How does it feel?
The elder tree has a rich and varied history of culinary, medicinal and folklore uses. For centuries it has been associated with warding off evil and providing protection from witchcraft. In more recent times it has become better known for warding off the evil of colds and providing protection from flu.
There are many species of elder around the world. The most common medicinal species used is Sambucus nigra, or ‘black elder’, a small deciduous tree native to Europe, North Africa and western Asia. Mature trees can grow to heights of 15m and can live for up to 60 years. The trees bear bunches of small creamy-white umbel flowers with a sweet fragrance which are then followed by juicy bunches of characteristically deep purple small and sour berries. Traditionally, almost every part of the tree is used to prepare medicines, tonics and drinks, including the flowers, berries, bark and leaves.
All around the world the actions of traditional medicines were understood by their immediate sensory impacts. Click on each of elder’s key qualities below to learn more:
What can I use it for?

Elder berries are a rich source of Vitamin C, Anthocyanins and Flavonoids all of which are powerful antioxidants that protect the body from free radicals.
Elderberries have a strong affinity for the respiratory system and encourage the process of expectoration reducing acute and chronic mucous congestion. Elderberries are incredibly soothing and will coat the mucous membranes, alleviating sore throats and irritating coughs. Elderberries have also been shown to neutralise the neuraminidase enzyme responsible for helping the virus enter the body and prevent viral proliferation in the respiratory mucous membranes, neutralising 10 strains of flu virus.
Into the heart of elder

Elder is particularly cleansing to all mucous membranes in the body, with a particular affinity to the respiratory tract and the skin. It relaxes the eliminative organs and detoxifies the blood and the skin. Elderberries are packed full of anti-viral and anti-inflammatory constituents including the antioxidant Vitamin C. Elderberries are strong immune-modulators and will stimulate activity within the immune system. Elderberry has a direct action upon the flu virus, deactivating the enzyme that encourages its proliferation within the respiratory tract.
Elder activates pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines to be released from the immune system making it beneficial for both excessive and deficient immunity. They have a strong impact on the immune system, modulating its response and supporting it during periods of deficiency and excess. Elderberries are also a natural form of Vitamin C which is an immune system enhancer and vital co-factor in numerous enzymatic processes in the body including blood vessel formation, wound healing mechanisms, iron absorption and energy transfer.
Elder is an effective expectorant for the respiratory system, helping to shift stubborn catarrh and mucous in both acute and chronic afflictions of the respiratory system. Elderberries also have a specific action in preventing an enzyme produced by the flu virus from attaching to the cilia in the mucosal membranes of the lungs. Elderflowers have a diaphoretic action which encourages perspiration and can be of particular use in relieving the heat and congestion associated with colds and flu.
Vitamin C is crucial in protecting cellular membranes and the immune system, with a specific action upon wound healing mechanisms both internally and externally on the skin. It has an astringing and toning effect upon the skin and capillary structure. Elder is also a blood tonic, supporting effective cleansing and detoxification in the blood, ensuring that the blood supplying the skin is healthy.
Did you know?
The importance of Elder in centuries past is evident from the popularity of a book published in 1644, which contained 230 pages describing the extraordinary healing properties of the plant.
Recipes

Elderberry Elixir
Our powerful and immune boosting ‘Elderberry Elixir’ recipe is easy to make, enjoyable to drink and a great keep-me-healthy-through-winter herbal remedy.
Ingredients:
- Fresh elderberry 1kg/35oz (or dry)
- Clove bud 10 buds
- Cinnamon bark 3 quills
- Fresh ginger root 10g, about 5cm/2in piece
- Sugar 250g/9oz
Method:
1. Collect your fresh berries on an autumnday.
2. Wash and destalk the berries by using a fork as a mini rake.
3. Put the elderberries in a pan with 1 cup of water and simmer until the berries have released most of their juices (or 1 litre if dry)
4. Place a sieve over a bowl, pour the berries and the liquid into the sieve and crush the berries with a fork to help strain as much liquid as possible into the bowl.
5. Pour this juice back in the saucepan. Add the remaining ingredients. Simmer for 30 minutes on a low heat.
6. Strain again over a bowl. And then decant into sterilised bottles and tightly seal. Store in the fridge for up to 6 months. To drink, add 2 tbsp of Elderberry elixir to a cup of hot water.
Recipe from Cleanse, Nurture, Restore by Sebastian Pole
Additional information
Safety
Leaves may cause a reaction on sensitive skins. Avoid use of root & bark and unripe berries.
Traditional actions
Traditional Ayurvedic characteristics are
- Rasa (taste) Pungent, bitter.
- Good for clearing ama from the gut & from rasa dhatu; enhances immunity, relieves fevers & lymphatic congestion, combats infection. Has affinity with pranavahasrotas, promotes flow of prana by reducing congestion of excess kapha & relieving inflammation of high pitta. Excellent for treating colds, catarrh, flu & fevers, inflamed throats & tonsils, hay fever, coughs & asthma.
Dosage
Dried: 5g daily
Tincture: 10ml daily