Elder berries

Holimder-beere, /. elderberry, -bliite, /. elder blossom, -wein, n. elder (berry) wine. 

Schwarz, n. black blackness, -beere, /. bilberry elder (berry) melastoma. -beize,/. Dyeing) black liquor, iron liquor, scbwarzblau, a. very dark blue. 

There is hardly a tree on earth that offers as much as the elder. Used for centuries and steeped in legend, elder provides a host of amazing benefits as both medicine and food. Adorned with beautiful white blossoms and juicy blue-black berries, the elder tree is a beautiful addition to any landscape. 

Also in the 17th century John Evelyn wrote in his Herbal, "If the medicinal properties of its leaves, bark and berries were fully known, I cannot tell what our countryman could all for which he might not fetch a remedy from every hedge, either for sickness or wounds." Evelyn also claimed that elder would help assist longevity and was effective "against all infirmities, whatever."... 

The Iroquois used a decoction of elder pith as an internal remedy for gonorrhea and also to treat heart disease. They used a poultice of the berries to reduce fever and swellings caused by the mumps. The twigs were administered to children when a laxative was needed. The Iroquois also applied the powdered root and bark to heal a newborn s navel. Berries were fed to those convalescing to improve their strength. 

Only the blue elderberries are edibleSambucus canadensis and S. carulea (found in North America) as well as the European variety S. nigra. The red elder Sambucus pubens has toxic red berries and flowers that are conical rather than flat-topped clusters. "Blue is true and red is dead," is a popular expression among herbal harvesters. 

Alterative. Alteratives increase blood flow to the tissues, improving metabolism and detoxification. Elder s alterative action helps to improve many skin afflictions including boils, eczema, acne and erysipelas. Elder improves the secretions involved with many bodily functions. Parts used flowers, berries, young shoots. 

Anti catarrhal. The mucus-reducing activity of elder may be due to its high potassium content, but in any case this plant helps to clear up bronchial mucus, hay fever and sinus congestion. Both flowers and berries help to dry up a runny nose. When the flowers are taken before hay fever season they help to lessen its severity. A gargle made of elder blossoms steeped in vinegar can be used to treat sore throats and tonsillitis. Elder has even successfully treated catarrhal deafness and children s croup. A tea made of elder flowers can ease hoarseness and make the voice clear. Parts used flowers, berries. 

Anti-inflammatory. Elder flowers help soothe an inflamed respiratory tract irritated by hay fever and sinusitis. Elder has even been used to calm the agony of gout. Cool, strained elder flower tea makes an excellent application to inflamed eyes. Elderberries taken internally as a tea, tincture or syrup help to soothe irritated bowels or colitis. Topical applications are also helpful for glandular swellings. Parts used flowers, berries. 

Antirheumatic. Elder flower and vinegar fomentations can be used topically for painful joints, muscle soreness and stiffness. Elderberry juice is an ancient remedy to help neuralgia, rheumatism, gout and sciatica. Parts used flowers, berries, leaves. 

Antiseptic. A wonderful agent for colds, elder helps to fight infection. Elder leaves have also been used topically to treat dog bites. Historically, elder was used to treat syphilis. Parts used flowers, berries. 

Antispasmodic. Easing muscle cramps as well as psychological stress, elder tea has been used for headache, eyelid twitching, palsy, epilepsy, stroke, paralysis and the spasms that accompany asthma. Affected body parts can also be rubbed with elder flower infusions. Parts used flowers, berries. 

Aperient. Mildly laxative, elder has long been used in teas and cordials to aid the digestive process. Parts used flowers, berries. 

Diaphoretic. Because it promotes perspiration by relaxing the pores, elder is a traditional remedy to help the body release toxins through the skin. It increases blood circulation and body heat near the surface of the skin. It has been used to treat blemishes, acne, herpes, psoriasis, measles and chicken pox. Parts used flowers, berries, leaves. 

Diuretic. Elder enhances kidney activity and helps to clear heat or infection through the urinary system. Parts used flowers, berries, inner bark, leaves. 

Nervine. Enjoy elder as a tea before bed. It calms the spirit and emotional body. Historically, a decoction of elder flowers was prepared and applied to the legs and arms to induce a deep sleep. Elder flower tea was also given to those suffering from epilepsy. Parts used flowers, berries. 

Rejuvenative. Elderberry wine and jam have long been given to the elderly to help them feel younger. Parts used flowers, berries. 

