Sambucus Nigra

Sambucus nigra is a species of elder native to most of Europe. Commonly known as Elder, Elderberry, Black Elder, or European Elder, it thrives in a variety of conditions, including both wet and dry soils, and prefers sunny locations.

Description

Sambucus nigra is a fast-growing, deciduous shrub that can reach up to 6 meters (19 feet) in height and spread. It flourishes in different soil types — from sandy to clay — and tolerates acidic, neutral, and alkaline conditions. It can grow in semi-shaded areas but prefers full sunlight.

• Flowering Period: June to July

• Fruit Ripening: August to September

• Pollination: By flies

• Wildlife Attraction: Yes

• Soil Preference: Moist, can tolerate heavy clay and even pollution

Traditional Use & History

Elderberry has a long-standing reputation in folk medicine, often called the “medicine chest of country people”. Historically, every part of the plant — flowers, bark, leaves, berries, and pith — was used for different medicinal purposes.

Parts Used

• Whole plant: Bark, leaves, flowers, berries, and pith.

Medicinal Properties & Uses

Flowers:

• Used fresh for making Elder Flower Water.

• Dried flowers act as diaphoretic (promote sweating), diuretic, pectoral (relieve chest problems), and galactagogue (promote milk production).

• Infusions treat fever, chest complaints, and inflamed eyes.

• Externally applied for burns, wounds, and chilblains.

Bark (from young trees):

• Acts as a diuretic, strong purgative, and in large doses, an emetic (induces vomiting).

• Used for constipation and arthritic conditions.

• Made into ointments for emollient (softening) purposes.

Leaves:

• Used fresh or dried.

• Diaphoretic, diuretic, purgative, haemostatic (stop bleeding), and expectant.

• Juice applied for inflamed eyes.

• Ointments for bruises, sprains, chilblains, and wounds.

Fruit (Berries):

• Depurative (cleanses toxins), mild diaphoretic, and gentle laxative.

• A tea made from dried berries helps relieve colic and diarrhoea.

• Used in making wines, preserves, and cordials, believed to retain medicinal properties.

Pith of young stems:

• Applied for burns and scalds.

Health Benefits

Modern herbal medicine recognizes Elderberry for its various health-promoting effects:

• Fights herpes simplex (fever blisters)

• Reduces fever

• Strengthens the immune system

• Eases inflammation

• Soothes the respiratory tract

• Assists with ear infections

• Stimulates circulation

• Aids in healing rheumatic problems

• Helps relieve constipation

Use in Electropathy (E.H.)

In Electropathy, Sambucus nigra is a key ingredient in:

• Yellow Elec.

• Green Elec.

• Febrifugo No. 1