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| (Sambucus
nigra) |
| Common names: Alhuren,
Battree, Black Elder, Boor Tree, Bountry, Boure Tree, Eldrum, Ellanwood,
Ellhorn, European Elder, German Elder, Lady Ellhorn, Old Gal, Old
Lady, Pipe Tree, Rob Elder, Sambucus, Sureau, Tree of Doom. |
| 
Elder |
Elderberry |
Elderflower |
| ©
2003 Karen Shelton |
©
2003 Karen Shelton |
©
2003 Karen Shelton |
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| Parts
Used: All parts of the plant. |
Methods
Used: Water extraction. |
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| Spiritual
Uses: The Europeans in the Middle Ages considered it to be a holy
tree because of its restorative qualities. |
Physical
Uses: Indigenous throughout the U.S. and Canada, the Elder has
several varieties both here and in Europe. They are quite similar
in qualities and usage.
The tree has the special
reputation of improving the general health of the older generation.
Mix leaves, bark or flowers
with equal amounts of Chamomile flowers (Anthemis
nobilis / Chamaemelum nobile) and use in a hot poultice
to relieve rheumatism and other inflammation, soreness, or stiffness
in joints.
Elder tea has been traditionally
used to treat infections, irritations, or inflammations of the eyes.
A gentle stimulant. Some
Native Americans used root-bark tea to encourage and strengthen
labor during childbirth as well as to treat headache and congestion.
The flower tea is said
to promote sweating.
Elder is also believed
to be even more effective when treating respiratory infections,
pulmonary tuberculosis, and fevers if mixed with Yarrow (Achillea
millefolium) and Mint (Menth piperita).
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