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Sambucus, Elder
Ortus Sanitatis, Meydenbach, 1491
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Della Materia Medicinale,
Andrea Valuassori, 1562 |
'Common' and 'Jagged' Elder
Parkinson, Theatrum Botanicum, 1640 |
Koehler's Medizinal Pflanzen, 1887
Atlas der Officinellen Pflanzen, Berg & Schmidt, Leipzig, 1893
Botanical name:
Sambucus nigra
Parts used:
Flower; Fruit; Bark
Temperature & Taste:
Cool, dry. Pungent, Sweet
Classifications:
LEAF, FLOWER:
2B ATTENUATERS. 2F. PURIFYING. 2J. RAREFYING. 2L. EMOLLIENT. 2Q. ANODYNE
3A. SUDORIFICS & DIAPHORETICS
4a. CEPHALIC
BERRY:
3C. ALEXIPHARMIC
ROOT BARK:
3O. EMETIC
Sambucus nigra
Parts used:
Flower; Fruit; Bark
Temperature & Taste:
Cool, dry. Pungent, Sweet
Classifications:
LEAF, FLOWER:
2B ATTENUATERS. 2F. PURIFYING. 2J. RAREFYING. 2L. EMOLLIENT. 2Q. ANODYNE
3A. SUDORIFICS & DIAPHORETICS
4a. CEPHALIC
BERRY:
3C. ALEXIPHARMIC
ROOT BARK:
3O. EMETIC
Uses:
FLOWERS:
1. Clears Wind and Heat, Resists Poison:
-Colds, Influenza, Sore Throat, Sinusitis, Nasal congestion or discharge. (Commission E approved for Colds; BHP for Fever)
-Eruptive Skin diseases such as Measles and Scarlet Fever
-sore, red, or itchy Eyes.
-Cholera, Diarrhea and summer complaints.
-Syphilis, Eczema, Psoriasis, Erysipelas, Lupus erythematosus and other skin diseases (both internally and externally)
-traditionally taken in Spring tonics.
2. Clears Phlegm, Stops Cough and Wheezing:
-excessive phlegm with Cough and Wheezing as seen in Bronchitis, Asthma and Pneumonia.
-Flowers have been boiled in Milk for Cough
3. Clears Wind-Heat, Stops Spasms:
-Epilepsy; Headaches
-Spasms, and twitching of the Eyelids
-Paralysis
4. Clears Phlegm, Resolves Swellings:
-Phlegm swellings including Scrofula, swollen Glands and Nodes.
-skin growths including Cancer (used both internally and externally).
5. Externally:
-Elder Flower Water was much used for the skin as a cosmetic
-flowers were used in preparations for Erysipelas, Burns and Scalds.
-various skin inflammations
-Mouth Ulcers (as a gargle).
ELDER BERRIES:
1. Clears Wind and Damp, Eases Pain, Promotes Urine:
-Edema, difficulty Urinating, Gravel and Stones.
-Arthritis, Rheumatism; Elder seeds were also used
-proven effective in Sciatica (Vetlesen, Norske Magazine for Laege Videnskaben, 1916)
-proven very effective in Neuralgia, Trigeminal Neuralgia (Epstein & Jokel, Prague Med. Wschr., 1914)
2. Clears Phlegm, Stops Cough and Wheezing:
-Wine of Elder berries has been used for Asthma, especially when a little Cinnamon is added.
-Throat pain
3. Clears Phlegm, Resolves Swellings:
-Phlegm swellings including Scrofula, swollen Glands and Nodes.
-‘Conserve of Elder berries does also cure all inward swellings’. (Wirtzung)
4. Moves the Bowels:
-Syrup of the Fruit is used as a mild Laxative
5. Tonic:
-‘An extract composed of the berries greatly assists longevity’. (John Evelyn)
6. Externally:
-juice or other preparations of the berries were much used as a folk remedy for burns and scalds in some parts; also for various skin diseases
-berry juice is applied to Warts (Culpeper)
-Eye diseases; it has been credited with restoring sight to the blind in some cases (esp. berries, both internally and externally).
-juice of the Berries boiled with honey is dropped into ears for for earache.
-fresh berries crushed and applied relieves Arthritic pain (Herbarium Horstianum, 1630)
LEAF
1. Clears Damp, Promotes Urine:
-Edema,
-'the leaves purge water much, provoke Urine, and help Strangury'. (Salmon)
2. Clears Wind-Heat, Promotes Sweat:
-can be used as the flower, but the flowers are preferred
-Tertian and Quartan Fevers
3. Opens Obstructions, Moves the Blood:
-obstruction of the Liver, Spleen, Urinary system
-Melancholy (Salmon)
-Trauma, Bruising (Salmon)
4. Externally:
-fresh leaves beaten with tallow or Goose fat is applied to hot swellings and tumors
-Scalds, Burns
-Arthritic or Gout pain
-Leaves of the TCM type are used for Urticaria, and in baths or washes for carbuncles, Tumors and painful swellings.
