Elder Flower (Sambucus nigra)
Elder is a shrub or small tree in the honeysuckle family native to North America and Asia.
Elder, also known as Boor Tree and Black Elder, is a deciduous shrub native to Europe, Asia and Africa. The leaves and delicate, white flowers are used to make elderberry wine, syrups and coridals, as well as other beverages, , such as the fruity liquor known as St. Germain.. Elder flower is also an ingredient in natural hair and skin products, prepared either as infused oil or a water infusion.
The Elder Mother is the subject of Hans Christian Andersen's "Hyldemoer,” a classic tale in which a young Danish boy, who gets his feet wet and catches cold, dreams of “sailing into the warmer countries” after sampling two cups of elder flower tea. It is also said that falling asleep under an elder bush in flower is to risk waking up in Fairyland.
It was once believed that the Elder Mother lived inside the tree, and it was dangerous to cut the tree because her spirit may become angered. Those who did dare to cut the tree down would recite a poem to ward off her anger. The elder plant grows in Europe and other temperate regions. According to the legend, cutting the bush is unwise unless first obtaining permission from the Elder Mother, a dryad or tree nymph who is said to reside in the heart of the small tree. For extra insurance, reciting “Elder Mother, please give me some wood, and I’ll give you some of mine when I grow into a tree” three times bore making a cut is sure to appease the tree spirit.
Elder flowers are also combined with other herbs, such as chamomile, as ingredients in various hair and skin care preparations. In Russia and the Ukraine, the flowers are sold in pharmacies as a tea for dry cough.
Origin: Eastern Europe
Active Compounds: Phenolic acids, Sterols, Favanoids, Micilage, Tannins, Volatile oil, Triterpenes
Plant Part Used: flower
Storage Tips: Store in a sealed container in a cool, dark place.
Appearance and Aroma: Pale with a slight musky scent.
Cosmetic Uses: Tincture or infuse in oil for use in lotions, creams, salved and balms.
Decorative Uses: Use for display or in potpourri.
Culinary Uses: Prepare as tea, alone or in combination with other herbs. The flowers are also used to produce syrups, cordials and other beverages.
Flavor Profile: Flowers have a light but earthy flavor. Pairs well with mild herbs like chamomile and meadowsweet.
Safety: Before making any changes to your diet you should always consult with your doctor, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or have existing conditions.
This information is for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by Canada Health or the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.