Herb of the Day
Elder
Medicinal Uses: Elder has a long history of use dating back to the 5th century BC. Hippocrates wrote about Elder.
Elder flowers, mixed with mint and yarrow blossoms, are excellent internal cleansers when fighting flu and colds. A tea of the elder flowers and sassafras is a remedy for acne. Elder flower oil is a remedy for chapped skin. Elder is used to cleanse the body, build the blood, treat inflammation, fever, and soothes the respiratory system. The flavonoids, including quercetin, are believed to account for the therapeutic effects of the elderberry flowers and berries. According to research, an extract from the leaves, combined with St. john’s wort and soapwort, inhibits the influenza virus and herpes simplex virus. The juice is especially good as a tonic for the reproductive and glandular system, and elderberry blossoms, when dried, can be used as a kidney tea. When cooked, the berries are harmless.
The leaves can be used as an antiseptic poultice for external wounds, and as an insect repellant. The Greeks used a tea from the root as a laxative.
The leaves, bark, and roots of the American varieties generally contain poisonous alkaloids and should not be used internally. This herb should not be used internally by pregnant or lactating women. Elder can be toxic, especially if fresh, most notably the stems as they contain cyanide.
Magickal uses: The branches of the sacred elder are used to make magickal wands for ritual. Scattering the leaves in the four winds will bring protection. A person, place or thing may be blessed by scattering the leaves and berries to the four winds in the name of the subject to be blessed. Then scatter more leaves and berried over the named subject. Curses may be effected in the same manner. When worn it prevents all types of attacks. It keeps evil from the home when hung over the doors and windows. The berries drive away evil and negativity when carried. Grow it in your garden to protect from lightning and sorcery. Grown near the home it will bring prosperity. A fever may be dispelled by poking a twig into the ground while remaining in total silence. Since toothaches were one believed to be caused by evil spirits, it was also believed that chewing on a twig would rid you of it if you said; “Depart thou evil spirit.” To treat rheumatism, a twig is tied into three or four knots and carried in the pocket. Warts will disappear if they are rubbed with a green twig and then buried.
Elderberry wine, made from the berries, is used in rituals. In Denmark, it is believed to be unlucky to have furniture made of elder wood. Grown near your home, elder will offer protection to the dwellers. It is used at weddings to bring good luck to the newlyweds. Flutes made formt he branches are used to bring forth spirits. Rub warts with a green elder stick then bury it. The root and old bark can be used as a black dye. The leaves give a green dye when mixed with alum. Before felling an elder recite the following, while kneeling:
“Lady Ellhorn, give me of thy wood,
And I will give thee of mine,
When I become a tree.”
This will give the residing entity time to vacate. Especially among some Gypsies, sited as being dangerous, have long forbidden the use of the elder as firewood. However the wood has been used as wands for centuries. Associated with the planet Venus and with MidSummer.
Properties: diaphoretic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory
Growth: Elder is a tree or shrub, growing to 30 feet tall. The fruit is 1/4 inch globular-shaped, purple-black in color. It prefers moist areas throughout North America.
Liquid elderberry extract is taken in amounts of 5 ml (for children) to 10 ml (for adults) twice per day.
Tea is made from 3-5 grams of the dried flowers steeped in 250 ml (1 cup) boiling water for ten to fifteen minutes may also be drunk three times per day.
The bark and root bark must be used fresh.
Use 1 level tsp. Bark or root bark to 1/2 cup boiling water. Take no more than 1 cup a day, a mouthful at a time.
Author: Crick
Website: The Whispering Woods
Website: The Whispering Woods
Witches Of The Craft® 