BARK of ROOT or TREE:
1. Clears Wind and Damp, Eases Pain:
-both leaves and bark have been used for Wind-Damp joint disorders including Arthralgia and Lumbago
-strong infusions of the leaf buds have also been used for joint pain and Gout.
-Related species are used for Rheumatic Arthralgia. (Leaves, leaf-buds, root-bark)
2. Clears Damp, Promotes Urine:
-promotes Urine; good for all watery humors, and said to be the best cure for Edema
-cardiac and renal Edema (Bark is strongest; leaf buds are next in strength, then the leaves)
-Jaundice.
3. Promotes Stool:
-constipation, especially in Damp or Cold-type bodies. (Root Bark is strongest; leaves are also used)
4. Clears Heat and Phlegm:
-Epilepsy and Cachexia with heat and damp symptoms.
-clear the skin; for the Itch, Ringworm, Eczema and and Scrofula for which it is used internally and externally;
5. Clears Heat, Promotes Healing:
-Used for Trauma and Fractures.
6. Externally:
-in ointments for Bruises, Sprains, Chilblains, Piles, Tumors, Swellings, Wounds.
-externally for rashes of babies.
DOSE:
LEAVES: Of the Juice: 1–2 spoonfuls (as a mild Purge); In Infusion or Decoction: 3–9 grams;
FLOWERS: Infusion or brief Decoction: 3–5 grams (10–15 grams daily); Of the Powder: 2–4 grams; Of the Tincture (1:5): 2–7 mls, typically 30–60 drops, 2–3 times daily; Of the Fluid Extract (1:1): 1½–3 mls.;
BERRIES: Of the Powder: 1½–4 grams; Juice of Berries: 1–2 tablespoonfuls;
SEED: 1–4 grams, powdered and taken with wine;
ROOT BARK: Of the Powder: 300–500mg, up to 1 gram; In Infusion: 1 oz. to a pint, taken in Wineglassful doses; In Decoction: 3–6, and up to 9 grams of the shaved root can be simmered for 5 minutes, then let sit 10 minutes, and strain; Of the Juice: 5–15mls.
PREPARATION:
The seed was steeped in Vinegar, then dried for use.
NOTE:
1. Schroder relays the story of Dr. Martin Bolchwizt, who, in his Anatomy of the Elder, said the Elder could be used to cure most diseases. This has been carried on today where it is often said ‘the Elder is a medicine chest in itself’.
2. All parts have an 'opening' (purgative) effect. The Leaf and Flower are mildest in function, and principally promote Sweat. Next the Berries which are best to promote Urine; the Bark or Root bark is more powerful being laxative, and in full doses the inner bark is a hydragogue cathartic.
3. For some indications, different authors used different parts for the same purposes, especially to promote Urine which can be treated by any part of the plant.
4. In Summary:
i. Flowers are principally Diaphoretic, used in acute diseases and Fevers, as well as Cough, Bronchitis, Sore Throat, Asthma and Wheeing
ii. Juice, Tincture or Infusion of the Flowers are sedative and relieve pain
iii. Leaf in general can be used as the Flower, but are stronger to promote Urine.
iv. Berries promote Urine, are slightly tonic, and also resolve Swellings.
v. Bark and Root bark are Diuretic in Edema and Urinary disorders, and Arthritic disorders. Full doses are Cathartic
LEAVES: Of the Juice: 1–2 spoonfuls (as a mild Purge); In Infusion or Decoction: 3–9 grams;
FLOWERS: Infusion or brief Decoction: 3–5 grams (10–15 grams daily); Of the Powder: 2–4 grams; Of the Tincture (1:5): 2–7 mls, typically 30–60 drops, 2–3 times daily; Of the Fluid Extract (1:1): 1½–3 mls.;
BERRIES: Of the Powder: 1½–4 grams; Juice of Berries: 1–2 tablespoonfuls;
SEED: 1–4 grams, powdered and taken with wine;
ROOT BARK: Of the Powder: 300–500mg, up to 1 gram; In Infusion: 1 oz. to a pint, taken in Wineglassful doses; In Decoction: 3–6, and up to 9 grams of the shaved root can be simmered for 5 minutes, then let sit 10 minutes, and strain; Of the Juice: 5–15mls.
PREPARATION:
The seed was steeped in Vinegar, then dried for use.
NOTE:
1. Schroder relays the story of Dr. Martin Bolchwizt, who, in his Anatomy of the Elder, said the Elder could be used to cure most diseases. This has been carried on today where it is often said ‘the Elder is a medicine chest in itself’.
