Herbal teas nourish and provide many health benefits. Warm liquids are recommended to keep our mucous membranes healthy and resistant. I keep many dried plants as part of my home medicine chest, but with any herb, it’s wise to know how to properly ID them in the wild, and know how to use them; what form is best.

One of my most popular blog posts talked about the value of elderberry. Family and friends frequently ask me about this woody shrub. With the COVID-19 virus causing unprecedented changes to our lives, it was worth looking at the differences between elderberry and echinacea, both used to support our immune systems during cold and flu season. I added echinacea here because folks wonder about that herb’s health benefits. Today, we’ll review elderberry. In Part 2, we’ll look at echinacea and then compare it with the other.

What is Elderberry?

Elderberry: Sambucus nigra, also known as European Elder. Elder has a rich history. One of its names originates from Aeld, which means “fire”. The pith in young branches is soft and easily pushes out. A hollow tube remains, which was used to stoke the kitchen fires. In ancient times, pipes were made of elder wood, hence the common name “pipe tree.” The hollow reed was fashioned into instruments and, of course, pea shooters.

Where Found: common to Europe and Northern Africa; now found all over the United States; in fact, it was thought this was the tree Judas chose to hang from. A fungus occurs on the elder, Hirroneola auricular Judaea, so named from the above historical story or myth. Elder is considered a small tree about 10-12’ high or a shrub. It is commonly found along wood edges, in wood stands, in fields, and along banks and fences.  This plant is also nitrogen-loving and a member of the Honeysuckle family. It flowers from May to June.  Fruit ripens in August. Virginia Tech has a great ID page and plant facts. Elder has a look-a-like called Pokeweed, which I wrote about a while ago to help folks tell the difference between Elderberry and Pokeweed.

Parts Used: bark, leaves, flowers, and berries. Do not eat the bark or leaves raw. The dried flowers and dried or fresh berries are often taken in tea form.

Actions: The flowers and berries are ideal for colds and flu, as well as sinusitis and other inflammation of the upper respiratory tract.
“What our study has shown us is that the common elderberry has a potent direct antiviral effect against the flu virus,” said Dr. Golnoosh Torabian. It inhibits the early stages of infection by blocking key viral proteins responsible for both the viral attachment and entry into the host cells.” Does it work against COVID-19? That’s still in debate. But since these types of viruses can attack our immune system, research is ongoing.

James Duke, Ph.D., who wrote Herb-a-Day, studied the studies conducted on herbs. He recommended the elderberry for the flu. His research states that many Native American tribes used this plant.

Sambucol and Sambucus are two popular names for commercial products that fly off the shelves of health or natural supplement departments. I have heard many stories of folks getting through a winter with few or no respiratory ailments in their households when combining elderberry with good winter health practices. If a cold hits, elderberry syrup is often the herb of choice.  Research studies are being conducted by notable universities’ Complementary and Alternative Medical Departments, including the NIH. The German Commission E recommends elderberry and elderflower preparations for colds, flu, and even bronchitis.

Medical News Today states: One cup of elderberries contains 106 calories and 26.68 grams (g) of carbohydrate. A cup also contains the following vitamins and minerals:

• 870 mg of vitamin A
• 406 mg of potassium
• 52.2 mg of vitamin C
• 9 mg of folate
• 55 mg of calcium
• 2.32 mg of iron

Elderberries are also an excellent source of fiber, with 10.2 g per cup.

How used: Elder flowers can be brewed into tea. Elderberry syrup and lozenges are part of my home medicine chest. I usually use elderberry during the winter or if I am traveling to keep my immune system strong. In fact, some research indicates it’s beneficial to take when flying. There are many products available for children, too. In view of the recent flu outbreaks, I thought it essential to get information out about this excellent plant. The berries have a long “food as medicine” history and can be found in recipes including wine, jams, vinegar, and more.

Nature has so many remedies for us. Doug Tallamy, a podcast guest on my show, Holistic Nature of Us, reminds us that our personal land can play a massive part in supporting wildlife. And Elderberry is a host plant for a variety of butterflies and moths.

Elder, referenced by Shakespeare and Pliny, holds a place of connection, whether superstition, hedgerows, or poetry, capturing us with its many uses and meanings. COVID-19 surprised us, caught us off guard. Many wondered how best to support our immune systems during this crisis we faced not long ago. Not just for COVID, but we still get colds and influenza too. What helps?

For more herbal information, my book  At the Garden’s Gate, the eBook, is available through Amazon: https://shorturl.at/fEC8d, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads. The paperback version is available thought my website: www.judithdreyer.com I discuss twelve plants, their benefits and how I used them along with practical guidance for working safely with wild edibles.

Have you made elderberry vinegar or jam?

Next week, we’ll talk about echinacea and then compare the actions and uses of both plants.

We enjoy hearing from you. Leave a comment below.

Enjoy. Judith

Judith Dreyer, MS, BSN, Writer, Speaker, and Workshop Presenter, Master Gardener.

---

At The Garden's Gate - Available Online! Purchase Now | Find on Amazon