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The Elder Tree

By Áine Marie Reilly

BSc(Hons), MIIMH, MNIMH, MCPP, DipCoun

 

The elder tree has been used in Irish folk medicine for generations but it is still a very important part of the herbalist’s dispensary. The elder tree blossoms around midsummer and the clusters of creamy white flowers can clearly be seen at this time of year on the trees which grow by the roadsides.

Fresh elderflowers are often used to make wine or champagne, but for medicinal purposes they are usually dried and prepared as a tea or tincture.

Elderflowers are particularly useful for the treatment of colds and flu. They have antiviral and immune stimulating properties and they can help to break a fever by promoting perspiration.

In addition, the flowers help to reduce the production of mucus which is useful in many catarrhal conditions including hayfever and sinusitis. A cup of warm elderflower tea with a little honey and fresh lemon juice is a very effective yet gentle remedy which is safe for young children.

The elder tree, as its name suggests, is also suitable for the older generation. An infusion of the flowers or distilled elderflower water makes an excellent toner which is ideal for mature skins. It helps to fade excess pigmentation and cafe au lait patches which often appear with advancing years, during pregnancy or following sun damage.

Elderflowers are a very safe herbal remedy which is easy to find and prepare. However, if you are going out to pick elderflowers this summer, do take care. According to an old legend, witches often disguise themselves as elder trees and they don’t take kindly to being cut!

Áine Marie Reilly is a qualified medical herbalist practising in Lismore. 
For further information or to make an appointment
please telephone: 058 53200 or 087 9345910.

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