Elder, American Black (Sambucus Nigra) Whole Flower

Description ShareTweetPinLinkedInPrintEmail American Black Elder / Elderberry (Sambucus Nigra) Whole Flower HERB COMMON NAME :  Elder, American Black HERB SCIENTIFIC NAME :  Sambucus Nigra OTHER NAMES :  Elderberry, American Black Elder, American Black Elderberry, Elder Flower, Black Elder, European Elder, European Elderberry, European Black Elderberry, Tramman, Alhuren, Battree, Devil’s Eye, Eldrum, Ellhorn, Fau Holle, Hollunder, Hyantree, Hylder, Lady Ellhorn, Old Gal, Old Lady, Pipe Tree, Sweet Elder, Tree of Doom, Witchwood, Country Medicine Chest FAMILY :  Adoxaceae ASSOCIATIONS & CORRESPONDENCES : Element: Water Planet: Venus Day:  Monday Direction:  West Zodiac Sign:  Capricorn, Sagittarius Chakra:  1st Root Chakra (Muladhara) Energy:  Yin Gender: Feminine Rune:  Feoh Ogham:  Ruis Tarot:  The Death Tarot (13) Number:  5 Animal:  Turtle, Whale, Jellyfish, Clam Sabbat or Holiday: Walpurgis / Beltane (April 30 – May 1), Litha / Midsummer, the Summer Solstice (btw. June 19 – 24) Deity or God / Goddess Association: Holda / Hylde, Venus, Freya, Hecate, Gaia, Bertha, Cailleach Bheur, Danu, Hel, Rhea   Parts Used:  Flowers, Berries, Leaves (toxic), Roots (toxic), Bark (toxic) Description:  CAUTION: Only the flowers (raw) and berries (cooked) are edible. Do not eat the berries raw as the seeds contain cyanide inducing glycocides. The rest of the tree is poisonous and contains compounds that are metabolized into cyanide within the body. Elderberry refers to the berries or, more accurately, drupes, of the elder tree. Elderberry increases cytokine productions, strengthens cell membranes, and protects against virus penetration. Research has found that 90% of people taking Elderberry extract recovered from cold and flu in 2-3 days, while 90% of people taking a placebo recovered in 6 days. It also helps loosen chest and sinus congestion. The leaves are used as an external emollient for irritated skin, sprains, and bruises. In Chinese medicine, the leaves, stems, and roots are used to treat fractures and muscle spasms. Elderflower water is used in topical applications for irritated skin, including problems such as sunburn and acne, as well as an eyewash. Historical Uses:  immune boosting, immunostimulant, cold, flu, cough, antiviral, bronchitis, respiratory infection, congestion, asthma, allergies, hay fever, rhinitis, croup, headache, sore throat, nausea, fever, anti-neuralgic, neuralgia, alterative, carminative, emetic, conjunctivitis, rheumatism, pharyngitis, tonsilitis, stomatitis, diarrhea, constipation, mild laxative, urinary tract infections, bladder infections, diabetes, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, inflammation, acne, antiseptic, wrinkles, anti-aging, antidepressant, emollient, eczema, herpes, cold sores, fever blisters, irritated skin, sprains, bruises, sunburn, fractures, muscle spasms, arthritis Mystical Attributes:  Elder is also known as witchwood, and is sacred to many Mother Goddess figures due to its white flowers. Among northern Europeans, cutting a branch from the tree was thought to offend the elder mother (Freya) who lived inside it. Similarly, witches and spirits were believed to live within the Elder and would not sleep beneath them (partly because of the plant’s scent which is considered narcotic, and partly because the plant sends chemicals into the soil that keep other plants from growing beneath it). This is why it “bled” red sap when cut. Elder wood is rarely used to make furniture or as firewood for fear of incurring their wrath. It is said that bad luck will fall upon anyone who does not ask the tree’s permission three times before harvesting any part of it.  Also, before cutting down an elder, kneel before the tree prior to making the first cut and recite “Lady Ellhorn, give me of thy wood, and I will give thee of mine, when I become a tree.” This allows the Witch or spirit living within the tree time to vacate. Many think it is dangerous to burn Elder wood, and some Gypsies strictly forbade its use as a firewood. In England, people said that burning the wood on the hearth would bring the Devil to sit on the chimney. Magicians have used its wood in fashioning magic wands for centuries. Elder wands can be used to drive out evil spirits or thought forms. Flutes and pipes are made from the branches to call forth spirits with their music, and also to drive out evil spirits. This is best done at midnight in a deserted place far from the haunts of humans. The Druids used Elder to both bless and curse. It has the power to force an evil magician to release any enchantments or spells that may have been cast against you. If worn, Elder wards off attackers of every kind. The berries, when carried, protect against evil and negativity. Grown in the garden, Elder protects the household against the ravages of sorcery, and shields it from lightning. Hung over doorways and windows, it keeps evil from the house. The flowers are used in wish-fulfillment spells and for altar offerings. Stand or sleep under an elder on Midsummer Eve to see the King of the Faeries and his retinue pass by. Grown near the home, the Elder gives prosperity to the household, and the sticks placed about the house protect against robbers and snakes. To bless a person, place, or thing, scatter the leaves and berries of the Elder to the four winds in the name of the person or object to be blessed. Then scatter some more Elder over the person or object itself, and it is done. Some people wear Elder flowers at Beltane to symbolize their knowledge of the Craft. Carry Elder to preserve