( Black Elder)- (Sambucus nigra)
| The word 'Elder' comes from the Anglo-Saxon word aeld. In Anglo-Saxon days we find the tree called Eldrun, which becomes Hyldor and Hyllantree in the fourteenth century. One of its names in modern German - Hollunder - is clearly derived from the same origin. In Low-Saxon, the name appears as Ellhorn. Æld meant 'fire,' the hollow stems of the young branches having been used for blowing up a fire: the soft pith pushes out easily and the tubes thus formed were used as pipes - hence it was often called Pipe-Tree, or Bore-tree and Bour-tree, the latter name remaining in Scotland and being traceable to the Anglo-Saxon form, Burtre. |
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| Sambucus canadensis showing the complex branching of the inflorescence. |
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| Ripening elderberries. |
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| Elder plant |
berries- wines, cordials and marmalade have been produced from the berries.
Properties: diaphoretic, alternative, laxative, stumulant
What it affects: blood circulation, lungs, bowels, and skin.
Preparation and amount:
Infusion (flower): steep 15 min and take 6 oz 3x a day.
Decoction (bark, berries, root): simmer 15 min and take 1 cup at a time.
Tincture (flower): take 15-30 drops 3x a day
Fluid extract (flower): take 1/2- 1 tsp. 3x a day.
Powder ( bark): take 5-10 #0 capsules (30-60 grains) 3x a day.
Purposes:
Internally, both the bark of young branches and the root (the inner bark which is used) are purgative and diuretic in proper dosage. In large doses they are emetic, strongly purgative, and can cause inflammation in the gastro- intestinal tract.
Elder flower taken warm sweating. They are used in the first stages of colds and flus. Mixed equal parts of the flowers with peppermint, to make a tea (1oz. per pint of water) and drink as hot as possible. Take the tea before bed or just before taking a bath; and then sweat out the cold or flu during sleep.
For cases of neuralgia, sciatica, or lumbago, follow a juice cure regimen taking about 2 tbsp., warm or cold juice 2x a day until results are obtained
Externally, elder flowers are also used in salves for the treatment of burns, rashes, and minor and serious skin ailments, as well as hemorrhoids, sprains, and wounds.
Note: The "elder" describe here is black elder (Sambucus nigra). Do not confuse it with three other "elders", used less frequently by herbalists as "elder": elder (sambacus canadensis), elder (sambacus recemosa),and elder (sambacus ebulus)- all of which are different herbs, less often used, and each containing different properties.
Warning:
Because it is used by many herbalist, black elder is describe here. But, because it can be difficult and toxic, some herbalist advise that you used other herbs internally instead of black elder. Here are additional significant warnings about this plant: Only use black elder bark and root which has been grown in Europe. the bark and root in North America contain larger amounts of both hydrocyanic acid and sambuline, a nauseating alkaloid also found in fresh paint. The stem of the plant should always be avoided, since they contain cyanide and can be very toxic. North American black elder flowers appear safe, but other parts may cause a toxic reaction. Do not use any part of the elder herb during pregnancy all parts of the fresh plant can cause poisoning. Fresh juice will cause vomiing and diarrhea. Children have been poisoned by chewing or sucking on the bark. Cooked berries are safe and are commonly used in pies and jam.
Preparation and amount:
Infusion (flower): steep 15 min and take 6 oz 3x a day.
Decoction (bark, berries, root): simmer 15 min and take 1 cup at a time.
Tincture (flower): take 15-30 drops 3x a day
Fluid extract (flower): take 1/2- 1 tsp. 3x a day.
Powder ( bark): take 5-10 #0 capsules (30-60 grains) 3x a day.
Purposes:
Internally, both the bark of young branches and the root (the inner bark which is used) are purgative and diuretic in proper dosage. In large doses they are emetic, strongly purgative, and can cause inflammation in the gastro- intestinal tract.
Elder flower taken warm sweating. They are used in the first stages of colds and flus. Mixed equal parts of the flowers with peppermint, to make a tea (1oz. per pint of water) and drink as hot as possible. Take the tea before bed or just before taking a bath; and then sweat out the cold or flu during sleep.
For cases of neuralgia, sciatica, or lumbago, follow a juice cure regimen taking about 2 tbsp., warm or cold juice 2x a day until results are obtained
Externally, elder flowers are also used in salves for the treatment of burns, rashes, and minor and serious skin ailments, as well as hemorrhoids, sprains, and wounds.
Note: The "elder" describe here is black elder (Sambucus nigra). Do not confuse it with three other "elders", used less frequently by herbalists as "elder": elder (sambacus canadensis), elder (sambacus recemosa),and elder (sambacus ebulus)- all of which are different herbs, less often used, and each containing different properties.
Warning:
Because it is used by many herbalist, black elder is describe here. But, because it can be difficult and toxic, some herbalist advise that you used other herbs internally instead of black elder. Here are additional significant warnings about this plant: Only use black elder bark and root which has been grown in Europe. the bark and root in North America contain larger amounts of both hydrocyanic acid and sambuline, a nauseating alkaloid also found in fresh paint. The stem of the plant should always be avoided, since they contain cyanide and can be very toxic. North American black elder flowers appear safe, but other parts may cause a toxic reaction. Do not use any part of the elder herb during pregnancy all parts of the fresh plant can cause poisoning. Fresh juice will cause vomiing and diarrhea. Children have been poisoned by chewing or sucking on the bark. Cooked berries are safe and are commonly used in pies and jam.
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