Black Elder (sambucus nigra), must folklore is associated with this European plant that is also known as "bourtree". Pre-Christian documents attributed protective, healing powers to the black elder, and in England it was believed bad luck to cut its branches for fear of showing disrespect to the mother elder, who was thought to inhabit the tree.
The elder is native to Europe, North Africa, and western and central Asia. It thrives throughout lowland forests and along roads and fences and is very often found in farmhouse gardens. The elder is a member of the honeysuckle family and can grow to a height of 33 feet. The sweet-smelling, spicy but somewhat bitter tasting flowers produce blackish-purple fruits with a tart taste. The stalk and branches contain a white, fluffy pulp.
There are many wonderful uses for the black elder berries and flowers. The flowers should be harvested as the plant begins to blossom. The black elder berries contain fruit acids, vitamins B1 and C and folic acid, as well as essential oils. And the flowers contain a great deal of calcium and flavonoids.
The elder is described as a "complete medicine chest" that also helps to induce perspiration during a fever. When you have a feverish cold, take it in the form of a hot drink. Elder also promotes expectoration, which makes it a good treatment for coughing and bronchitis. The pulp of the berry and the freshly pressed juice have a diuretic and laxative effect on the body. Avoid the red berry species of elder, as it can irritate the digestive system and make you feel very nauseous. Here are several types of applications and their uses:
Tea Flowers:
Pour about 1 cup of boiling water over 2 heaping teaspoons of dried elder flower. Strain after 10 minutes. Drink 1-2 cups of freshly prepared tea several times a day. For best results drink the tea as hot as you can stand it.
Tea Berries:
Add enough cold water to cover approximately 3 heaping teaspoons of dried elderberries and allow to stand for several minutes. Then slowly bring the water berry mixture to a simmer. Gently simmer for 10 minutes and then strain and drink.
Juice Syrup:
Remove the stems from 4lb's of ripe berries. Squeeze the juice from the berries into a saucepan and add about l1b of sugar. Boil for 5 minutes. Skim the foam from the surface, fill canning jars with the syrup and seal while hot. Prepared syrup is available from pharmacies and health food stores if you don't want to make your own. To prevent or treat a cold, drink the heated juice or syrup dissolved in hot water.
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