American Black Elderberry
(Sambucus nigra L. spp. canadensis)
Other Names:
Black elder, Canada elderberry, common elderberry
Range:
Family:
Adoxaceae – Moschatel family
Growth Type:
Deciduous perennial shrub or small tree
Height:
Can grow up to 20' tall or more, although most specimens I have seen average about 8-10' tall
Leaves:
The leaves are pinnate and typically contain 5–9 leaflets. Each leaf is 2 - 12 in long, and the leaflets have serrated margins.
Stem/Trunk:
Multiple stemmed shrub
Root:
Spreading root system
Flower Season:
Late spring
Flower Appearance:
Large clusters of small white or cream-colored flowers
Seed/Fruit:
Large clusters of small, glossy, dark purple to black berries, approximately 1/8" in diameter
Miscellaneous characteristics:
N/A
Habitat:
Sunny locations in fertile soils of fields, and alongside streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes
Parts Used:
Flowers, Ripe Berries
Uses:
Culinary Uses:
Flowers can be soaked in water and fermented to make an effervescent "soda-like" drink. The unripe berries are mildly toxic, but lose this toxicity as they ripen. The ripe berries can be eaten raw, but may cause gastric upset. Cooked berries are used in jams, pies, compotes. The ripe berries have been harvested to make a delicate and delicious wine.
The following text is meant for informational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose or treat any illness or injury. Always consult with a physician or other qualified medical care provider concerning the diagnosis and treatment of any illness or injury.
Energetics - Flower
Taste: Sweet
Thermal: Cooling
Humidity: Drying
Energetics - Fruit
Taste: Sour
Thermal: Cooling
Humidity: Moistening
Medicinal Uses:
Elderberry has been used medicinally for hundreds of years. It was used to treat injuries and rheumatism. Recent scientific studies have demonstrated elderberry to be effective at alleviating allergies, increasing respiratory health, and treating influenza. I have found a syrup made from elderberries, licorice root, mullein, and cherry juice, taken when symptoms first appear, to be highly effective at heading off a cold or flu.
Cautions According To WebMD
Contra-Indications
None Known
Possible Side Effects:
None Known
Possible Interactions:
None Known
Medicinal Actions:
Alterative,
Anticatarrhal,
Antipyretic,
Aperient,
Cathartic,
Cholagogue,
Diaphoretic,
Emetic
Herbal Preparations For Sambucus nigra L. spp canadensis
Infusion
Part Used: Flowers
Plant State: Fresh
Place 2 ounces of the fresh chopped flowers into a quart mason jar, and fill the jar with almost boiling water. Cover the jar, place it in a sunny location, and let it sit for 8 to 10 hours. If refrigerated, the infusion will last a couple of days.
Dosage: 1-2 oz up to 3 times daily
Cold Infusion
Part Used: Leaves
Plant State: Fresh
Place 2 ounces of the fresh chopped leaves into a quart mason jar, and fill the jar with clear, cold, water. Cover the jar, place it in a sunny location, and let it sit for 24 hours. If refrigerated, the infusion will last a couple of days.
Dosage: 1-2 oz up to 3 times daily
Elderberry Syrup
Part Used: Fruit
Plant State: Dried
This is a wonderfully healthful syrup that is meant to be taken at the first sign of cold. If you take it after the cold has taken hold, it is too late. However, if you catch it at first symptoms, it will probably stop you from getting sick.
Ingredients:
Simmer 30 minutes, strain, and add honey/alcohol to preserve.
Dosage Directions:
At the first sign of symptoms, take 1/2 tsp every 15 minutes for the first hour, and then every hour until symptoms subside.
This recipe was developed by Rosalee De La Foret
Elderberry Cold & Flu Tincture
I love the efficacy of Rosalee De La Foret's elderberry syrup recips. However, I did not like the short shelf life. That did not work for my family's busy lifestyle. I decided to experiment and see if I could adapt it into an effective tincture. The following recipe is the one I have used for a few years, and have found it to be every bit as effective as Rosalee's original syrup.
Part Used: Fruit
Plant State: Dried
This tincture works amazingly well, but only when taken at the first signs of illness, It will not work to eliminate an existing cold or flu infection.
Recipe:
Mix all ingredients together in a quart mason jar. Next pour the contents of the jar into a blender and blend until all of the plant material is thoroughly chopped into fine pieces and incorporated into the menstrum. This will increase the surface area and provide better leaching of the plant constituents. As a matter of fact, this method works so well that, if necessary, the tincture can be used in as little as 7 days. Now pour the contents of the blender back into the jar, being careful to scrape every last bit of goodness from the blender. Label jar with name of tincture, percentage of alcohol, and date started. Tightly seal the jar, shake vigorously, and place in a dark cupboard for 30 days. Once a day for the first 7 days, take the jar out and shake vigorously. After 30 days have elapsed, pour the contents of the jar through a fine sieve to strain. The tincture should remain viable for 2-3 years.
This tincture is an adaptation of Rosalee De La Foret's elderberry syrup recipe.
Elderberry
