The Elderflower Tree - nature's total pharmacy

Elderflower in bloom

The Elderflower tree grows abundantly in parks, along pathways and in hedgerows across Britain.  It is considered as a “total pharmacy” as many parts of the tree can be used for a wide range of conditions and ailments, and may be more convenient than visiting the local pharmacy.  

Infusions of fresh or dried Elderflowers can be used, and these should be picked in late May or early June when they are still a healthy creamy colour.  Dry them quickly.  The flowers have a drying quality which means they are helpful for sinusitis, rhinitis, post-nasal drip and  acute and chronic forms of bronchitis as they help to reduce copious sputum.  Used on a long-term basis, the flowers help to support and restore mucosal membranes.  The flowers contain a range of flavonoids e.g. quercetin that are both anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic and therefore elderflower is a key herb in the use of hay fever and asthma.    The flowers are gentle enough to use with babies and children for coughs, colds, fevers and viral infections of the upper respiratory tract.  Elderflower helps to send blood to the skin and thereby reduce fevers and aid skin conditions such as a damp, weepy eczema.  A temperature is an important physiological response to infection and Elderflower can help to maintain this at a restorative, comfortable and unharmful level. Although, do not use at same time as Calpol. Elderberries, harvested in September or October can be taken as a juice, syrup, infused or in tincture form to help enhance the immune system and prevent viral infections, particularly commons colds and the flu, as a gentle laxative and again to aid sweating to reduce fever.  Elderberries are high in Vitamin C and help to deter viruses from attaching to mucous membranes, which is why they are such a great winter tonic.  Elder leaves, gathered in June and July can form a key constituent of an ointment to heal wounds, bruises, burns, sprains, and to ease inflamed joints.  Elder leaves, however, should only be used topically and should not be taken internally.  In my practice, I often use Elderflowers in their dried form as a remedy for hay fever, colds and other allergies, but the berries also form an important part of an immune tea and I include them in a syrup to help fight viral infections, sore throats and tonsilitis, or to be taken as a winter tonic.

Aside from the medicinal properties, Elderflowers mix well with champagne and an Elderflower cordial is cooling on a hot summer’s day.  The berries are an excellent tasty addition to jams and chutney, and Elderflower wine with cinnamon is a soothing hot drink to take for colds.   Always ask permission when collecting from the Elder tree otherwise you could incur bad luck!  Elder has long been considered a magical and protective tree so be sure not to anger the fairies if you by not asking permission to use any part of the plant!!

Nb. Use with caution during pregnancy and lactation and consult a medical herbalist prior to use, especially if you are taking other medications.