
Elder | Sambucus nigra
general characteristics
general characteristics
Common names include elder, black elder, common elder, Lady elder, Bourtree. A woody shrub and member of the Caprifoliaceae (honeysuckle) family, native to the UK and Europe, North America and Canada.
The elder can be either a tree or shrub in growth habit, often depending on whether it was cut at any point in its life, cutting encourages a more shrubby like growth. In spring, when the leaves are fully opened, the large flat flower clusters begin to show their tight green buds which open into highly scented creamy white flowers around June. The flowers then give way to dark black/purple berries held on red stems in the autumn.
It has been considered a sacred and magical tree all over Europe for centuries, many countries still observe the old customs and rituals to honour this tree which is dedicated to the all powerful matriarchal Goddess. Prayers were offered before gathering any part of the tree. Most associate the elder with warding off evil. It is thought by some to be very unlucky to cut down an elder tree or to burn its wood and in Germany it is Hollerbusch, the tree of the underworld. It has been said that if you bury your sins beneath an elder tree, they will be forgiven. Judas is said to have hung himself from an elder
Organic elder berries and flowers as both dried herb and tincture are available to buy in our herbal shop.
harvesting and preparation
harvesting and preparation
Harvest elder flowers when the whole heads are predominantly open (May/June) and before they start to go brown. Pick the whole head at the base of the large stalk and lay gently in a basket or cloth bag. Flowers bruise and spoil very easily so be as delicate as you can. Lay the flower heads face down on a tray lined with cloth or paper and allow to dry completely. Elder flowers are magnets to insects so expect a certain amount of insect action in your kitchen as they leave the drying flowers. When fully dried, rub gently between the fingers to remove the flowers from the stalks. Store in an airtight jar in a cool, dark cupboard.
Organic elder berries and flowers as both dried herb and tincture are available to buy in our herbal shop.
metaphysical
metaphysical
The Elder tree is prominent in the folklore of many cultures where it grows. Associated with the essence of the divine feminine, Elder is considered a Goddess tree and the number 13 is aligned with her.
To me she is the dark one, the midwife of the soul, the dark moon or crone aspect of womanhood, Hecate, the Grandmother, holding all the precious wisdom and healing that is distilled from a life lived deeply. Call on her and she will stand with us at the end of something (a life, a relationship, a habit) to see us through to a new beginning. Her steadfast protection allows us to transition from one state to another safely as she guards us with her unconditional love.
She is the dark of the moon where old unwanted things are cast away in order for new and welcomed things to begin to grow in their place. Her domain is the dark of the Underworld, the unconscious portion of ourselves, the shadow aspect even. She stands at the threshold between worlds, between lives, between projects - never in judgement, just guarding and holding the space and enabling us to safely pass through.
Her spirit medicine is strong and her Grandmotherly love offers us steadfast protection for when we are lost in the darkness or when we feel out of control. Her physical medicine helps keep our immune sysyem healthy and protects us from pathogens, whilst building and restoring us deep down from the cellular level.
Here is a nice link to all things Elder related, both seen and unseen.
A deep diving article on Elder and how spending quality time in her energy can help heal the traumas of today and right down the ancestral line.
therapeutic actions and uses
therapeutic actions and uses
The elder tree has been hailed 'the medicine chest' due to the fact that all parts of the tree are medicinal. The most commonly used parts medicinally are the flowers and berries but the leaves, bark and roots also have their uses.Elder flowers are anti-catarrhal and can also be used for the entire respiratory system against hayfever, sinusitis, coughs, whooping cough, colds, bronchial catarrh, pleurisy, asthma, breathing difficulties, catarrhal deafness and ear infection, bronchitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis and hoarseness of the voice, chronic sore throat, inflamed gums, mouth ulcers, quinsy and tonsillitis and for infected or swollen adenoids.
dosage and cautions
dosage and cautions
Elder flower is non toxic and can be taken regularly.
Dried flowers in tea form: 2 teaspoons per cup, 3 times daily or every 2 hours in acute infections.
Dried berries in tea form: 10g of dried berries, simmered in half a litre of water for 10 minutes, 3 times daily.
Flower tincture: 2-4 ml, 3 times daily.
Berry tincture: 2.5-5ml up to 3 times daily.
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