Name: Elderflower

  Latin Name: Sambucus nigra

Origin
Czechkia

Cultivated/Parts Used
The flowers and the berries are most frequently used today but the bark and leaves have also been used. 

Elderflower is common throughout most of Europe and grows in hedgerows, woods, coppices and waste places throughout northern temperate regions. The bisexual flowers appear in early summer and are gathered in spring and early summer and dried rapidly in the shade. The berries are collected in August and September whilst the bark should be taken from young branches in early spring before the leaves appear.

History of Use
Elder is a traditional symbol of sorrow and death because it is the wood from which the crucifixion cross was made and the type of tree from which Judas hanged himself. 

In the 18th century the Romans used elderflower water to whiten the skin and remove freckles. 
 
The flowers are crisp and somewhat juicy with an aromatic smell and flavour and make a delicious raw refreshing snack.  They are often used to make a sparkling wine whilst a sweet tea is made from the dried flowers.

Elderflower also has magical associations throughout Europe where it is widely believed that burning elder wood brings bad luck, but that elder sprigs hung in houses provide protection from witches. 

Properties
Anti-catarrhal, Anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic Cholagogue (promotes discharge of bile from system), Circulatory, Diaphoretic (increases / produces perspiration), Diuretic, Emollient Expectorant, Laxative, Purgative, Stimulant.

Nutritional Breakdown
Small amount of essential oil, palmitic linoleic, linolenic acids, triterpenes, flavonoids (including rutin) mucilage, sugar and pectin.

How it works

Elderflower stimulate the body's ability to resist viral infections such as colds and influenza, can be used to treat sinusitis, hay fever and other upper respiratory inflammations, and also protects the liver against damage from poisons.  Traditional herbalists consider it a wonderful blood purifier.  Elder flowers have mild diuretic action, the tea is used to "break" a fever by bringing on sweating, whilst a cooled infusion can be used as a gargle for a sore throat or as an eyewash for conjunctivitis, twitching eyelids, inflammation of the eyes, and as a compress for chilblains.

Contraindications/Interactions
None known

Instructions For Use/Dosages
Brew as herbal tea, infusing leaves/berries with hot water for several minutes. For the best effects drink the tea as hot as possible.  If using for colds and influenza drink frequently.  For night time coughs and fevers in children, use a foot bath before going to bed.
To treat sore throats, gargle for several minutes frequently until the soreness resolves.  Cooled tea can be used as an eyewash or ear drops when ears are blocked.