Elder (Sambucus nigra): Tree of regeneration and wisdom

by Daphne Lambert

Since ancient times the elder tree's ability to recover when damaged has made it a symbol

of regeneration. It supports the body in healing sadness, grief and depression and helps

release our hold on the past preparing us for change.

More than any other tree the elder has always been considered sacred and magic. Legend has it that the elder tree is the home of the elder mother and embodied in the tree is a powerful female energy of great wisdom. There are very strong superstitions about

cutting the elder tree down, traditionally permission should be sought first and not until

consent has been given from the elder mother, by remaining silent, may the tree be cut

down.

For thousands of years all parts of the tree have been used medicinally, the benefits are so

varied and valuable that the elder has been called 'the medicine chest' tree.

A soothing and protective ointment is made from the green inner bark of the elder

branches and is useful for skin conditions such as eczema. A homoeopathic remedy is

made from the fresh inner bark of the younger branches which acts especially on the

respiratory system. Warm green leaves laid on the temples can be used to relieve

nervous headaches and they are a useful first aid for cuts, bruises, sprains and swollen

joints.

A hot infusion of elder flowers is a wonderful remedy to take at the first sign of colds and

flu.

Elder flowers stimulate the circulation and cause sweating, helping to bring down fevers

and cleanse the system. This soothing drink is a useful remedy for hay-fever, sinusitis,

and catarrh. Elder flower water is a traditional remedy for skin blemishes and sunburn.

Gathering armfuls of fragrant flowers is part of the magic of Summer. Pick the creamy

blossom heads on a sunny day. Dry some by spreading thinly on a rack or parchment

paper in an airy room until dry and crumbly. Rub and shake to separate the flowers from

the stalks, then store the petals in an airtight dark jar and use to make infusions. Turn the

rest into delicious drinks and puddings.

When you harvest the blossoms, don't pick them all or there will not be any berries in the

Autumn. Elder berries are rich in anti oxidant vitamins A and C, iron and potassium and

make a potent syrup for coughs. They make rich pickles, preserves, cordials and wine and

of course they are important food for birds.

Fermented carrot ribbons with elderflowers

Brine made from 1 litre of non chlorinated water and 2 tablespoons salt

Carrots

Elderflowers

Turn the carrots into ribbons, the easiest way to do this is peeling long strips with a vegetable

peeler. Place them in a kilner jar. For each 500g jar add 3 heads of elderflower blossoms cutting away from as much stalk as possible.

Pour over the brine until everything is are fully submerged, leaving a 2 cm headspace. Add some kind of fermenting weight to keep the carrots and elderflowers underneath the brine

Cover loosely with muslin and leave in a warm place away from direct sunlight and allow to

ferment for around 7 - 10 days. You can enjoy the ferment straight away or store unopened in a cool dry place, but best eaten when quite young. Once opened store in the fridge .

Elderflower tea

The best time to harvest eldeflowers to be dried and stored is on a sunny morning, immediately after the dew has evaporated. Don’t wash the flower heads before drying but snip off any thick stemy parts. Dry in a warm well ventilated spot or use a dehydrator. Store in paper bags or glass jars in a cool dark place.

tea for 2

2 tablespoons dried elderflowers

500ml just boiled water

Place flowers into a jug or teapot and pour over the water

Allow to steep for 5 minutes

Strain into mugs or glasses.

Sambucus mojito mocktail

serves 2

1 big handful fresh mint leaves

juice of 2 limes

30 ml elderflower cordial

crushed ice

sparkling apple juice to top up

Mash the mint in a jug with the lime juice and leave to infuse for 10 minutes.

Divide between 2 glasses, add the elderflower cordial , crushed ice & top up with sparkling

apple juice.