Elderflower
Elderflower has a floral flavour that’s slightly herby, sweet and musky. The flowers are famous for making elderflower cordial. Elderflower is a fantastic herb for fighting respiratory infections and irritation. Commonly used to reduce fever and inflammation, for colds, flus, coughs and congestion, to relieve seasonal allergies and hay fever.
Elder has a very long history of household use as a medicinal herb and is also much used by herbalists. The plant has been called ‘the medicine chest of country people’. The flowers are the main part used in modern herbalism, though all parts of the plant have been used at times. The inner bark is collected from young trees in the autumn and is best sun-dried. An emollient ointment is made from the green inner bark.
An infusion is very effective in the treatment of chest complaints and is also used to bathe inflamed eyes. The infusion is also a very good spring tonic and blood cleanser. Externally, the flowers are used in poultices to ease pain and abate inflammation. A tea made from the dried berries is said to be a good remedy for colic and diarrhoea.
Preparation
1-2 tsp/cup, steep covered 10 minutes. Drink 3 times daily.
Specifications for Elderflower
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Botanical Name |
Sambucus nigra |
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Other Names |
European Elder, Black elderberry, American black elderberry, Blue elderberry, European black elderberry |
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Organic Status |
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Country of Origin |
Australia |
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Plant Part |
Flower/Petal |
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Cut Size |
Uncut |
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Packaging |
Home compostable, reusable zip lock pouch |
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Precautions |
The leaves and stems are poisonous. The fruit of many species (although no records have been seen for this species) has been known to cause stomach upsets to some people. Any toxin the fruit might contain is liable to be of very low toxicity and is destroyed when the fruit is cooked. |
Vegan Friendly
