Elderberry is really having its moment in the spotlight, much like Echinacea did in the 90s. Rightfully so! Elderberry and Elderflower both tout wonderful medicinal uses.

Before we go any further I think it is very important to note the warnings of this berry bush. If you are experiencing symptoms from accidental elderberry poisoning, call the poison control hotline at 1-800-222-1222

1. Some people have allergic reactions to elder, if you are one of those people, do no mess with elder in any form.

2. If you have an auto immune disease, do not take elderberry or flower.
   - MS, Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, had an organ transplant, Crohn’s Disease, Psoriasis, or take steroid medications.

3. There are no known major interactions to prescription medication, there are mild interactions with 28 different drugs. Check with your doctor before consuming elderberry.

4. Raw berries and leaves contain cyanide. DO NOT CONSUME ELDERBERRIES RAW. Cooking with destroy the cyanide toxicity. If you are going to grow Elder on your property, make sure it is well away from children or pets who might want to eat the berries.

Now that we have the unpleasantness out of the way, lets talk about the awesome properties of the elderberry and flower

BENEFITS

Cold and Flu
Antioxidant
Immune Support
UTI Support
Anti-inflammatory
Digestive Support
Cancer Fighter
Pain Relief
Respiratory Support
Lowers Blood Pressure
Supports Diabetes
Vitamin A, C, B6, Iron, Potassium

Using the Berries

Elderberries can be extremely toxic if eaten raw. Store only cooked and dried berries. If you are going to freeze fresh berries, make sure they are well labeled and out of the reach of children. Dried berries can be made into a tea by boiling the berries for 20 minutes. They are most commonly made into a syrup and store in the refrigerator. Fresh berries can be made into a jam or pie. Follow recipe directions and fully cook the berries to remove cyanide toxicity.

Using the Flowers

Elderflower tea is used to support respiratory health, treat a runny nose, as a diuretic and laxative. It is high in Vitamin C and has been used to treat a fever and also improving allergy symptoms. The flowers have less cyanide probability, but it is still recommended to consume the flowers after cooking. Skincare: infuse the flowers into a carrier oil to make into a serum, a cream or a salve to increase circulation to the skin. Generally used for firming skin, improving complexion and evening skin tone.

Growing an Elderberry Bush

This perennial bush will grow in zones 4-9. It prefers full to partial sun in moist, well drained soil. I got my elderberry bare root starts from Springtime Blooms. They come in sets of two, which is optimal for pollination.

Stocking Your Apothecary

If you don’t plan to grow elderberries on your property and would prefer to purchase ready to go, dried berries; you can order some here.

Printable

click on the picture below for the printable PDF for your herb journal