Originated in Europe, elder is the most legendary of the European plants. Of its many tales, the most famous legends is that "its unwise to cut down an elder tree for the spirits of ancestors lives in its branches". Hence, many woodcutters recited poems to easy the ancestor''s spirits before cutting down an elder tree.

Like mulberry tree, one of the main herbs in oriental medicine, elder is a very important for every parts of an elder tree can be used not only for its therapeutic uses but for nutritious value as well. Hence, it is also referred to as "the medicine chest of the country people".

It is commonly used especially in European regions, among the wanderers it was the first aid herb of the choice. Also in England, elder was cultivated for it was believed to fight off the witches.

Elder''s scientific name, sambucus is derived from Sambuca, an ancient Greek string instrument made from the elder tree, name which is still used to today.

''Modern Herbal: Mrs. Grieve'', published in 1931 was the first herbal encyclopedia to organize all the western herbs used in both England and America since the time of Nicolas Culpepper in 17th century. In it, it describes uses and indications for elder leaves, peel, flower, and fruits in such details that is still used as bases of elder uses today.

Elder is most effective in treating seasonal allergies, and along with echinacea, can treat various symptoms of allergies like runny nose , red eyes, and sneezing.

Indication:

Elder, compare to its uses, has not been researched much. However, its treatment of allergy and infections are well known, and especially effective in promoting perspiration, so its commonly used to treat common cold, early stage febrile diseases.

Indications according to its part:

1. Flower:

a. Hay fever, cough, and common cold

With its mild musk fragrance, elder flower is made into a tea to treat fever, pain in throat and cough

b. Treatment of allergy, congestion, and promotes Qi circulation

It promotes mucosa formation of nose, throat region, and is very effective in preventing infection, and treating chronic congestion, allergy, ear infection, and candidiasis

c. Arthritis

It is effective in treating arthritis by promoting sweat and urination to remove bodily wastes

2. Fruit

Rich source of Vitamin C, an elder fruit is traditionally used with echinacea and rose hip to strengthen the immune system, and especially to treat various skin disorder and rheumatism.

Also, it works on large intestine to treat constipation, diarrhea, and intestinal pain, and is also used as an ingredient in various foods, jelly, jam and pies.

3. Bark/Peel

Usually the is used, and because of its strong purging action, its been used to treat constipation since the time of Hippocrates. Moreover, it can be made into ointment or tincture for external uses to treat dry skin.

4. Leaves

Elder leaves also have various therapeutic uses. Of its uses, ti is very effective in treating defecation of feces, diuresis, phlegm, and perspiration function. In English folk remedy, it is made into a ointment to treat bruised and skin wounds.

5. Root

It it used to treat lymph and kidney disorders

Preparations:

Severe hay fever may dry up the body fluids to cause severe fatigue, dry skin, and other various symptoms.

Prepare elder flower tea 1-2 months prior to hay fever as prevention.

Flowers should be collecting in early summer and fruits in October-November when the fruits are ripe. The fruits should be dried well in the shade prior to use.

1. Sip 1-2 teaspoonful of dried flowers into 1 cup of hot water for 5-10 minutes, drink three times daily.

2. Place 1 teaspoonful of tincture into 1/2 cup of water and drink three times daily

3. Boil 15-20 grams of elder fruits in about 4 cups of water for 10-15 minutes. Divide into 3 doses, and drink for rheumatoid pain.

Caution:

Elder is generally a safe herb, but consult a healthcare professional when treating specific disorder