Relaxant. Elder helps to relax bronchial spasms as well as asthma. On an emotional level, elder soothes nerves, calms anxiety and helps to lift one s spirits when feeling blue. Use elder to calm a sick, irritable person in need of a good night s sleep. Elder is also helpful in cases of anxiety and shock. Parts used flowers, berries. 

Restorative. Rejuvenating to both body and mind, elderberries are a restorative tonic for building the blood back up after childbirth. Elder flowers taken as a tea or snuffed up the nose may also help to restore the sense of smell. Elder flower tea has also been used to restore a person who has fainted. Parts used flowers, berries. 

Tonics. Elder is considered a tonic for the respiratory system and digestive tract. It can help increase the strength of a person in a weakened state. Parts used flowers, berries. 

Vulnerary. Elder is an effective remedy for relieving hemorrhoids when applied topically as a salve. Elder has been used to treat erysipelas, an acute inflammation caused by strep bacteria that erupts on the skin. Elder has also served humankind well in applications for bums, cuts and wounds. It can also be used as a sore throat gargle or for inflamed gums and mouth tissue. Parts used flowers, berries, leaves. 

If you are sensitive to honey or sweets, take elder-berry syrup with a meal to minimize any acidic effects. Some standard elderberry syrups contain honey or other sweeteners. 

Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt. Stir in the elder flowers or berries. Add the remaining ingredients. Fill lightly greased muffin tins 2/3 full and bake in an oven preheated to 400 degrees F. for 25 minutes. 

Sift together dry ingredients. Add eggs and liquid. Stir in elder flowers or berries. Mix together. Fry in an oiled pan, turning when bubbles form and then break. Turn and fry on the other side until cooked through. Serve with maple syrup or elderberry sauce. 

Use elder flowers or berries with peppermint, fennel (Foeniculum officinalis), anise (Pimpinellum anisum) and ginger (Zingiber officinale) for digestive upsets. 

Simmer some cinnamon Cinnamomum species) bark in 2 cups of water then add 1 tsp. of elder flowers or berries to make a warming tea on chilly days. 

Elderberries yield a violet color. In times past, not only were the berries used to color hair and wine, but also to enliven fabric and basket materials. Elder-berries have also been used to make beautifully colored inks and to tint paper blue. With alum used as a mordant to fix the dye, the berries give a purple color, used best on wool and silk. Elderberries mixed with alum and salt produce a lilac hue, and mixed with alum and cream of tartar they make a lovely crimson shade. Chrome used as a mordant with elder-berries produces a blue dye and tin used as a mordant produces blue gray. 

Elderberries provide food for birds, bears, chipmunks, elk, moose, deer, foxes, rabbits, squirrels and woodchucks. Linnaeus said the berries were not good food for chickens and turkeys and might even be toxic to them. The fact that many wild animals relish the elderberries helps to proliferate this wonderful shrub, as the elder seeds are fertilized by animal droppings. 

Sambucus ebulus. Grows to 4 feet in Eurasia and northern Africa also grows in eastern and central U.S. Also known as dwarf elder, Dane s elder. Its black berries are toxic. Good dye source. The root has a history of being used to treat snakebite. 

Sambucus nigra. Grows to 30 feet, also called "European elder," or "black elder." Berries used in wine making flowers and berries used medicinally. Edible. 

Freezing is another possibility for preserving elder-berries. Wash and sort berries, removing stems. Some people like to steam the berries for a minute to tenderize their skins. Place in freezer bags or freezing containers. Leave 1/2-inch headroom. Seal and freeze. 

Early farmers in America looked for the appearance of the green immature berries of elder as a signal that now was the time to plant their wheat. In England, the beginning of summer is heralded when the elder flowers bloom. When the berries are ripe it signals summer s end. Elder has a short life span, but it easily self-sows and will continue growing in the same area for many years. 

Conditions in which elderberries may be inappropriate include migraine headache accompanied by weakness and deficiency. If elder makes the condition worse, stop using it. Also, if drying and fluid loss worsen a condition, it is best to not use elder. Pregnant women should use only the elder s flowers and cooked edible berries. 

Vatai T, Skerget M and Eljko Knez Z. 2009. Extraction of phenolic compounds from elder berry and different grape marc varieties using organic solvents and/or supercritical carbon dioxide. J Food Eng 90(2) 246-254. 

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