Elder berry - Latin Name: (Sambucus nigra)

Herbal Anecdote: Across Europe and throughout Russia much folklore and superstition surrounded the elderberry. It was said to ward off evil and offer protection from witches. It was incorporated into wedding and funeral ceremonies. A stick of Elder brought good luck at weddings. Branches were buried with the dead for protection against evil spirits. Traditionally, it was believed that the Calvary cross was made from a giant Elder.

Traditional Uses: Elderberry has been used as a medicinal, cosmetic, and culinary plant for centuries. Medicinally it acts on the body as an emetic, a cathartic and a gentle stimulant. The flowers have diaphoretic, diuretic, alterative, emollient, and discutient properties.