Black Elder
Energetics:
Pungent, Cool, Dry, Sweet
Common Names:
Black Elder, Danewort, Holunder, Pipe Tree, Tree of Music,
Tree of Medicine, Sambu, Sureau
Latin Name:
Sambucus nigra
Family Name:
Caprifoliaceae - Honeysuckle Family
Functions:
Alterative,
anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, diuretic,
expectorant, laxative, stimulant
TCM Functions:
- Releases the exterior, dispels external wind-heat,
resolves damp, and reduces discharge.
* external wind-damp-heat with nasal discharge & congestion, sore throat. - Resolves Lung phlegm-damp and relieves wheezing
* Lung phlegm-damp with cough, wheeze. Full cough with copious expectoration. - Strengthens the Spleen, promotes urination and drains water-damp * Spleen damp with edema.
- Drains damp-heat and dispels heat toxin * Bladder
damp-heat with strangury
* fire toxin, e.g. boils, ulcers, abscesses
Therapeutics:
Used for acne,
candida, catarrh, chills, colds, fever, flu, gout, hay
fever, headache and hot flashes.
Notes:
Elder flower is the
ideal remedy for the acute infection of the upper
respiratory tract when the cause is wind-heat. Wind-heat in
our climate most commonly presents as a cough with a raspy
voice and a serious sore throat. Elder flower is also
excellent when toxic heat is present as in the case of
laryngitis, tonsillitis or conjunctivitis. Elder flower is
also useful in treating hay fever allergies as it contains
quercitin, a flavinoid known for its anti-inflammatory
properties.
Tradition:
The Celts held Elder as one of the trees of power and was
venerated for its protective spirit. Chopping elder
branches was considered dangerous in rural England because
it was believed that the tree was inhabited by the Elder
Mother. To avoid her wrath, woodcutters would recite a
placatory rhyme.
UpS Alternatives:
Use Elder flower or berries as an analog for endangered
species Echinacea (Echinacea spp.) and for endangered
species Osha (Ligusticum porterii)
Contraindications:
Avoid in cases of fluid depletion due to its diuretic
effects.