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Elder

Botanical Name
Sambucus nigra

Other Names
Tree Of Music, Tree Of Medicine, Sambu, Danewort, Pipe Tree, Black Elderberry

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Name
Elder

Botanical Name
Sambucus nigra, Sambucus canadensis

Other Names
Black Elderberry, Danewort, Pipe Tree, Sambu, Tree of Music, Tree of Medicine.

Family
Caprifoliaceae. Honeysuckle Family

Parts Used 
Leaves, Flowers, Berries.

Description
The Elderberry is a type of purple-black colored berry.

Overview  and Mythology.
The hollow stems of the elder were blown on a fire to get it started. 
An old Anglo-Saxon term, 'Aeld', meaning fire or kindle is thought to be the derivative of the name Elder.

Many cultures felt this tree was so special that they refused to burn the wood or use it to make furniture,
It was planted by homes to protect the house from lightning, bring prosperity, happy marriage and healthy children, and protect from evil.
It is the tree of the fairies and witches do not like it. 

Distribution
Planted for hedges in England. I have seen trees up to 5 meters and although they tend to spread, the Elder does reach a good height.
Spread worldwide but in warmer countries rarely produce berries

Energetics.
Leaves----Bitter, Cool, Dry. Bark----Hot and Dry

Constituents.
Its flavonoids and phenolic acids may contribute to the diaphoretic (sweating) effect..
The flavonoids and triterpenes appear to be the main biologically active constituents.

Polyphenols:     Bioflavonoids: Anthocyanidins. Cyanidin,
Astragalin, Isoquercitrin, Kaempferol, Quercetin and Rutin
Anthocyanidins are a class of Bioflavonoids that are the water-soluble pigments responsible for the vivid colors of many types of Berries.

Triterpenes
Ursolic and Oleanolic acid,a - and b -amyrin               

Minerals:
Mainly Potassium and Iron
Calcium, Phosphorus                           

Vitamins:
Vitamin B1,Vitamin B2,
Vitamin B6, Vitamin C        

Used in the following internal illnesses
Acne, Catarrh, Chills, Colds, Fever, Flu, Gout, Headache, Measles, Obesity, Respiratory Infection, Rheumatism

Health Benefits of Elderberry

Immune System
Elderberry (standardized extract - two tablespoons per day for children or four tablespoons per day for adults) prevents the replication of all three strains of Influenza Viruses that cause Influenza (due to the Proteins and Polyphenols in Elderberry):   

Elderberry prevents Influenza Viruses from entering Cells (which in turn prevents Influenza Viruses from replicating).

Influenza Viruses contain an enzyme named Viral Neuraminidase in its “spikes” and it is this enzyme which punctures Cell Membranes allowing the Virus to penetrate into Cells.

Elderberry’s Lectins content inhibits the Viral Neuraminidase enzyme.

By inhibiting the ability of Influenza Viruses that cause Influenza to replicate, Elderberry prevents Influenza and minimizes the symptoms of Influenza.

External Medicinal Use
Eye Inflammation, Inflammation, Skin, Sore Throat

External Applications.
Flowers make an anti-inflammatory wash, salve or eyewash, and gargle for sore throat.  Also used in cosmetic preparations such as skin wash, toner, lotion and hair rinse.

 
Contra indications and side effect
Avoid in cases of fluid depletion, as Elder activates the release of fluids.
Avoid using red berried Elders, as many of them are poisonous.  Cook ripe berries first before consuming them in any quantity.  Although elder bark and root can be strongly purgative and emetic and are best avoided or used when recommended by a competent health practitioner.

Use During Pregnancy And Lactation.
No Restrictions Known

Interactions with Other Drugs.
None Known

Doctrine of Signatures
Hollow pipe-like branches indicate bronchial aids.
Outgrowths from the bark called lenticels give an indication of its medical use in skin ailments.

Astrology.
Venus in Aquarius

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