2. All parts have an 'opening' (purgative) effect. The Leaf and Flower are mildest in function, and principally promote Sweat. Next the Berries which are best to promote Urine; the Bark or Root bark is more powerful being laxative, and in full doses the inner bark is a hydragogue cathartic.
3. For some indications, different authors used different parts for the same purposes, especially to promote Urine which can be treated by any part of the plant.
4. In Summary:
i. Flowers are principally Diaphoretic, used in acute diseases and Fevers, as well as Cough, Bronchitis, Sore Throat, Asthma and Wheeing
ii. Juice, Tincture or Infusion of the Flowers are sedative and relieve pain
iii. Leaf in general can be used as the Flower, but are stronger to promote Urine.
iv. Berries promote Urine, are slightly tonic, and also resolve Swellings.
v. Bark and Root bark are Diuretic in Edema and Urinary disorders, and Arthritic disorders. Full doses are Cathartic
Main Combinations:
ELDER FLOWER:
1. Colds, Flu; and to promote Sweat:
i. Elder flower is traditionally combined with Peppermint
ii. Elder flower with Peppermint and Yarrow
iii. Heat-type Cold or Flu, strong infusion of Elder flower with Lemon juice
iv. Elder Flower, Elder Berry, Elecampane, Mullein, Rose hip
v. Species Diaphoretic, Elder flower with Linden flower, Mullein flower (German)
vi. Sudorific Vinegar, Elder flower with Sarsaparilla, China root, Sassafras, Cassia wood (as in Sudorific Vinegar)
2. Acute Viral Infections, Elder flower with Balm and St. Johns wort
3. Chicken Pox, Elder flower with Senna, Yarrow, Pleurisy root and Ginger (The Medical Herbalist)
4 Stuttgart Water tea: Elder flower with Caraway, Parsley seed, Juniper berry, Squill (Hager)
5. Promote Urine and Break stones, Elder flower with Bitter Almond, Peach kernel and Cherry kernel (as in Diuretic Water of Frankfurt)
6. Kneipps Blood Purification Tea: Elder flower with Dwarf Elder root, Sandalwood, Mistletoe, Nettle, Strawberry leaf, Sloe flowers, Juniper shoots
7. Arthritis:
i. Conserve of Elder flowers (Herbarium Horstianum, 1630)
ii. Elder flower with Willow bark, Rosemary, Golden Rod, Coltsfoot (as in Decoction for Arthritis)
8. Rheumatism, Elder flower with Birch leaf, Linden and Nettle (Tschirner)
9. Scrofula, Elder flower, Walnut leaf
10. Cancer, Elder flower with Herb Robert, Agrimony, Tormentil, Rosemary (as in Decoction for Cancer)
11. Gargle:
i. Elder flower with Sage
ii. Elder flower with Mullein
iii. Elder flower with Syrup of Mulberry
12. As a Fomentation, Infusion of Elder flower with Spirit of Camphor.
ELDER BERRY:
1. Rheumatism, Elder berry and Willow bark
ELDER ROOT-BARK:
1. Intermittent Fever, with Asarum and Cinnamon (as in Decoction Against Intermittent Fevers)
2. Edema, with Elecampane, Celery root, Valerian, Gentian, Asarum, Squill, Wormwood, Agrimony, Parsley seed, Cinnamon (as in Wine for Edema)
ELDER SEED:
1. Edema, combine Elder seed with Aniseed (Gerard)
ELDER LEAF:
1. As an ointment for Tumors, Swellings and Wounds, Elder leaf, Plantain, Wormwood, Ground Ivy (Grieves)
Major Formulas:
ELDER FLOWER:
Wine for Catarrh
Decoction for Arthritis
Sudorific Vinegar
Decoction for Cancer (Fuller)
ELDER SEED:
Powder for Arthritis of Turner
ROOT BARK:
Wine for Edema
Cautions:
1. Berries and Flowers are generally Safe.
2. The Leaves 'trouble the Stomach' (Salmon)
3. Root bark should not be used in Pregnancy or Yin deficiency.
Main Preparations used:
FLOWER: Distilled Water of the Flowers, Spirit of the Flowers (fermented), Wine of the Flowers, Infused Oil, and a Distilled Oil.
BERRY: Rob (pulp of the Ripe berries), Tincture, Spirit
1. Vinegar of Elder:
i. Elder flowers (1 part), Vinegar (12 parts). Macerate 4 days, clarify, filter.
