09/02/2024
Elderberry is one of the most commonly used medicinal plants in the world.
Scientifically called Sambucus, elderberries (elderflower) belong to a genus of flowering plants in the family Adoxaceae.
These edible berries are most famous for their use as an antiviral agent, but are also used to make wine, jam, syrup & pie filling. The flowers can be eaten or steeped as tea & elderflower liqueur has been made for centuries.
Historically, elderberry is known as a cure-all & has been called "the medicine chest of country people”.
While elderberry has prehistoric roots, its reputation as a healer may originate with the "father of medicine," Hippocrates who called elderberry his "medicine chest" in 400 BCE. In the Middle Ages, elderberry was called a Holy Tree capable of restoring good health & aid in longevity.
Traditionally, Native Americans used it to treat infections, while the ancient Egyptians used it to improve their complexions & heal burns. The Romans created hair dye from the juice.
Elderberry was so named because Native American herbalists regarded it as a wise "elder" plant thanks to its ability to promote health, vitality, boost immunity, wound healing, ease pain & regularity. In Russia & Ukraine, it is traditional to make a tea from the flowers to support respiratory health.
During the 1995 Panama flu epidemic, the government employed its use to fight the flu. The berry's juice greatly reduced the time of the flu as well as the severity, thus helping end the epidemic.
There are a lot of myths surrounding the elderberry plant. In Ireland, elderberry was considered a sacred tree. The Danish believed that the elder plant was protected by Hyldemor, the Elder Mother. It was important to ask for permission before cutting an elderberry tree or it could bring you misfortune.
In parts of the British Isles, they believed bathing your eyes in the juice of the wood would allow you to see fairies.
It was believed that the cross Jesus was crucified on was made of elder wood & the tree Judas Iscariot hung himself on was an elder.
Today, elderberry is most often taken as a supplement to treat cold & flu symptoms.
Source: The Elderberry Experience by Dez Smith
