Identification of Elderflower
Botanical Name: Sambucus nigra (European elder)Family: Adoxaceae (formerly Caprifoliaceae)Tree/Shrub:Height: 10–30 feet (3–9 meters)Leaves: Pinnately compound with 5–9 serrated leafletsFlowers: Creamy-white, flat-topped clusters (umbels) 5–10 inches wide, blooming in late spring to early summerScent: Sweet, floral, slightly muskyBerries: Small, dark purple-black, ripen later in the season (used separately from flowers)Lookalikes:
Beware of poisonous lookalikes such as red elderberry (Sambucus racemosa) and water hemlock—make sure you’re harvesting the right plant!Historical Uses of Elderflower
Ancient Europe
Regarded as a sacred tree in Celtic and Germanic cultures.Elder was thought to ward off evil and was called the “tree of witches.”In Norse mythology, associated with Freyja, the goddess of love and beauty.Medieval Herbalism
Used for fevers, wounds, colds, and skin eruptions.Elderflower water was a common beauty tonic for brightening and softening the skin.Featured in folk charms, particularly in rural Europe, as protection against illness and lightning.Folk Medicine
“The medicine chest of the common people.” All parts (flowers, berries, bark) were used.Flowers were used in syrups, cordials, and infusions for colds, flu, and hay fever.Medicinal Benefits of Elderflower (Modern Uses)
1. Respiratory Relief
Elderflowers act as a diaphoretic—they promote sweating and help break fevers.Useful in treating cold, flu, sinus infections, and hay fever.Often used in combination with yarrow and peppermint for cold and flu blends.2. Anti-Inflammatory & Antioxidant
Contains flavonoids (like quercetin and rutin) that reduce inflammation and support immunity.Traditionally used to calm swollen sinuses and relieve arthritic pain.3. Diuretic & Detoxifying
Helps flush toxins through the urinary system and supports lymphatic drainage.4. Skin Care
Elderflower water or infusions are applied to acne, eczema, burns, and sunburn.Historically used in lotions and toners for whitening the skin and soothing irritations.5. Digestive Support
Mildly carminative and can help with gas, bloating, and indigestion, especially when caused by colds or stress.Get some dried elderflower by Frontier Co-op from my Amazon Affiliate link to make your own herbal medicines.
How to Use Elderflower
Forms of Use
Tea/Infusion: Dried or fresh elderflowers steeped in hot water.Tincture: Alcohol-based extract.Syrup: Combined with honey or sugar; excellent for colds and flu.Cordials: Sweet herbal drinks, often carbonated or diluted.Elderflower water: For skin care or mild perfumery.Culinary: Used in jams, champagne, sorbets, pancake batter, and desserts.Suggested Dosage (General Guidance)
Tea: 1–2 tsp dried flowers per cup of water, steep 10–15 min. Up to 3x daily.Tincture: 2–4 ml up to 3x daily.Syrup: 1–2 tsp as needed for cold symptoms.Elderflower Cold & Flu Tea Recipe
1 tsp dried elderflower1 tsp dried peppermint1 tsp dried yarrowInstructions:
Steep in 1 cup boiling water for 10–15 minutes. Drink warm 2–3 times daily at onset of cold or flu.
Safety & Precautions
Flowers are generally safe and well-tolerated.Only use flowers, not raw stems, leaves, or unripe berries—they contain cyanogenic glycosides (mildly toxic).Use caution if pregnant or nursing—consult an herbalist or physician.May interact with diuretics or diabetes medications—monitor usage accordingly.
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