Home » » Herbal Lore » Black Elder

Black Elder

© Ellen Lord

Disclaimer: This information is in no way intended to be a substitute for modern medical care. Do not self-treat any medical complaint without the guidance of a licensed health care provider.
All information provided in this article is the result of research using (but not limited to) the following books and guides: Herbs for Health and Healing, Rodale; Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, Scott Cunningham; Magical Herbalism, Scott Cunningham; The Complete Guide to Natural Healing, International Masters Publishers; Earthway, Mary Summer Rain; and Teach Yourself Herbs, Susie White.

Much folklore is associated with this European plant that is also known as "bourtree." Pre-Christian documents attributed protective, healing powers to the black elder (Sambucus nigra), 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.
Elderberry wine is an old European tradition, but the elderberry, or elder, supplies much more than beverages: from the manufacture of musical pipes to the treatment of human ailments, the shrub has aided countless generations. Medicinally, elderberry has been used for common ailments. A syrup from the berry juice was once a remedy for coughs, and cold sufferers comforted themselves with hot toddies of mulled elderberry wine. A tea made from the flowers was taken as a mild laxative or diuretic and to promote sweating. Elder flower water, a mild astringent used as a skin lotion, is still sold in some old-fashioned pharmacies.
The wood once served to make shoemakers' pegs, butchers' skewers, and needles for weaving nets, as well as musical instruments.

Plant Facts
The elder is a member of the honeysuckle family and can grow to a height of 33 feet. The sweet smelling, small white flowers (June-July), sit in fat clusters; ripening berries turn blackish-purple (September) have an aromatic, tart taste. The stalk and branches contain a white, fluffy pulp. Leaves grow in opposite pairs and are pinnately compound. Leaflets are toothed and oval, usually 5-7 per leaf.
The bark and roots produce a black dye, the leaves a green dye, and the berries a purple coloring.

Origin
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. Man evidently recognized it as a useful plant even in prehistoric times - evidence of its cultivation is found at Stone Age village sites in Switzerland and Italy.

The copyright of the article Black Elder in Herbal Lore is owned by Ellen Lord. Permission to republish Black Elder in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.