Positive Health Online

My own personal experience with the Elderberry Plant has been nothing  short of a miracle.

As a child, I grew up in a small farm village with a population of  > 3600, located in Northern Germany between Hamburg and the Danish border. Between 1945 - 1955 I was an outdoor person year-round and developed a special feeling and love for Mother Earth and what nature  had to offer. My favourite colour was green. My mother could not keep me  inside the house and I was very active in sports, soccer, handball,  volleyball, baseball, ice hockey and gymnastics.

In those childhood years, I stayed at my grandmother's farm in East Prussia, Germany all summer. There I explored the trees, vegetables,  and herbal plants. It was during this time that my mother and grandmother taught me about the benefits and healing power of herbs, which ultimately led me to be become the fourth generation herbalist in our family.

From the Dominion Herbal College, the oldest North American School of  Herbal Medicine (100th anniversary in 2026), I received a Master Herbalist Diploma. And from the Canadian Council of Herbalist's Associations I received a Certificate as "Herbal Elder of Canada" in  recognition of my role as notable contributor in the field of herbal medicine for at least 25 years!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sambucus

Sambucus ebulus berries (elderberries)

My Personal Experience with Elderberry

During my childhood I sometimes developed a fever, so my mother would  put me to bed to rest and recuperate. The herbal medicine administered was a large cup of pure elderberry juice with lemon juice and honey. I also received an elderberry poultice on my chest, sometimes even on my legs. The juice enhanced my immune system to the point that my pyjama were soaked in the morning from sweating all night, but the fever was gone, and I never missed a day in school!

I complained to my mother that I preferred to stay home during times  of sickness (like other kids) but her answer was: "You have to go to school and learn!"

We had a local elderly medical doctor who did house calls from time to  time, but he never prescribed medication. Instead, he told my mother that I needed to go to bed during sickness. In the village he had a nickname "Hans-go-to-bed!"

Lots of elderberry plants were growing wild in the fields in our area  and my mother also made elderberry soup with dumplings that we all liked, especially in the fall and winter.

History of the Elderberry

The Sambucus nigra plant is found across North America, Europe, North  Africa and parts of Asia. The small dark berries from the Sambucus tree have been revered by Indigenous peoples of North America for centuries. Rich in nutrients and medicinal properties, elderberries have played a significant role in the health, culture, and traditions  of many Native American tribes and are considered sacred in Indigenous cultures.

The plant is often referred to as the "tree of music" because its  hollow stems can be used to make flutes and whistles – important in  many ceremonial practices. The elder tree was seen as symbol of protection and healing.

Medical and Therapeutic Uses of Elderberry

The elderberry has been used in folk medicine for relief from:

• cold and influenza
• sinusitis, sore throat, fever, laryngitis
• bronchitis, coughing, breathing problems
• herpes, mucous membrane inflammation, sores
• bruises, headache, pain, swelling, to repel insects, burns, toothache, cancer
• gout, liver disease
• constipation, eczema, obesity

 Elderberry also works therapeutically to:

• shorten influenza, reduces fever
• strengthen the cardiovascular system
• stops gum inflammation, diarrhoea
• alleviate allergies
• is an antibacterial and antitussive
• boost the overall respiratory system
• is antiviral, emetic, astringent, has a high content of nutrients
• inclusive vitamins, antioxidants and fibre
• is anti-inflammatory and provides immune system support

The plant is complex, containing bioactive proteins such as lectins, flavonoids, alkaloids, sterols, fatty acids, tannins, and cyanogenic glycosides [natural plant toxins that release highly poisonous hydrogen cyanide (HCN) when plant tissue is damaged] in varying degrees, variety, and plant part. Proven biological effects include antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, diuretic, hypotensive, anti-inflammatory, and liver protection properties.

Russian Experience

The decorative and medicinal yellow, red, and black Elderberry  (European elder of Sambucus nigra) grows in many parts of Russia and has been used as home medicine from the time of their early history. Also worthy to note is the North American white Elder (Sambucus canadensis).

In the Middle Ages, the elder plant was considered a "Holy Tree" capable of restoring and preserving human health, and as an aid of longevity.

To Prepare Elderberry as Food or Medicine

Elderberry can be used as a homeopathic tincture or extract, as powder, making wine, champagne, is user friendly in jam, jelly, syrup, pies, schnapps, brandy, and is also used in pancakes, muffins or dipped in batter and fried.

The berries can even be used in frozen yoghurt, fritters, and for  dyeing on fabrics. A recipe for elder syrup can be found in the article by Carol Little RH, entitled Elder: A Valuable Flu-Fighting Ally for your Fall and Winter Medicine Chest.

As well, a recipe for Elder Flower Tincture can be found in herbalist  Michael Vertollie's article entitled: "Suffering from Summer  Allergies? Elder Flower to the Rescue."

https://vitalitymagazine.com/article/articlesuffering-from-summer-allergies-elder-flower-to-the-rescue/ [1]

And there is an excellent video by clinical Herbalist Yarrow Willard which explains the many benefits of elderberry medicine (Sambucus nigra) and how to prepare elderberry syrup.

Warning:

Some parts of the plant are mildly to moderately toxic, especially the inner bark and root. Only the cooked berries and heated flowers are considered safe for moderate use. The bark, root, leaves and unripe berries are toxic and cause cyanide poising. Children are especially sensitive, even to slight unripe berries.

Modern Uses and Revival

Today, the traditional knowledge of elderberries is being revived and  integrated into modern wellness practices. Many people continue to use elderberries for their health benefits, inspired by the wisdom of  Indigenous peoples.

As we incorporate elderberries into our modern lives, it is essential  to honour and acknowledge the Indigenous knowledge that has preserved  the use of this remarkable healing plant for centuries. By respecting and learning from these traditions, we can deepen our appreciation for the natural world and the cultural heritage of Native North America tribes.

We have four elderberry plants on our 10 acre property on Roberts  Creek on the sunshine coast of British Columbia and will try for the first time to make an elderberry wine.

There are no other plans on Earth that offers medicinal versatility, benefits and the healing power like the elderberry plant (besides the  miraculous Neem tree from India).

Words of Wisdom

“If you happen to get sick, herbs can provide profound relief. If you invite an elderberry tree in the yard you will invite elves, the  nature spirit, and the faeries into your life.”

Ellen Ducan

References

Alma R. Hutchins. Indian Herbology of North America

Steven Foster and Christopher Hobbs. Western Medicinl Plants and Herbs

James A. Duke. The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook

Charles W. Fetrow, Juan R. Avila, The Complete Guide to Herbal Medicines

International Herb Association, Elder (Sambucus spp)

https://vitalitymagazine.com,  - "A tribute to doctors, scientists, researchers who supported my neem research since 1994"
https://vitalitymagazine.com/a-tribute-to-the-doctors-scientists-and-researchers-who-supported-my-neem-research-since-1994/   [3]

Disclaimer

Content of this article is for educational purpose only and should not be used for diagnose or treatment of disease. Please  contact your health  care provider.

Links

[1]. https://vitalitymagazine.com/article/articlesuffering-from-summer-allergies-elder-flower-to-the-rescue/

[2] http://www.worldneemorganisation.org

[3] https://vitalitymagazine.com/a-tribute-to-the-doctors-scientists-and-researchers-who-supported-my-neem-research-since-1994/