2. Oxymel of Elder:
i. Vinegar of Elder (1 part), Honey (2 parts). Boil slowly to a syrup. (Pharmacopoeia Herbipolitania, 1796)
3. Elder-flower Water:
i. Elder flower (1 part), Water (4 parts), distil off 2 parts. (Pharmacopoeia Gallica, 1818)
ii. Elder flowers (3 parts), Water (12 parts). suspend the flowers in a bag in the middle of the cucurbit so it doesnt touch the water. Distil 6 parts. (Dispensatorium Fuldense, 1791)
4. Spirit of Elder:
i. Elder flower (1 part), Proof Spirit (4 parts). Macerate 3 days, distil one-half. (Dispensatorium Pharmaceuticum, 1777)
5. Spirit of Elder berry:
i. bruise Elder berries, leave to ferment in a barrel until they have a vinous odor; distil slowly. (Dispensatorium Pharmaceuticum, 1777)
6. Elder Oil:
i. Elder flower (1 ½ part), Olive oil (3 parts). Digest 2 days in a water bath, cool, express. Repeat with fresh flowers. (Pharmacopoeia Sardoa, 1773)
7. Elder Ointment:
i. Elder flower, prepared Lard (2 lbs. each). Boil the flowers in the lard until crisp, strain.
1. Berries and Flowers are generally Safe.
2. The Leaves 'trouble the Stomach' (Salmon)
3. Root bark should not be used in Pregnancy or Yin deficiency.
Main Preparations used:
FLOWER: Distilled Water of the Flowers, Spirit of the Flowers (fermented), Wine of the Flowers, Infused Oil, and a Distilled Oil.
BERRY: Rob (pulp of the Ripe berries), Tincture, Spirit
1. Vinegar of Elder:
i. Elder flowers (1 part), Vinegar (12 parts). Macerate 4 days, clarify, filter.
2. Oxymel of Elder:
i. Vinegar of Elder (1 part), Honey (2 parts). Boil slowly to a syrup. (Pharmacopoeia Herbipolitania, 1796)
3. Elder-flower Water:
i. Elder flower (1 part), Water (4 parts), distil off 2 parts. (Pharmacopoeia Gallica, 1818)
ii. Elder flowers (3 parts), Water (12 parts). suspend the flowers in a bag in the middle of the cucurbit so it doesnt touch the water. Distil 6 parts. (Dispensatorium Fuldense, 1791)
4. Spirit of Elder:
i. Elder flower (1 part), Proof Spirit (4 parts). Macerate 3 days, distil one-half. (Dispensatorium Pharmaceuticum, 1777)
5. Spirit of Elder berry:
i. bruise Elder berries, leave to ferment in a barrel until they have a vinous odor; distil slowly. (Dispensatorium Pharmaceuticum, 1777)
6. Elder Oil:
i. Elder flower (1 ½ part), Olive oil (3 parts). Digest 2 days in a water bath, cool, express. Repeat with fresh flowers. (Pharmacopoeia Sardoa, 1773)
7. Elder Ointment:
i. Elder flower, prepared Lard (2 lbs. each). Boil the flowers in the lard until crisp, strain.
History
Pliny on Elder and Dwarf Elder:
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'There are two kinds of elder, one of which grows wild and is much smaller than the other; by the Greeks it is known as the "chamaeacte," or "helion." A decoction of the leaves, seed, or root of either kind, taken in doses of two cyathi, in old wine, though bad for the upper regions of the stomach, carries off all aqueous humours by stool. This decoction is very cooling too for inflammations, those attendant upon recent burns inp articular. A poultice is made also of the more tender leaves, mixed with polenta, for bites inflicted by dogs. The juice of the elder, used as a fomentation, reduces abscesses of the brain, and more particularly of the membrane which envelopes that organ. The berries, which have not so powerful an action as the other parts of the tree, stain the hair. Taken in doses of one acetabulum, in drink, they are diuretic. The softer leaves are eaten with oil and salt, to carry off pituitous and bilious secretions.
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'The smaller kind is for all these purposes the more efficacious of the two. A decoction of the root in wine, taken in doses of two cyathi, brings away the water in dropsy, and acts emolliently upon the uterus : the same effects are produced also by a sitting-bath made of a decoction of the leaves. The tender shoots of the cultivated kind, boiled in a saucepan and eaten as food, have a purgative effect : the leaves taken in wine, neutralize the venom of serpents. An application of the young shoots, mixed with he-goat suet, is remarkably good for gout; and if they are macerated in water, the infusion will destroy fleas. If a decoction of the leaves is sprinkled about a place, it will exterminate flies. "Boa" is the name given to a malady which appears in the form of red pimples upon the body; for its cure the patient is scourged with a branch of elder. The inner bark, pounded and taken with white wine, relaxes the bowels.' (The Natural History of Pliny, trans. by Bostock and Riley, Vol. 5, 1856)
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