Sambucas nigra
Whole flowers. Price is per ounce.
Folk Names: Alhuren, Battree, Boure Tree, Bour Tree, Eldrum, Elhorn, Frau Holle, Hildemoer, Hollunder, Hylder, Lady Ellhorn, Old Gal, Old Lady, Pipe Tree, Rob Elder, Sureau, Sweet Elder, Tree of Doom, Yakori Bengeskro and Devil's Eye
Gender: Feminine
Planet: Venus
Element: Water
Deities: Holda, Venus
Powers: Exorcism, Protection, Healing, Prosperity and Sleep
Medicinal Uses:
Elder flowers, mixed with mint and yarrow blossoms, are excellent internal cleansers when fighting flu and colds. A tea of the elder flowers and sassafras is a remedy for acne. Elder flower oil is a remedy for chapped skin. Elder is used to cleanse the body, build the blood, treat inflammation, fever, and soothes the respiratory system. The leaves can be used as an antiseptic poultice for external wounds, and as an insect repellant. The Greeks used a tea from the root as a laxative. Elder can be toxic, especially if fresh, most notably the stems as they contain cyanide. This herb should not be used internally by pregnant or lactating women.