Elder, traditionally known as "Nature's medicine chest" is an exceptional plant used to treat everything from flu to high blood pressure. Elder is especially helpful in treating respiratory ailments such as coughs, colds, allergies, and congestion. Research has shown that 90% of individuals given Elderberry extract recovered from ifluenza in 2-3 days!
History & Folklore
Elder has a lot of folklore attached to it, especially in Europe. It has been said that Elder trees are inhabited by the "Elder Mother" which would make it dangerous to chop her branches. Because of this, woodcutters would recite a soothing rhyme or poem to avoid receiving the wrath of the "Elder Mother". Think of Harry Potter when Harry and Ron stole a car and flew it into the Elder tree. They were tossed, man-handled, and thrown across the lawn. They definitely received the wrath of Elder Mother. Be smarter. If you come in to contact with an Elder tree, have your soothing poem/rhyme ready to go!
Habitat & Cultivation
Elder is a large deciduous tree that can grow to be 33 feet tall! It boasts pointed oval leaves, cream flowers, and dark, deep red berries. It thrives in woods, hedges, and in open areas. Native to Europe, Elder is now found in most temperate regions and is often cultivated. The berries are picked in early autumn, while the tops are harvested in late spring.
Uses
Coughs & Colds containing antiviral properties, Elder can be used to prevent and treat upper respiratory infections
Congestion & Allergies flowers can tone mucous linings of the nose and throat, increasing their resistance to infection, congestion, and allergies
Arthritis flowering tops help remove waste products from the body by encouraging sweat and urine production
Lower Blood Pressure flowers and berries may help lower blood pressure.
Control Diabetes the flowers may be helpful in controlling diabetes.
Enhance Immune Function may be a safe remedy for influenza
Parts used
Flowering Tops reduce fevers and help coughs, colds, and flu
Dried Flowering Tops
Dried Berries nutritious; a mild laxative
Fresh Berries Contain Vitamins A & C
Key Actions
Antiviral
Clears Mucus
Anti-inflammatory
Diuretic
Increases Sweating
Constituents
Flavonoids (berries and flowers)
Anthocyanins (berries and flowers)
Lectins (berries)
Vitamins A & C (berries)
Triterpenes (flowers)
Volatile Oil (flowers)
Mucilage (flowers)
Tannins (flowers)
References
- Chevallier, Andrew, FNIMH; Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine - 550 Herbs and Remedies for Common Ailments; 3. Edition 2016; ISBN: 978-0-2412-2944-6; Page 132.
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