Elderberry Medicine Making

Elder (Sambucus sp)  is a much loved plant widely recognized for its healing properties. The berries are often harvested and dried, then used to create herbal extracts, syrups, jams, jellies, and other culinary delights.

Elderberries

I wanted to share some fascinating information about Elder (Sambucus sp), a plant widely recognized for its healing properties. The berries are often harvested and dried, then used to create herbal extracts, syrups, jams, jellies, and other culinary delights.

Elder is also a traditional folk remedy for the winter cold and flu season due to its impressive antiviral activity. I particularly enjoy combining it with the root of Elecampane (Inula helenium) to craft a potent cough and cold syrup. The potential health benefits of elderberries are extensive, including antioxidant activity, immune support, cardiovascular protection, antiviral effects, and stress reduction.

Beyond the berries, the flowers of the Elder plant are also used to alleviate cold and flu symptoms. They are typically harvested in the spring and can be preserved to be combined with the berries during the fall harvest.

The Elder itself is a small shrub or tree that thrives in various environments, often found growing wild along roadsides and in ditches. There are over 30 known species, all characterized by opposite, pinnate leaves with 5-9 leaflets. The creamy white flowers appear in the spring in an inflorescent arrangement, while the blue or black berries form in an infructescence, meaning they are a group of fruits arranged on a main branch or a complex system of branches

Elder is also a traditional folk remedy for the winter cold and flu season due to its impressive antiviral activity. I particularly enjoy combining it with the root of Elecampane (Inula helenium) to craft a potent cough and cold syrup. The potential health benefits of elderberries are extensive, including antioxidant activity, immune support, cardiovascular protection, antiviral effects, and stress reduction.

Beyond the berries, the flowers of the Elder plant are also used to alleviate cold and flu symptoms. They are typically harvested in the spring and can be preserved to be combined with the berries during the fall harvest.

The Elder itself is a small shrub or tree that thrives in various environments, often found growing wild along roadsides and in ditches. There are over 30 known species, all characterized by opposite, pinnate leaves with 5-9 leaflets. The creamy white flowers appear in the spring in an inflorescent arrangement, while the blue or black berries form in an infructescence, meaning they are a group of fruits arranged on a main branch or a complex system of branches.

What is an oxymel? An oxymel is a sweet and sour herbal syrup. It contains vinegar, honey & herbs. This preparation is beneficial for respiratory conditions, so the herbs contained therein will usually reflect that.

How to make an oxymel Fill a small jar about half to three-fourths full of herbs. Pour honey over them, then vinegar. Use about 1/3 of the jar filled with honey to 2/3 of the rest vinegar OR for a sweeter syrup, try 1/2 jar honey and 1/2 jar vinegar. It’s a very flexible amount. Both honey and vinegar act as preservatives, so you’re not going to ruin the mixture by altering the ratios. Stir it all together; it might not blend well at first, but it will settle and blend over time. Just stir or shake it every day for about two weeks, then strain the herbs out, bottle it up and store in a cool place or the refrigerator.Take oxymels by the spoonful for sore throats, thick congested coughs or as a general treatment to combat cold symptoms.

Some herbs recommended for use in oxymels *Bee Balm (Monarda): sore throat, antibacterial, helpful for thick congested coughs, fever

Elderberries: antiviral, immune boosting, ingest to recover more quickly from colds and flu.

*Elderflowers and buds: specific for sore throats, immune-stimulating

*Ginger, Garlic & Onion: to make a tonic to fight cold and flu (make sure to mince your garlic into tiny bits & refrigerate this combination) Lemon Peel: can be added for flavor

*Mint: stomach-soothing, digestive aid

*Oregano: antibacterial, antiviral, useful for upper respiratory infections