Nature's Choice

"When you settle a share of land, first plant an Elder Tree, then make your home there."

-T. Elder Sachs

Elderberry Shrub  December 2009

It is coming upon us, that time of year where we intermix with peoples of contagious sickness . . . but let us not fear the proper nourishment of our immune systems! Elderberry Shrub, otherwise known as Sambucus nigra. Caprifoliaceae. is a good immune ally to have stored in the cupboard. All parts of the Elder Shrub have medicinal qualities, albeit the twigs bark and roots are to only be used under medical supervision. Medicinally, Elder is anti-viral, anti-fungal,anti-inflammatory, a useful topical treatment for burns and infections, rashes (the leaves can be used for this purpose too) and salves can be made from the berries, teas, syrups and extracts. Elderberries are diaphoretic when taken hot, diuretic when taken cold, anti-viral and contain vitamin C!^1,2 It's not enough that that they taste good and the berries ripen to beautiful dark blues and purples at time of harvest; they are a true herbal companion to keep about the house.

The Elder Tree has a long history of playing with its surrounding humans, and was always thought to bless a homestead and bring good luck. Try some of the recipes and techniques included in this section, and you can decide how accurate this folklore is!

The Elder Tree, in my own opinion, brings good luck to homesteads, families and communities, and I am ever thankful that She exists in this world! Have you got an old family recipe for elderberries? If you do, send them my way and I may try them out and write about them! Email lemonlotus@gmail.com and put Elderberry in the subject line. Stories, folklore, recipes, techniques and personal experiences are all welcome!

Summer L. Michaelson
Village Herbalist

Elderberry Elixir:

Decoct (gently cook) your frozen or dried elderberries by this method. Take your elderberries and place in a pot, cover with cold, clean water, then put a cover on. Let them soak overnight or 8-24 hours. Bring to boil, then a gentle simmer for approximately 30 minutes. Move away from heat and allow cooling, then strain the berries.

To make syrup, add 2 parts honey or sugar (I recommend local honey) to 1 part of elderberry tea, bring to a gentle a simmer over stove again to fully dissolve and incorporate the honey. You're done!

Elderberry Extract:

An extract of elderberries can be made, but I find the elderberry syrup is perfect for our family. To make an extract, place your fresh, or frozen ground elderberries (or elderflowers) into a glass jar and cover with 190 proof vodka. Top off the jar with a splash of clean water. If using dried elderberries, 100 proof vodka is great, skip the additional water step. Pour your mixture into a glass jar, cover with a piece of wax paper, and put the lid on. Shake frequently (once or twice a day for six weeks) and store in a dark cupboard. After this time, strain out the berries/flowers and bottle in dark tinted glass bottles and keep in a dark place or root cellar. Lasts indefinitely.

Elderberry Extract Syrup:

Make an elderberry extract, using fresh, dried or frozen elderberries, using the recipe above. After six weeks, strain the berries. Add a cup of local honey per a quart, mix well and decant into smaller bottles to give to everyone in the family! Shelf stable and a perfect on the fly way to keep elderberry at your fingertips everywhere you go. Take at the first sign of feeling poorish, and anytime when intermingling with the contagious.

Elderberry Tea:

Elderberry tea is an absolute treat, as are elderberry pies and muffins. Use fresh, frozen or dried elderberries. Using the same method for the making of elderberry elixir, I set my elderberries to soak overnight in a pot of clean, cold water and bring to a gentle boil the next day. Once a boil is reached, I turn down the heat and simmer gently, covered, for about 30 minutes. Strain the berries and serve with a dollop of local honey.

Elderflower Tea:

Elderflowers and elderberries contain immune-stimulating compounds, and are wonderful in any viral condition to support the body. If taken hot, is diaphoretic, which means it helps the body rid itself of viruses by producing perspiration. My favorite method for this is to bathe in elderflowers, place them in a muslin sack in the bathtub. At the same time, drink a hot cup of elderberry/elderflower tea. After the bath, dress warmly, put socks on the feet, jump in bed and cover up.

To make the elder tea, boil some water, pour over elderberries/flowers and let steep for 5-15 minutes. Drink the tea or use for a soothing and useful skin wash or compress. If making a compress, place your elderflowers in a muslin cloth before pouring water over the cloth, cover and steep. Elderberries/flowers make a delightful addition to other teas, like red teas (rooibos, honeybush), and green teas.

My Favorite Cold Busting and Preventing Tea:

Soak Elderberries in cold water overnight if you have the time, bring to a gentle boil. Turn off heat, add peppermint and yarrow. Steep for 15 minutes and enjoy!

Elderberry/Elderflower Pickles:

I pour hot apple cider vinegar over fresh berries and flowers in a glass jar or lead free fermenting crock. Make sure all the flowers are covered in vinegar, and let sit overnight. The next day strain your flowers out, and voila, a wonderful old ladies remedy for sore throats. Easy!

Dried Elderflowers for Apple Storage:

Store your winter apples in crates with dried elderflowers, they will commingle and ripen the flavor of the apples. For apple rings, partially dry for 2-3 hours in a food dehydrator or oven (they will be flexible, not fully dry), remove and place them in a muslin cloth with a handful of dried elderflowers, and tie up with a pretty ribbon or piece of string. Hang them in the pantry or any dark and dry place. The apple rings will last up to a year this way with no further treatments or refrigeration, and the flavor will be outstanding. Use them as a tasty, healthy, quick snack or chop up your apple rings and simmer in tea with spices or with the elderflowers themselves. This makes the pantry smell good too!

*Tip: for lighter colored apple slices, place them in a bowl of lemon water before dehydrating.