Herb of the Month: Elder (Sambucus nigra)
Other Names: Elderflower, elderberry, pipetree Description: Elder is a tall shrub or small tree (15-30 ft) with shiny green compound leaves. The white flowers are carried in large clusters which become purpleish black berries.
Cultivation: Elder prefers moist soil and plenty of room to spread. Two trees are required for pollination. Cuttings will root from hard wood or soft wood, or the plants grow easily from seed.
Culinary: The berries are used for sauces, jellies and cordial. The berries contain a mild poison which is neutralized by cooking or fermentation. Flowers can be added for flavor to stewed fruits, jellies and jams, or can be fried in batter.
Medicinal: Elder is sometimes called “The medicine chest of the people,” and can be used for many common complaints. It is traditionally used to reduce inflammation, lower fever, reduce mucus, and to soothe irritation.
Other Uses: An infusion of elder leaves can be used to repel insects, mice and moles.
Sources:
Herbs and Spices for Florida Gardens by Monica Moran Brandies.
http://en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/Elderberry
Encyclopedia of Herbs & Their Uses by Deni Bown.
A Druid’s Herbal for the Sacred Earth Year by Ellen Evert Hopman.
More About Elder Flower:
• Panpipes aretraditionally made from elder stems.
• Sleeping under an elder tree on Midsummer Eve was said to allow one to see the Fairy King and his court pass by.
• Spirits were said to dwell within the wood of elder, and so cradles were never made from it,
nor were switches for driving cattle.