Herb library

Elderflower

Sambucus nigra

Elderflower, the fragrant blooms of Sambucus nigra, is a gentle kitchen remedy long kept in home medicine cabinets for seasonal sniffles and skin comfort. It is light, floral, and easy to work with as a tea, steam, or sweetened syrup.

Traditionally used for.

• •Traditionally used as a warm steam or tea for relieving stuffy noses and helping ease breathing during seasonal colds.
• •A long-standing household remedy for mild fevers and the tired, heavy feeling that comes with common upper respiratory complaints.
• •Traditionally made into syrups or honey blends to soothe sore throats and reduce throat irritation when taken warm or at room temperature.

Simple preparations.

• •Elderflower steam: Place 1 cup fresh or 1/4 cup dried elderflowers in a large bowl, pour 4 cups just-boiled water over them, tent a towel over your head and inhale the fragrant steam for 5 to 10 minutes, repeat once or twice daily as needed.
• •Elderflower tea: Steep 1 tablespoon dried or 2 tablespoons fresh elderflowers in 8 ounces of boiling water for 10 minutes, strain and sip warm, up to 3 times a day. Add honey for throat soothing if over one year old.
• •Elderflower syrup: Combine 1 cup dried or 2 cups fresh elderflowers, 4 cups water, and 2 cups sugar or honey (use honey only for ages one and up). Simmer the flowers in water for 20 minutes, strain, return liquid to the pan and dissolve the sweetener, cool and bottle. Take 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon as needed, keep refrigerated and use within a few weeks.

Cautions.

• !Raw berries, leaves, bark, and roots of elder (especially unripe) can be mildly toxic if eaten, so use only the flowers or fully ripe, cooked berries prepared in household ways.
• !Some people may have an allergic reaction to elderflower, particularly those with pollen sensitivities; stop use if you notice rash, swelling, or breathing difficulty.
• !Honey preparations should never be given to children under one year of age.
• !If you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication, check with your doctor before using elderflower preparations.

Often kept beside.