Sambucus nigra Elder Related species:
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The elder had the reputation of repelling
and frustrating witches. The Romans made black hair dye from the berries
and, in England, it was believed that a death would follow in the family
that burned elder wood in the fireplace. On the Scottish border, it was
believed that the elder would only flourish where blood had been spilt.
Leaves gathered on the eve of May Day were considered an effective treatment
for toothache, melancholy, and the bites of mad dogs and adders. The elder
was thought to be an infallible protection against lightning, and was often
planted by stable doors to protect livestock.
Elder leaves can be stewed for 15 minutes, strained, and used to bathe inflammation, bruises, sprains, eczema, burns, scalds and boils. Elder tea calms the nerves, soothes headaches, is cooling for fevers, and helps to cure throat infections. The flowers can be added to stewed fruit (especially gooseberries and apples), jams, jellies and vinegars. They can also be used to make fritters and to flavour cordials. Although the berries are high in Vitamin C, they should not be eaten raw. The elder likes a sunny, moist position, and will thrive in almost any garden soil. It responds well to pruning, and replaces lost growth quickly and vigorously. It is most easily propagated by taking cuttings in autumn. |