Elderberry, Sambucus nigra
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is one of the most common plants used in folk medicine around the world. Historically, the flowers and leaves have been as a tea used to treat inflammation, pain and swelling, and to help stimulate urine production and sweating. Elder flowers may also help to lower and regulate blood sugar and ease allergy symptoms. This tea is also an old fashioned remedy for fighting colds, the flu and breaking fevers. The bark of the elder has been used a diuretic, laxative and purgative.
The juice of the elderberries has been used in folk medicine for centuries. As an immune supporting fruit, elderberries can be used to treat influenza, colds, sinus infections, and overall unwellness. Elderberries are packed with vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B6, iron and potassium as well as many other essential nutrients. Elderberries and are highly antioxidant, rich in flavonoids and anthocyanins, contain quercetin, kaempferol, rutin and phenolic acids; making them a great ally in supporting heart health and decreasing inflammation within the body.
Elderberry is considered safe for children and the elderly.
Elderberries and elder flowers can also be made into delicious jams, syrups, cordials, and wines. Our pagan ancestors would gather elderberries near Winter Solstice to make a wine, thought to invoke prophetic visions. The leaves and flowers can also be made into a tea to bring upon a dreamy state. Elderberries and elder flowers can also be made into a tincture for a more potent herbal remedy. Elderberry syrup is a wonderful addition to any herbal apothecary, suitable and easy for children to take, stores in the refrigerator for up to 3 months. It can be used to boost the immune system during months when sickness is more likely and helps to speed healing during illnesses, too.
Elderberry is a powerful healing herb and may interact with several medications. Please consult your health care provider before adding any elderberry product into your health care routine if you are taking any medications to treat:
Diabetes
Water Retention (Diuretic)
Cancer (Chemotherapy)
Autoimmune disorders
Constipation
COPD, Asthma
All parts of the Elder tree are considered poisonous when eaten raw.
Elder Folklore and Folk Magic
The elder tree is known as the 'Queen of the Woods' and the 'Elder Mother' (Hyldemöer) in German and Scandinavian lore, housing elder spirits, or tree dryads, whom bring blessings and curses to those who come across them. The Elder tree was revered and considered sacred to many of our pagan ancestors, demanding deep respect and appreciation. Thus, it was deemed appropriate to ask permission before cutting, gathering or harvesting from the Elder tree. It was regarded as a highly protective guardian against witches and evil spirits, was known to induce vivid dreams, and used for its ability to heal sickness. Beyond these attributes, Elder was also used by our pagan ancestors in ritual work to exorcise and remove negative energies and influences.
Celtic Druidic tradition associated Elder as a gate keeper of otherworldly realms, providing a threshold for communication with the Fae. In the Ogham calendar, or the Celtic lunar calendar, Elder is associated with the thirteenth, it represents the letter R and is known as 'Ruis'. The thirteenth month stands at Samhain, which signifies the ending and beginning of the agricultural year, symbolizing rebirth, transformation, a time for embracing change and spiritual renewal. In Ireland, it is said that witches rode broomsticks made of elder. Wands made from the Elder tree are said to be powerful tools for magical workings.
During the Medieval Ages, Elder was considered to be a powerful guardian against witches and witchcraft. Elder trees were planted close to the backdoor of homes, twigs were gathered before Midsummer and carried to offer protection. Its leaves were dried and worn around the neck of men and animals as a protective amulet, while some tossed leaves into the graves of the deceased to protect their souls, as well as, gracing the grave mound with an elder cross.
Medieval folk names for Elder reflect the reverence and beliefs our pagan ancestors embraced; Alhuren, Battree, Bour or Boretree, Death Tree, Devil's Eye, Elder Mother, Elder Queen, Hylder, Good Mother, Lady Ellhorn, Old Gal, Pipe Tree, Queen of the Woods, Rob Elder, Sweet Elder, Tree of Doom, and Witch Tree.
The sambuca or sackbut is a Greco-Roman wind instrument fashioned from the hollow stem of the Elder tree. Once the pith was removed, the stem was used to make whistles and flutes. Lore states that music produced with a hollowed stem of Elder could bring forth spirits.
The Elder tree was considered so sacred by some, that to burn the wood of an Elder would bring death, misfortune, or an evil influence to the burner. "Elder is the lady's tree, burn it not or cursed ye be." It is said that a individual born under the influence of Elder, would be blessed with a strong imagination, would be able to create beauty from anything at hand, would always feel prosperous and wealthy, even if they owned little possessions, and would find great happiness in serving others.
Elder trees are associated with rebirth and transformation. They are held sacred in many goddess traditions, revered by Venus, Freya, and Holda.
Venus is the Roman Goddess originally associated with cultivation and gardening, then later identified (in comparison with the Greek Goddess Aphrodite) as the goddess of love, sex, fertility, beauty, and victory. She is associated with many aspects of femininity, enveloping both positive and negative attributes.
Freya is the Asatru Goddess of fertility, abundance, and beauty. Freya presides over the afterlife realm and is associated with divination, using the form Seidr to symbolically weave destiny into being. According to mythology, it is said that Freya possesses the plumes of a falcon and if you can manage to capture one, it would give you the ability to transform into a falcon.
Holda is the Teutonic Goddess of wisdom, the white lady of winter, protector of the home and mother, she carries infants that died to the heavens. She symbolizes virtue and hard work. She graces the sky on a chariot teamed by woodland creatures, her beautiful long white hair flowing behind, and is joined by all the little souls who died before they could be given a name.
Elderberry Correspondences:
Gender: Feminine
Planet: Venus
Element: Water
Powers: Exorcism, Protection, Healing, Prosperity, Sleep, Visions, Dreamwork, Spirit Communication
Ritual Uses: Burial rites, protection of home, animals and person, healing rituals, vision quests, wedding and blessing ceremonies.
Magical Workings: Warding of attackers, protection for home, protection of person, protection of animals, releasing enchantments, communication with Fae realm, weddings, blessings, divination, wand creation, wind instruments calling forth spirits, faithfulness.
-Tria Prima Botanica
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