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Sambucus nigra - commonly known as Elder - is November's Of the Month topic.  We talked a little about this plant in October's 2nd Tuesday program about the immune system - and since it is such a powerful helper in this area, I want to introduce it to a larger audience as we approach this winter season.

History and Botany.  Elder is a deciduous tree, native to Europe, that thrives without much care in woodlands, but is also fairly easily cultivated today.  It has oval leaves, cream flowers and berries that are a deep purple-blue-black when ripe.  It can grow to over 30 feet.  There is an American version, Sambucus canadensis, that is smaller with similar medicinal properties.  Sambucus ebulus is a dwarf variety whose berries are sometimes used as well.
   Elder has a rich history in folklore.  It has been thought that Judas hung himself from an elder tree; some also believe it was the Cross of Calvary.  This may be why elder is often a symbol of grief and sorrow - Shakespeare referred to it as such.  Elder is known in folklore for warding off evil and protection.  Indeed, in a book from 1656, The Art of Simpling, it says, 'in order to prevent witches from entering their houses, the common people used to gather Elder leaves on the last day of April and affix them to their doors and windows.'  Perhaps I should have discussed Sambucus last month before all the witches of Halloween were around us! 

Uses of Elder.  If you have an elder tree, you have a prolific resource at hand!  The wood has been used for carving, making tools and toys.  It also makes a good fence, not rotting easily when in the ground.  The stems from a young tree are easily hollowed out and were often used to make whistles and pop-guns for children.
   The leaves have traditionally been used as a pest-repellent.  They haven't the most pleasant smell and apparently deter mice from grain and flies from ourselves.  The leaves, as well as the bark and the berries have also been used as dyes.
   The berries and flowers lend themselves very well to cordials, wine and preserves - ah...perhaps NOW we're getting to something that you'd consider planting a Sambucus tree for! 
   Medicinal use of Elder is long-standing.  In much earlier times the root and bark of the tree were used as purgatives and topically in salves and poultices for various external complaints.  Today we almost exclusively use the flowers and berries.  It is best known for respiratory complaints, including the flu.  It helps to induce sweating and reduce fever.  Elder helps strengthen mucus linings, so aiding the immune system in that way.  It is a mild expectorant, helping with coughs.  It is soothing to the nervous system and helps with the general nutrition and cleansing of the body. 
   For a plant, there has been a bit of research on Sambucus and its effect in cases of respiratory illness and influenza.  Elder is effective in actually inhibiting the growth and spread of several flu viruses (including H1N1), as well as in decreasing the severity and length of these illnesses if we get them in the first place.  One study showed resolution of symptoms in 2 days vs 6 days in the placebo group.  That a much easier illness to handle, isn't it?  To use this wonderful plant, you need to have it on hand for the first sign of a respiratory complaint.  The quicker you begin, the better the effect.  Elder can be taken as an infusion - better known as tea - or as a tincture, a syrup or a cordial.  And yes, the wine would be good too! 

Contraindications & Cautions.  Higher doses of root and bark preparations may cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, as can preparations made with unripe and uncooked berries.  These are not generally available commercially anymore, so are really only a risk if you're making your own or getting it from a neighbor's homemade stash.  The biggest caution, really, is that you might end up liking Elder!  Healthy jam, cordial and wine!  There are no known interactions with medications and only theoretical cautions for use in pregnancy.  Check with your health care professional with any of these concerns.

Here's hoping that Sambucus nigrans/canadensis makes it into your yard, your garden and your medicine cabinet!