Elderberry
Appearance and Location
Elderberry, also known as black elder, is a small tree or shrub with dark purple berries and white to light-yellow flowers. It is indigenous to Europe, some regions of western and central Asia, as well as in North America. The two most common types are European elderberry, otherwise known as Sambucus nigra, and American elderberry, otherwise known as Sambucus canadensis. The flowers of the elderberry bloom around summertime in June and July, but the berries don’t tend to mature until September and October.
The name “elderberry” or “elder” is derived from the Anglo-Saxon word aeld – meaning “to kindle.” The hollow stems of the elderberry were used in the past to blow on kindling at a safe distance to start fires. Traditionally, the flowers, berries, and inner bark are and were used as medicine. In ancient times, it was well known as the tree of healing and prosperity. However, due to the hollowed stems, it was also used to make flute-like instruments and percussion sticks.
Functions and Properties Throughout History
Elderberries have grown in popularity and recognition over the recent years. However, it has been used for centuries in varying cultures by traditional healers and practitioners of folk medicine to help them boost their immunity and relieve cold and flu symptoms. Elders are known to be high in Vitamin C, dietary fibers, and antioxidants. It’s believed they can also lower cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of heart disease, minimize inflammation, and aid in preventing type 2 diabetes.
In European culture, they would typically prepare elderberries to consume as wine, pie, jelly, and elixirs. Some Europeans would also be known to wash their face with the dew from elder flowers for beauty purposes. Elderflower tea was typically consumed before bed to help induce a cleansing sweat when they experienced cold and flu-like symptoms.
Similarly, in Native American culture, they would use elderberry flower infusions to reduce fevers. The bark of elder was often used as infusions or salves for treatment of sores, eczema, or burns. Indigenous people would use the inner bark for diuretic and laxative purposes as well as to induce vomiting. They would also use berries as tonics for neuritis and rheumatism. In addition, it was common to spread dried leaves around their homes to use as an insecticide.
Remember to join us each month as we explore the history, personality, clinical application, and more of Nancy’s favorite plants. Get a snippet of the properties and practical uses of these herbs and how they supported the health of our ancestors as well as how they can support us in our present day.
Resources:
Thriving Beyond Surviving | Cleveland Clinic | Healthline | The Health Hut | PennState Extension
Appearance and Location
Appearance and Location
Elderberry, also known as black elder, is a small tree or shrub with dark purple berries and white to light-yellow flowers. It is indigenous to Europe, some regions of western and central Asia, as well as in North America. The two most common types are European elderberry, otherwise known as Sambucus nigra, and American elderberry, otherwise known as Sambucus canadensis. The flowers of the elderberry bloom around summertime in June and July, but the berries don’t tend to mature until September and October.
The name “elderberry” or “elder” is derived from the Anglo-Saxon word aeld – meaning “to kindle.” The hollow stems of the elderberry were used in the past to blow on kindling at a safe distance to start fires. Traditionally, the flowers, berries, and inner bark are and were used as medicine. In ancient times, it was well known as the tree of healing and prosperity. However, due to the hollowed stems, it was also used to make flute-like instruments and percussion sticks.
Functions and Properties
Throughout History
Functions and Properties Throughout History
Elderberries have grown in popularity and recognition over the recent years. However, it has been used for centuries in varying cultures by traditional healers and practitioners of folk medicine to help them boost their immunity and relieve cold and flu symptoms. Elders are known to be high in Vitamin C, dietary fibers, and antioxidants. It’s believed they can also lower cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of heart disease, minimize inflammation, and aid in preventing type 2 diabetes.
In European culture, they would typically prepare elderberries to consume as wine, pie, jelly, and elixirs. Some Europeans would also be known to wash their face with the dew from elder flowers for beauty purposes. Elderflower tea was typically consumed before bed to help induce a cleansing sweat when they experienced cold and flu-like symptoms.
Similarly, in Native American culture, they would use elderberry flower infusions to reduce fevers. The bark of elder was often used as infusions or salves for treatment of sores, eczema, or burns. Indigenous people would use the inner bark for diuretic and laxative purposes as well as to induce vomiting. They would also use berries as tonics for neuritis and rheumatism. In addition, it was common to spread dried leaves around their homes to use as an insecticide.
Remember to join us each month as we explore the history, personality, clinical application, and more of Nancy’s favorite plants. Get a snippet of the properties and practical uses of these herbs and how they supported the health of our ancestors as well as how they can support us in our present day.
Resources:
Thriving Beyond Surviving | Cleveland Clinic | Healthline | The Health Hut | PennState Extension