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Elder berry wine
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| Common Names |
| Elder , Elderberry |
| Botanical Name |
| Sambucus nigra |
| Family |
| CAPRIFOLIACEAE Honeysuckle Family |
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Related Species |
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S. candensis, North American sp |
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Bronchitis *
Colds *
Congestion/Chest & Sinus *
Cough *
Influenza *
Lungs/Respiratory *
Sinusitis *
Sore Throat/Laryngitis *
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| Parts Used: Flowers, berries |
| Constituents: Flowers: small quantity of essential oil (containing palmitic, linoleic, and linolenic acids), triterpenes, flavonoids (including rutin), also pectin, mucilage, sugar. Berries: sugar, fruit acids, vitamin C, bio-flavonoids. Leaves: cyanogenic glycosides, |
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Leaves of the elder tree are used in an ointment that is a folk remedy for bruises,sprains, chilblains and hard-to-cure skin irritations. The flowers are used to make infusions to treat bronchitis and colds, and of course the tasty berries are used to make elderberry wine.
The dried berries make a tart and tasty purple tisane that is a family favorite at my house, especially in the winter. Combines well with hot spicy accents like cinnamon and ginger for a good cold remedy. |
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Prep Methods :
 Remedies using Elder
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| Flu viruses | | The elder tree's berries are tasty flu fighters. They contain compounds that can inhibit the enzyme that flu viruses use to penetrate our cell membranes. 628
(White,Linda B., M.D. ) | | Elderflowers also reduce bronchial and upper-respiratory catarrh and are used to treat hayfever. 1246
(Mabey, Richard p37) | | Skin rash, chilblains | | Externally a cold infusion of the flowers may be used as an eyewash for conjunctivitis and as a compress for chilblains, and are used in ointments for irritation of the skin. 1247
(Mabey, Richard p37) | | Tonsillitis, sore throat | | A gargle made from elderflower infusion or elderflower vinegar alleviates tonsillitis and sore throats. 1248
(Mabey, Richard p37) | | Arthritis | | Elderflowers have a mild laxative action and in Europe have a reputation for treating rheumatism and gout. 1249
(Mabey, Richard p37) | | Coughs & colds | | Combined with yarrow and mint elder flowers and berries are specific for the treatment of colds and flu. The berries are mildly laxative and sweat-inducing, and simmered with sugar, make a winter cordial for coughs and colds. 1245
(Mabey, Richard 37) |
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Koehler's Medicinal-Plants 1887
 A member of the honeysuckle family, this small tree has been cultivated since ancient times. Valued in making musical instruments, weaving needles, and of course elderberry wine. There is some confusion among the different species, but the best studied is the European elder, S. nigra. Americans used S. candensis for the same medicinal purposes.
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 Both the elder and dwarf tree are under the dominion of Venus.The decoction of the root taken, cureth the biting of an adder, and biting of mad dogs. It mollifieth the hardness of the mother, if women sit thereon, and openeth their veins, and bringeth down their courses: The berries boiled in wine performeth the same effect; and the hair of the head washed therewith is made black. Nicholas Culpeper |
 It was thought the Elder could not be hit by lightning, and so should be planted near the house. In the sixteenth century it was believed that the leaves of the elder should be gathered on the last day of April, and hung on doors and windows to prevent witches from entering the house. A twig of Elder carried close to the body, was thought to give good health and luck |
Common Typos:
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