Elderberries – Sambucus nigra, plant family name: Adoxaceae. Other names: Black Elder, Common Elder, Pipe Tree, Bore Tree, Bour Tree, Lady Ellhorn, Whistle Tree, Old Lady. Its history dates as far back as 400 BC, and Hippocrates, the “Father of Medicine,” called the elder tree his “medicine chest.” In folk medicine today, the elderberry is widely considered one of the world’s most healing plants.
It is a deciduous shrub or small tree growing to 4–6 m (rarely to 10 m) tall. The bark, light grey when young, changes to a coarse grey outer bark with lengthwise furrowing.
The berries are used to make cordials, jams and jellies; they can even be used as a substitute for currants when baking. They make excellent wine and can be used to make a traditional drink called a rob which is a soothing and pleasant to drink hot during the colder months of the year.
Do not consume raw; elderberries should be cooked at a minimum of 80°c for at least 10 minutes before use. Consumption is not recommended during pregnancy and by children under 18 years of age. Always thoroughly research any new herb you are going to take and if you are taking prescribed drugs, have a chat with your doctor first.
The berries and flowers of elderberry are packed with antioxidants and vitamins that may boost your immune system. They can help tame inflammation, lessen stress, and help protect your heart, too. Some experts recommend elderberry to help prevent and ease cold and flu symptoms. It’s also been used as a treatment for:
- Constipation
- Joint and muscle pain
- Infections that affect how you breathe
- Headaches
- Fever
- Kidney problems
- Epilepsy
- Minor skin conditions
- Stress
- HIV
- and AIDS
Elderberry syrup can be made with dried elderberries, Combine 2 cups of dried elderberries with 4 cups of cold distilled water in a heavy saucepan.
Bring the water to a boil, reduce heat, and cook uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring regularly. Remove from the heat and let steep for 1 hour. Strain mixture into a large measuring cup covered with cheesecloth, reserving liquid and discarding the used berries. Allow the syrup to cool, then stir in 1 cup of honey. Pour mixture into a sterilized container. Seal and store in the refrigerator for up to three months.
Elderberry Tea is a delicious and immune boosting tea that’s made with dried elderberries, cinnamon, ginger, and honey. This healthy tea can strengthen the immune system and fight off a cold or flu. Here is a simple and easy recipe that shows how you can make this natural remedy tea at home! Just add 2 mugs of water, 2 tablespoons dried elderberries, a cinnamon stick, and 2 ginger slices in a pot, and bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat and cover the pot, simmering for 20 minutes. Strain out the elderberries and ginger. Remember NOT to add raw honey with the other ingredients at the beginning, as the high temperature will destroy many great nutrients of the raw honey. After straining, it’s important to press the elderberries to release more juices. You’ll be surprised to see how much more liquid you can get by doing so. Once your tea is not too hot, add raw honey and maybe a slice of lemon according to taste. If you make extra elderberry tea, you can let them cool down, and store in jars in the refrigerator. Serve them with ice for elderberry ice tea. Yumm.