Growing abundantly throughout the UK, except for the highlands of Scotland, Elder provides us with an abundance of medicine we can sustainably harvest. It is a herb that is steeped in folklore and has long been revered and respected as an important herb through the ages.
It is truly a whole medicine chest in itself with three parts of the plant used for medicine: the young leaves harvested in the early spring, the flowers in summer and the berries in the autumn.
Elder Leaf:
Elder leaves are among the first to emerge in early spring. When crushed, they have a strong acrid/fetid scent, which is potently insecticidal. In the past, these leaves were traditionally used to make a green ointment, traditionally known as unguentum sambuci viride, that was used on strains, sprains and bruises topically. Elder leaves contain a plant constituent called sambunigrin, which has an analgesic (pain-relieving) action. The leaves can be infused into oils or ointments and rubbed onto mild bruising as an alternative to arnica.
The leaves should not be ingested internally, as they contain cyanogenic glycosides (as does the bark, pith, root and raw/unripe berries), which are mildly toxic and can cause vomiting.
Flower:
Elder’s large creamy-white flowers (sometimes with hints of blush pink) are displayed in broad, flat clusters and decorate the hedgerows from late spring into early summer. These fragrant blossoms have been enjoyed as a sweet cordial for generations. Beyond their pleasant aroma, elder flowers are a valued medicine for their anti-inflammatory, soothing action on the upper respiratory system and sinuses, which makes them ideal for treating hay fever symptoms. For best results, flowers are typically harvested on a dry day while they are fragrant, preserving their aromatic compounds.
Elderberries:
In the early autumn, deep purple-black and glossy berries appear. These berries are high in vitamins A and C, polyphenols, flavonoids and antioxidants. The berries should not be ingested raw, due to the aforementioned cyanogenic glycosides. However, once processed (heated or dried in a syrup, fruit rob or tea), the berries can be consumed. Studies have shown the berries have anti-viral actions which inhibit viruses from attaching to the body’s cells and replicating, as well as supporting the important work of the immune system to both lessen the severity and duration of cold and flu viruses*
If you’re keen to go out and harvest your own elder medicine, keep a few simple foraging rules in mind: always be completely certain of your identification (a trusted floral key is far more reliable than a plant app) and always harvest sustainably. Only gather what you need, leaving plenty behind for the plant to thrive and for wildlife that depends on it.
* Porter, R. S., & Bode, R. F. (2017). A review of the antiviral properties of black elder (Sambucus nigra L.) products. Phytotherapy Research, 31(4), 533–554. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5782
Tiralongo, E., Wee, S. S., & Lea, R. A. (2016). Elderberry Supplementation Reduces Cold Duration and Symptoms in Air-Travellers: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Nutrients, 8(4), 182. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8040182