ENGLISH NAME: Elder
(Elderberry)
LATIN NAME: Sambucus
nigra
LOCAL NAMES:
Czechia: Bez černý
Turkey: Mürver
Bulgaria: Черен бъз (Cheren bŭz)
Georgia: შავი სამბუკა (Shavi sambuka)
COUNTRY: Turkey,
Bulgaria, Czechia, Georgia
WHERE TO FIND IT:
Region: Widely
distributed in lowland and hilly areas
Elevation: 0–1,500 meters
Terrain: Meadows, groves,
hedgerows, forest edges, and bushy areas
DESCRIPTION:
Elder is a shrub or small tree typically reaching 3 to 10 meters in height. It
is recognized by its large, flat-topped clusters of small, creamy-white or
yellowish flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. These are followed
by clusters of small, dark purple to black berries in late summer or early
autumn. Leaves are pinnately compound, with a strong aroma when crushed.
USABLE PARTS: Bloom (flower),
berries
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES:
Elderflowers and berries are traditionally used to support immune health. The
flowers are used in teas for fevers and colds, while the berries are commonly
made into syrups and tinctures to help relieve cold and flu symptoms.
UNDESIRED EFFECTS:
Raw berries, leaves, and bark can be toxic if not properly prepared. May cause
nausea or vomiting if consumed unripe or uncooked.
COMBINING WITH
OTHER MEDICINES:
Often combined with echinacea or ginger in immune-boosting formulas and teas.
PREPARATION:
Flowers can be dried for tea or infused into syrup. Berries can be cooked into
jams, syrups, or tinctures. Never consume raw berries.
HARVEST TIME:
Flowers: Late spring to
early summer
Berries: Late summer to
early fall, when fully ripe
HARVEST METHOD:
Flowers: Snip flower
clusters early in the day once fully open.
Berries: Strip ripe
berries gently from stems; clean thoroughly to remove debris and unripe fruit.
CONSERVATION
(STORAGE):
Flowers: Dry in a single
layer in a shaded, well-ventilated space and store in airtight containers.
Berries: Preserve as
syrup, jam, or tincture in sealed glass containers kept in a cool, dark place.