you against the temptation to commit adultery. Elder is used at weddings to bring good luck to the couple. Pregnant women kiss the tree for good fortune for the coming baby. The Elder was used in burial rites in ancient British long barrows. The plant represents regeneration because of how quickly it grows from any pert that is planted, and is used in resurrection spells. Elder is the thirteenth month of the Celtic tree calendar, the month of death and rebirth. It has three days: past, present, and future. Place Elderberries beneath your pillow if you have difficulty sleeping. They will allow you to sleep peacefully. To lose a fever, poke an Elder twig into the ground while keeping completely silent. Toothaches were once thought to be caused by evil spirits. They may be relieved by chewing on an Elder twig, and then placing it into the wall while saying, “Depart thou evil spirit!” To prevent rheumatism, tie a twig of Elder into three or four knots and carry in the pocket. Warts can be cured by rubbing them with a green Elder twig and then burying it to rot in the mud. Mystical Intentions:  exorcism, protection, healing, prosperity, sleep spells, general protection, protection from magical attack, protection from psychic attack, home protection, protection from evil, curse breaking, hex breaking, negative energy, protection from lightning, blessings, health and healing, prosperity, protection from thieves, newlyweds, children, faithfulness, fidelity, calling spirits, making magic wands, crone work, divination, beauty, purification, cursing, burial rites, death magic, rebirth, resurrection, fae magic, fairy magic Botany, Cultivation & Harvesting:  Sambucus Nigra is native to most of Europe and also grows in other areas such as North America and Asia. It grows to 6m (20 ft) tall and wide. The bark, light grey when young, changes to a coarse grey outer bark with lengthwise furrowing. The leaves are arranged in opposite pairs, 10–30 cm long, pinnate with five to seven (rarely nine) leaflets, the leaflets 5–12 cm long and 3–5 cm broad, with a serrated margin. The hermaphrodite flowers are borne in large, flat corymbs 10–25 cm diameter in late spring to mid-summer. The individual flowers are ivory white, 5–6 mm diameter, with five petals. They are pollinated by flies. The fruit is a glossy dark purple to black berry 3–5 mm diameter, produced in drooping clusters in late autumn. They are an important food for many fruit-eating birds, notably blackcaps. Elder is commonly found growing in woodlands and hedgerows. It tolerates some shade, but prefers sunny locations. It can grow in most soils, but prefers a moist loamy soil. It grows well in heavy clay soils. Sow seeds as soon as they are ripe in the autumn in a cold frame, they should germinate in early spring. Stored seed can be sown in the spring in a cold frame but will probably germinate better if it is given 2 months warm followed by 2 months cold stratification first. Transplant the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. If good growth is made, the young plants can be placed in their permanent locations during the early summer. It can also propagate by cuttings or division. Harvest flowers in late spring, harvest berries in early fall. Use berries and flowers fresh or dry for later use. Berries may also be frozen. Store dried flowers or berries in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Contraindications & Toxicity: CAUTION: Only the flowers (raw) and berries (cooked) are edible. Do not eat the berries raw as the seeds contain cyanide inducing glycocides. The rest of the tree is poisonous and contains compounds that are metabolized into cyanide within the body. Elderberry is not recommended for children, pregnant women, or nursing mothers.   Constituents (Flowers & Berries) :  flavonoids triterpenes volatile oil sterols tannins mucilage minerals vitamin A & C iron sambucin anthocyanocides pectin sugar fixed oils (linoleic, linolenic)   Constituents (Leaves) : TOXIC Cyanogenic glycosides   Constituents (Bark) : TOXIC Lectins Tannins Baldrianic acid     Sources: https://spiritartsandherbs.com/sources **IMPORTANT INFORMATON: Products are sold as curio items for entertainment purposes only and based upon historical and magical uses.  We do not imply or guarantee that any items provide specific abilities, powers, outcomes, remedies, or treatments. Any information provided on listings or through private conversation is intended for educational purposes only and are based on historical folklore and traditions, and should not replace the advice of a physician. Use our products at your own risk. By purchasing this item, you understand and release Spirit Arts & Herbs Inc from any liability. No items we sell are for internal use and should never be ingested for any reason. Some may also not be safe for topical application, or even be safe to touch while unprotected. Always use proper safety precautions when using our products. We will not be held responsible for illness, injury, or death from the use of any product. PRODUCT IS NOT A TREATMENT. This product has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. CAUTION : Do not use ANY product if pregnant or nursing. Do not use if allergic to any ingredients. Prior to use, consult with your professional health-care provider to ensure safe use and understand effects that ingredients may cause relative to safety, personal conditions, and medication interactions which may be harmful. FOR ADULT USE ONLY. By purchasing, you confirm that you are over 18 years of age. 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