and small caterpillars (Grieve, 1971).
Elderflowers are also a relaxing nervine, supporting the nervous system in times of stress. Their calming nature is also soothing to nerves, anxiety, and depression (McIntyre, 1996).
It is interesting to note that the fungus, Auricularia auricula-judae, which commonly grows on elder tree trunks and is also referred to as “the jelly of the elder ” has a traditional use for inflammation of the mouth and throat (Grieve, 1971).
Finally, elder has been revered as a magical and sacred plant throughout history in many cultures, and has been used to ward off evil influences, provide good luck when carried, and protect the home. Ancient legends from different parts of the world say that a wise woman (nymph) named Elda Mor (Hylde-Moer) lives in the elder tree to watch over it and offer support to us, and when you seek elder’s help, you must show respect for her powers and honor her (Berger, 1998; Edwards, 2000). Offering gratitude for a plant’s gifts is always advised as a way to connect with the plant and receive its support.
Safety
Elder bark, leaves, roots, seeds, and unripe berries contain alkaloids and cyanogenic glycosides, which may cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea as well as depression of the central nervous and respiratory systems (American Botanical Council, 2004; Gardner & McGuffin, 2013). The emetic (vomiting) action and other toxicity reactions are caused by the release of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) from cyanogenic glycosides during the act of macerating the plant during chewing (Magnuson, 1997). This reaction occurs only if these plant parts are used fresh, as cooking or drying reduces the cyanogenic glycoside content (Gardner & McGuffin, 2013). Buhner (2013) recommends cooking (boiling) the berries for 30 minutes; herbalists Thomas Easley and Steven Horne (2016) state that boiling the berries for 3 minutes prior to preserving is adequate.
The seeds from Sambucus species with red berries (S. pubens, S. racemosa) are more likely to be toxic, while those from species with purple, blue, and black berries (S. canadensis, S. caerulea, and S. nigra) are less likely to be toxic; cooking the berries reduces seed toxicity, but if using fresh berries, which is not suggested, it is essential to juice them and remove the seeds before consumption; since the seeds do not offer any additional benefits, it is advisable to exclude them from the final product (Cech, 2016).
The fresh bark can be used as an emetic and purgative, but must be used only under the guidance of a highly skilled herbalist. Since compounds with mild toxicity are present in all fresh parts of the plant, the flowers could also cause nausea; therefore, it is suggested to dry the flowers prior to internal use (Easley & Horne, 2016).
Due to elder’s diuretic effects, use caution if taking with drugs that increase urination (American Botanical Council, 2004).
Safety of elderberry in pregnancy and lactation has not been established (Gardner & McGuffin, 2013). According to Aviva Romm (2023), there is inadequate data to endorse the long-term use of elderberry during pregnancy, with potential concerns arising from its impact on the immune system; nevertheless, if experiencing mild to moderate cold symptoms, elderberry might be beneficial as an immune support, so long as used only under the guidance of one’s healthcare team.
Note that the red elder (Sambucus racemosa), which is a different species, contains higher levels of cyanogenic glycosides than the black elder (Sambucus nigra) (Buhner, 2013), so it is wise to choose the black elder species.
