Picture from http://ballonaplants.blogspot.com/2008/02/elderberry-sambucus-mexicana.html
Elder’s leaves used externally are vulnerary (treating and healing wounds) and emollient (softening or soothing). When used externally the leaves are purgative (evacuation of the bowels), expectorant (phlegm to be coughed up), diuretic (increased flow of urine), and diaphoretic (induce sweating).
Its flowers prepared as a cold infusion are diuretic, alterative (make changes to something), and cooling; as a warm infusion the flowers are diaphoretic (induce sweating) and gently stimulating.
Its berries are diaphoretic, diuretic, aperients (mild laxative), and when fresh they make good juice and jam and an excellent healing wine. It’s the wine old timers use for every ailment.
Elder is the reliable home herbal remedy for cold, flu, fever, skin eruptions, sprains, bruises, wounds, hay fever, sinusitis, tension, constipation, rheumatic, discomfort, and so on. If you look this plant up in a variety of sources you’ll probably find no single herbal tells Elder’s complete story.
Growing Elderberry
Elderberries are bush type shrub that grow best in moist, fertile, well drained soil. They like it a little on the dry side. Plant 6 to 10 feet apart and keep them well watered the first season. There roots are shallow so be careful when weeding. Or use a lot mulch like Mother Nature does.
You can take cutting from the hardwood and put them in sand to root. Keep watered or make a mini greenhouse for them and they will take root in an amazing amount of time.
Use compost or a mixture of compost and manure four times a year. If you use additional fertilizer you buy from the store only is 1/8 pound per year per plant. Compost works best, think about how Mother Nature takes care of the wild ones and just follow her lead.
Pick berries in August and September to make jam, jellies, wine, waffles, etc. Eating them raw has been known to upset some peoples bodies so try a few and see what happens. It’s best to cook them first to remove any toxins they might contain that your body can’t handle.
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