Elder – The tree of many gifts by Dylan Parry BSc Hons Clinical Herbalism

We’ve just celebrated the summer solstice, and I am thoroughly enjoying the warmer weather, as well as viewing all the beautiful flowers and blossoms in bloom!

There is one tree and flower I particularly enjoy seeing in the hedgerows and that is the elder! The beautiful elderflowers are like little white clouds poking out through all the greenery.

The elder tree provides us with many gifts; it gives us the elderflowers in spring/summertime and the dark red elderberries in autumn. The fantastic thing about the elder is that the elderflowers and the elderberries provide us with two different types of herbal medicine!

The Benefits of Elderflowers: 

• ·        Elderflowers are brilliant for decongesting the nasal passages, and therefore are useful in cases of sinusitis, hay fever and the common cold.
•             Elderflowers are also a great expectorant for the lungs, which helps to get mucous off your chest.
• ·         They are diaphoretic – this means that they help to induce sweating, by stimulating circulation and opening the blood vessels. This is useful when you need to induce a fever, to help sweat out an illness.
• ·         They are also diuretic and have a gentle laxative effect, which helps the body to gently eliminate toxins and wastes from the body.

The Benefits of Elderberries

• ·         Elderberries are high in vitamin C and antioxidants, which can help to support immune health!
•  Elderberries have potent antiviral properties, which are beneficial for helping to protect against colds and flus.
•  The berries are high in anthocyanins, which are constituents in the berries which help to give them that vibrant dark purple colour. The anthocyanins help protect the blood vessel walls against oxidative stress and damage, which can be caused by conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Some Delicious Recipes using Elderflowers & Elderberries

How to use Elderflowers

Hot infusion of Elderflowers:

Elderflowers can be used to make a hot infusion, which is specifically beneficial for evoking a fever, & clearing catarrh and phlegm from the lungs and sinuses.

You can use either fresh or dried elderflowers – I would suggest that you use 1-2 tsp of elderflowers per mug of boiling water and let it infuse for 5-10 minutes.

Elderflower cordial

I love sipping elderflower cordial on a hot summer’s day. Make this floral and cooling cordial to serve with sparkling water or make a cocktail!

Elderflower Cordial Recipe

Yield: About 1.5 to 2 litres
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Infusing Time: 24–48 hours

Ingredients:

• 20–30 elderflower heads (freshly picked, fully open, and free of bugs)
• 1.5 litres (6 cups) water
• 1.5 kg (about 7.5 cups) granulated sugar
• 2 unwaxed lemons (zested and sliced)
• 50g citric acid (optional but recommended for preservation and tartness — available at pharmacies or online)

Instructions:

1. Harvest & Prepare Elderflowers:
• Pick the elderflowers on a dry, sunny day when fully open.
• Shake gently to dislodge insects but do not wash, as you want to keep the natural pollen.
• Trim stems just below the flowers.
2. Make Sugar Syrup:
• In a large pot, combine the water and sugar. Heat gently, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Bring just to a boil, then remove from heat.
3. Infuse:
• Add the elderflower heads, lemon zest, lemon slices, and citric acid (if using) to the warm syrup.
• Stir gently, cover, and leave to infuse at room temperature for 24–48 hours.
4. Strain:
• Line a fine sieve or muslin cloth over a bowl or jug and pour the mixture through, pressing gently to extract as much liquid as possible.
5. Bottle:
• Sterilize bottles or jars (by boiling or washing in hot, soapy water and drying in the oven).
• Pour the strained cordial into the bottles and seal.

Storage:

• Keeps for up to 6 weeks in the fridge.
• For longer storage, freeze in plastic bottles or ice cube trays.
• Citric acid helps extend shelf life; without it, use within 2–3 weeks or freeze.

Elderberry Syrup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried elderberries (or 2 cups fresh or frozen elderberries)
• 3 cups water
• 1–2 tsp fresh ginger (grated or sliced)
• 1 cinnamon stick (or 1 tsp ground cinnamon)
• 3–5 whole cloves (optional)
• 1 cup raw honey (adjust to taste)

Note: Do not eat raw elderberries — they contain toxic compounds that are removed by cooking.

Instructions:

1. Simmer the berries and spices
   In a medium saucepan, combine elderberries, water, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45–60 minutes, uncovered, until the liquid is reduced by about half.
2. Mash and strain
   Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Mash the berries carefully with a spoon or potato masher. Strain through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean bowl or jug. Discard the solids.
3. Add honey
   Once the liquid has cooled to lukewarm (not hot!), stir in the honey. Mix until fully dissolved.
4. Bottle and store
   Pour the syrup into sterilized glass jars or bottles and refrigerate.

Storage:

• Refrigerated: Keeps for up to 2–3 months.
• Frozen: Freeze in silicone trays or small containers for long-term storage.

Dosage:

·         Adults: 1 tablespoon daily (increase to every 3–4 hours if ill)

• Children over 1 year: 1 teaspoon daily (ensure honey is safe for their age)

Enjoy the taste and benefits of the fruit and flowers of the beautiful Elder tree!