When we moved to the farm in 2021, we moved in April. In South Dakota that meant harsh winds, rain, and cold. We had walked our property several times from February to our move, but we never imagined what we would discover come that first early summer.
One of those early summer mornings, we were walking outdoors and we noticed white blossoms on some bushes along our back driveway. Coming closer, I noticed the flowers had unmistakable tiny star shapes, with little yellow stamens. I knew immediately, but double-checked some pictures in a couple herbal studies books before confirming… Elder flowers!
We learned that the whole South property line of our farm was lined with Elderberry bushes! What an incredible blessing to have! Up until that point, we had bought elderberry syrup from the store to help with immune system boosting. In “cold seasons” we use it more often, and it becomes a regular dose every few hours when battling being under the weather.
Learning About The Whole Plant
In order to utilize Elder in the fullest way, I started researching the whole plant and its medicinal qualities.
I knew the berries were used for making elderberry syrup, but I knew nothing else of the plant. I have several herb information books, as well as some homemade herbal remedy books. I also like to utilize some of the online medical journals when researching the benefits of herbs and plants – I like to see what studies have been done and to learn more deeply the role of various constituents (“the good healing things”) in each plant or herb. I have family members in the medical field, and they have recommended the National Institutes of Health / PubMed as a source that is regularly consulted and trusted. I compare research there from herbal study handbooks I own, and confirm information. Each time I research and learn a new medicinal herb or plant, I go through this process, keeping notes on the information gathered.
Elder Parts Used and Elder Parts to Avoid
Elder plant grows as a bush, shrub, or small tree. There are several varieties that grow, and not all have exactly the same medicinal applications, so do your research before harvesting. The most common varieties in North America are the Black Elder (Sambucus nigra) and the American Elder (Sambucus canadensis). Both these varieties have similar uses of their berries, flowers, and leaves.
Elder bark, stems and especially the roots of the plant are toxic and not to be used medicinally or for consumption.
The leaves of the Elder bush are generally considered unsafe for internal consumption. A few less common varieties of Elder leaves contain toxins that can result in skin allergic reaction. However, the leaves of the Black Elder and the American Elder are safe to use topically in oil infusions.
The flowers of the Elder bush are safe for consumption both fresh, cooked, and dried. Take care not to consume the stems or bark when harvesting the flowers.
The berries of the Elder bush are probably the most well-known and commonly used part of the plant. The seeds of the berries are considered mildly toxic, and consuming them raw can result in digestive upset. In recipes calling for fresh berries, ensure the berries are heated thoroughly enough in the recipe to neutralize and destroy the toxins in the seeds. For using dried berries safely, steep in boiling water, then discard and consume the juice/tea. Alternatively, you can prepare tinctures or infusions with fresh elderberry and discard the fruit pulp and seeds before consumption.
Constituents and Elder’s Benefits
Elder supports the body internally through immune strengthening. Externally, it soothes skin. Each key part of the plant has unique benefits, which I’ll go more in depth about individually.
The key actions of the usable parts of the plant include;
- Antiviral
- Mucus Clearing (Anticatarrhal)
- Anti-Inflammatory (the flowers are also mildly astringent)
- Diuretic (reduces fluid buildup in the body)
- Increases Sweating (Diaphoretic)
Next, let’s break down the individual parts of the plant and benefits to the body.
ELDER FLOWERS
Elder flowers are used both fresh and dried for varying applications. The flowers themselves are;
- antiviral
- diuretic
- antioxidant rich
- skin protectant
- mildly astringent
- relaxing diaphoretic (loosen tight, tense tissues)
- relaxing nervine (provides calming and relaxing to the nervous system, can help relieve muscle tension)
ELDER LEAVES
Elder leaves may only be used externally in topical applications – typically an infused oil made from the leaves. This oil can then be added to salve or balm recipes. Elder leaf is helpful to the skin by;
- speeding wound healing time
- increasing the skin tension of wounds, promoting faster strengthening and healing
It’s important to note that the leaves contain the chemicals lectin and cyanide, which can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and should not be ingested.
ELDERBERRIES
Elderberries are known for their use in providing support to the immune system. They have many other benefits to the body, such as;
- rich in strong antioxidants
- high in Vitamins A, B6, B12 C
- antiviral, antibacterial, antimicrobial
- anti-allergenic
- anti-carcinogenic
- contain hypoglycemic properties
- contain flavonoids Quercetin and Rutin
- contain folic acid, potassium, biotin, and β-carotene
- immunomodulator (regulates immune system function, helping to keep balance)
- inflammatory modulator (regulates inflammation in the body, helping to keep balance)
Uses For Each Plant Part
ELDER FLOWERS
The composition and constituents of Elder flower are especially beneficial to the skin. They are healing, protectant, and astringent, as well as relaxing and calming. They have antiviral properties that benefit wounds during healing. Topically, the flowers can be infused into oils and then used in serums, balms, salves, creams, and soaps.
The fresh or dried flowers can be consumed in a variety of preparations. As a tea, they induce sweating, which can help with fever. They also help illness by combating cough, cold, and congestion. They have properties that reduce inflammation, especially in the nose and throat, reducing sore throat pain. The tea can help to alleviate hay fever, allergies, and sinus troubles
ELDER LEAVES
As stated above, the leaves of the elder may help with wound healing, though not much information is available about their use in trial studies. Liked the dried elder flowers, the leaves can be dried and added to oils in order to create salves and balms. Some sources report that balms and salves made from elder leaves speed the healing time of bruises especially.
ELDERBERRIES
Elderberry syrup recipes are available throughout the internet. The syrup is helpful for speeding up healing time from coughs, colds, and viral illnesses. and respiratory illnesses. Elderberries should be cooked thoroughly to neutralize the toxins found within the seeds.
Elderberries can also be cooked into jams and jellies, pies. The berries’ juice can be made into wine, gummies, or any type of syrup or oxymel.
Elderberries can be used fresh in tinctures, as the berries will be strained out before consumption.
Elderberries can be dried and then used reconstituted, or as a dry ingredient for tea. Again, do not consume the berries unless they have been cooked. The seeds of the raw berries can cause stomach upset.
Elderberries can be harvested and frozen immediately for use later. We keep ours this way, as the berries will ripen on the bushes at different times. We gather over the course of several weeks or more and use them when we have enough for a recipe.
What are your favorite uses for the Elder plant?
Leave a comment below if you would like to share your favorite Elder recipes, uses, or preparations.
Sources
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
https://www.societeapothecary.com/s/stories/elderflower
https://www.handmadeapothecary.co.uk/blog
https://thenerdyfarmwife.com/elder-leaf-salve/
Wild Remedies – Rosalee De La Foret & Emily Han
Alchemy of Herbs – Rosalee De La Foret
Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine – Andrew Chevallier
Medicinal Herbs – A Beginner’s Guide – Rosemary Gladstar
Visual Reference Guides: Herbal Remedies – Andrew Chevallier
Backyard Medicine – Julie Burton-Seal & Matthew Seal