I planted an 10cm tall Elder plant near the gate into the chicken run in December ‘24. The mower man came a month or so later, and not seeing the little seedling, mowed over it and reduced it to a 2cm seedling.

But Elder didn’t miss a beat. It’s now, 11 months later, 3m high and climbing - and this is after an extremely robust pruning in late winter. I’ve spent this year watching this plant flourish, the flowers bloom, then the berries grace us with their presence. And it was such a joy to slowly gather up an Elderberry stash over autumn in preparation for winter. And leave some berries to share with the birds who love to land and spend time in its branches also.

Getting the privilege of watching these plants I was theoretically trained in grow in real life and time highlights how something like Elder is so present in European and UK lore, and is such a popular medicine made by as Elder has spread to different corners of the globe.

Its a highly prolific and resilient plant, with so many blessings to offer us in those two words alone.

Any Harry Potter fans remember the fanfare around the Elder wand? This is a plant deeply entrenched in folklore, and has been honoured across cultures for its connection to ancestral wisdom, boundaries and protection.

It’s then perhaps unsurprising that beyond these psycho-spiritual gifts of Elder, it also offers us physical gifts of wisdom, boundaries and protection in the form of its powerful immune stimulating actions, helping to strengthen and bolster our protective immune system/defenses when we fall ill.

Best taken at the first signs of illness, its such a powerful ally to have sitting in the medicine cupboard, ready to pull out and use for the whole family when illness is doings the rounds, winter is around the corner, or colds or flus strike the household.

Elderberry Mini Monograph

Latin Binomial: Sambucus nigra
Plant Part Used: Ripe berries
Plant Energetics: Cooling, Moistening, Protective
Planetary Ruler: Venus

Main Chemical Constituents:

Anthocyanins, flavonoids (quercetin, rutin), triterpenes, phenolic acids, vitamins A and C

Directions

Shake well before use.

General and preventative use:

Adults: Apply 1 to 2 droppers onto the tongue or into a glass of water 1 to 3 times daily.

Children over 12 months: apply 1/3 to 1/2 dropper onto the tongue or into a glass of water 1 to 3 times daily.

Acute use (active infection):

Adults: 1-2 droppers every 2-4 hours onto the tongue or into a glass of water.

Children: ½ to 1 dropper every 2-4 hours as above.

Top Health Indications

• Early-stage colds, flus, and viral infections

• Immune system support and immune modulation

• Fever support, reducing temperature and duration of illness

• Antioxidant-rich tonic for seasonal changes and general health

• Moistening to dry, irritated mucous membranes

• Useful as a daily autumn/winter tonic to support vitality

Contraindications & Medicine Interactions

• Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Safe when using a medicine that has been prepared properly (ensuring berries have been cooked/ heated). My Elderberry Elixir is 20% alcohol to help preserve and extend its shelf life compared to an Elderberry Syrup. This is a very small alcohol per dropper/mL (0.2mL), but at your discretion to use.

• Autoimmune Conditions: Elderberry can stimulate immune activity, so there is a somewhat theoretical caution in those with active or flaring autoimmune conditions, or those taking immunosuppressants. I an autoimmune condition and an immune hyperactivity condition, and have never found it to flare either.

• Allergies: Rarely, people may react to the berries, avoid or discontinue use if adverse reaction occurs.

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