The Elderberry tree has long been a source of food and medicine for the human species. Found in Neolithic pole-dwellings in Switzerland were elderberry seeds dating back to 2000 BCE*. Although no written record details the elder seeds usage, archeologists hypothesized the Elderberry tree to have been cultivated by these early peoples. They were skilled farmers. Ancient Egyptians believed Elderberry would improve skin complexion and heal burns and scars. This ancient medicine’s wonders were eventually recorded over the ages by Hippocrates in 400 BCE as “nature's medicine chest” and in the Italian notes of Pliney the Elder in 77 CE, who wrote of the uses of the Elderberry fruit. Charlemagne, the first emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, decreed in the 700’s CE, that the tree be planted throughout his empire. As a folk medicine the elderberry tree held magic and mystery. European people of the early and middle ages felt that the tree or bush was “sacred to Holle, the guardian of the dead.” No one wanted to trifle with Holle who was the spirit who helped those passing from life into death. She “communicated with and helped souls to pass over.” Because of this fear or one may say, respect, people would carry bits of elder wood for protection. Bundles of the elder wood would be tied over their entry doors for the same purpose. As a folk medicine, people used the elderberry to relieve headaches, soothe nerve and dental pain. The Native Americans have been using the Elderberry tree for centuries, both as a medicine and as a wood from which to make musical instruments. The interior of a branch is soft and easily cored out, with the necessary drilled holes and adaptations the end result is a flute. The ancient Asian Lyre-like instrument was made from “the tree of music”. The qualities of the Elderberry tree that the Native Americans discovered included using the berries not only for food but also for a deep purple dye. They used the bark, leaves and flowers for anti-inflammatory, diuretic and laxative purposes. The flowers were used to make tea. Native Americans were advanced in their medicinal uses of plants and herbs. Now we know that the flowers contain up to 10 times more flavonols than the berries. The antioxidants quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin are in the flowers. Image from healthinasecond.com There are innumerable uses for all parts of the Elderberry tree. It is said that “immersing elderberry flowers in oil can create a soothing massage oil to relax sore muscles and relieve sunburn”. Scientists have found that elderberry can “prevent the influenza virus from continuing to spread even after the cells have been infected by the virus.” Perhaps it would behoove us to have some on hand in case those of us who have had our Covid inoculations are exposed to it from someone who has elected not to have the shots. Elderberry syrup can be found in some commercial cough medicines. Studies have also shown that Elderberry can give relief from “symptoms of mental/emotional disorders such anxiety and depression”. It also has cancer inhibiting properties.
Elderberry trees can be found throughout Europe and North America. Here it grows wild along the riverbanks and roadside. Those who have it on their property find that it spreads easily. These people are inclined to share root starts of the trees. That is how I got mine which were only a few inches tall when I got them. Now three feet tall! Thank you, Becky.
As a final comment about Elderberry trees, there is a folk tradition that links the Elder tree to Judas and Jesus’s cross. As with other trees that provide us with homes, food, and fresh oxygen, the modest Elderberry tree is sacred. Elderberry encomium, indeed!
*It used to be BC and AD. Now the terminology has been changed to CE=common era or BCE=before common era. [email protected] ©Ann Rains July, 2021
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