Elderflower
Folklore
The elder shrub is fulled of lore. An ancient hedgerow plant, it is the ruler of liminal spaces-of the in between. Elder speaks of balance, brings a message of transformation, change, and renewal. The old ways speak of the Elder Mother-the Hyldemoer-guardian of the Elder. Many would fear cutting or burning elder wood as to not upset the Hyldemoer. It is also said that while we should also ask permission before working with any plant, we especially need to be mindful when taking flowers or berries from the elder tree.
The Elder is thought to be a protective tree-planting outside your front door.
Stand under an Elder tree on Midsummers' Eve to see the faeries. But don't fall asleep! The faery king will take you away.
Medicinal Uses
Elder flowers are wonderful in healing for the upper respiratory system. They are rich in tannins and volatile oils, so they work well at reducing excess inflammation and help the mucus flow more freely from the sinuses. This in turn helps with stuffy noses, headaches, and earaches. They also contain flavonoids which reduce inflammation and are immune stimulating.
A hot tea or a tincture of elder flower can help sweat out a cold or fever. Drinking a hot cup of elder tea while taking a bath of elder flower will compound the effects. Elder flower is also wonderfully antiviral-especially when combined with other antivirals herbs such as St. John's wort and lemon balm.
If you are in need of a diuretic to improve kidney function and relieve fluid retention, a cold infusion of elder flower is the key. Simple cover the flowers with cold water and allow to steep overnight.
Topically, we work with elder flower to reduce skin inflammation. We can cleanse the eyes, tone the skin, and create a wash or compress.
I love to infuse it into oil with other herbs for a beautiful skin oil-you'll learn all about that if you join Medicine Makers. You can use it for all sorts of skin ailments-chicken pox, eczema, acne, rashes, wounds, etc.
Mother Elda’s Cold Care Tea
In a world filled with stress and constant challenges to our health, I created Mother Elda’s Cold Care Tea as a tasty and soothing elixir to support your body’s immune system. Crafted with a blend of elderflower and berries, yarrow, and spearmint, this herbal infusion is a perfect combination.
Blend together:
3 parts each elderflower and elderberry
2 parts each tulsi and spearmint
1 part yarrow
Store in an airtight container. Label! To make your tea you will need some sort of strainer. For my lazy girls (that’s me!) I will steep in a jar and then use a kitchen strainer to strain into my tea cup. Use 1-2 tablespoons to a cup or so of hot (just under boiling) water. Steep for 10+ minutes. Strain and sweeten with raw honey if needed. Drink 2-4 cups a day as needed!
Elderflower (Sambucus nigra):
Immune Support: Elderflower is rich in antioxidants, which help strengthen the immune system by combating harmful free radicals.
Respiratory Health: It can provide relief from respiratory congestion and discomfort, making it a valuable ally during cold and flu seasons.
Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis):
Immune Boost: Elderberries are packed with immune-boosting compounds and vitamins, such as vitamin C, that can help ward off illnesses.
Cold and Flu Relief: Elderberry syrup or tea can reduce the duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms, including congestion and fever.
Antioxidant Powerhouse: These berries are a potent source of antioxidants that protect cells from oxidative stress and promote overall health.
Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum):
Stress Reduction: Tulsi, also known as holy basil, is an adaptogen that helps the body adapt to stress and promotes mental clarity.
Immune Enhancement: It boosts the immune system's defense mechanisms and aids in fighting infections.
Anti-inflammatory: Tulsi has anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate symptoms of various inflammatory conditions.
Respiratory Health: Tulsi possesses potent anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties, making it effective in clearing congestion in the respiratory tract.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium):
Fever Reduction: Yarrow promotes sweating, which can naturally lower fevers and aid in the body's recovery process.
Digestive Health: Yarrow can soothe digestive discomfort and alleviate symptoms of indigestion.
Spearmint (Mentha spicata):
Digestive Aid: Spearmint can ease digestive problems, including indigestion, bloating, and gas, by relaxing the digestive tract.
Stress Relief: The soothing aroma of spearmint can have a calming effect on the mind, reducing stress and anxiety.
