Botanical name: Sambucus Nigra
Family: Caprifoliacea
Common Names: Elder, Elderberry, European Elder, Black Elder, Bore Tree
Part used: Berries and Flower
Habitat/ Harvesting: Grows worldwide throughout temperate climates. A deciduous hardy perennial shrub that can reach upward of 30 feet. Prefers moist, rich soil and partial shade to full sun. In the wild, you can find it growing along stream banks and edges of farm fields. Harvest the flowers in late spring.
Primary Actions: Immune Stimulating, Antiviral, Diaphoretic (flowers), diuretic (flowers), clears mucous (flowers), anti-inflammatory (flowers), mild laxative
Energetics: Tonifying, Cooling and Drying, Sour
Indications: Cold and flu, coughs, congestion and allergies, upper respiratory infections, herpes, shingles, fever, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis
Contraindications:Â Don’t eat the raw (uncooked) berries in any great quantity. They can cause digestive upset and diarrhea.
Preparations:Â Often combined with echinacea in immune-stimulating remedies for colds, Syrup, Wine, Jam, Pie, Tea, Tincture, Capsules
January 27, 2021