Elder Sambucus canadensis: (Caprifoliaceae)
Published: Wed, 01/23/13
January 23, 2013
Elder Sambucus canadensis: (Caprifoliaceae)
-Jo Francks MH
The International Herb Association has named Elder as herb of the year for 2013. There is more romance, folklore, tradition, and superstition recorded in history about this remarkable plant than about any other herb known.
The great herbalist, Henry Box of England, stated, "For colds, influenza, fevers, inflammation of the brain, pneumonia, inflammation of stomach, bowels, or any other part, this is a certain cure. I have never known it to fail, even when given up and at the point of death, it will not only save at the eleventh hour, but at the last minute of that hour. It is so harmless that you cannot use it amiss, and so effectual that you cannot give it in vain."
The flowers and berries are the parts of the plant that are most used internally although the bark and leaves have been used externally for skin conditions such as boils, swelling, bruises, and eczema. The bark and root are not used internally so much because they are strong purgatives and emetic.
The berries are a wonderful herb to use for colds and flu. I like to combine them with rose hips and calendula flowers to make a tea or an extract. Use equal parts of each dried herb for each preparation.
For a tea use a teaspoon of the combined herbs per cup of distilled water. Boil the water and pour over the herb, cover and let steep for 15 to 20 minutes. Drink while warm.
To make an extract fill a glass jar half way with the herbs and fill the jar the rest of the way with equal parts distilled water and vegetable glycerin. Cap the jar and shake it several times a day for 2 weeks, strain off the liquid through a piece of muslin or cheese cloth. The liquid that you strained off is the extract. Use a half teaspoon of this preparation several times a day.
Elder is one of Dr. Christopher's 100 herbs and a very good choice for herb of the year for 2013. It would be beneficial to learn more about this herb and get some to have on hand in case your family needs something for the seasonal illnesses going around.
-Jo Francks MH
The International Herb Association has named Elder as herb of the year for 2013. There is more romance, folklore, tradition, and superstition recorded in history about this remarkable plant than about any other herb known.
The great herbalist, Henry Box of England, stated, "For colds, influenza, fevers, inflammation of the brain, pneumonia, inflammation of stomach, bowels, or any other part, this is a certain cure. I have never known it to fail, even when given up and at the point of death, it will not only save at the eleventh hour, but at the last minute of that hour. It is so harmless that you cannot use it amiss, and so effectual that you cannot give it in vain."
The flowers and berries are the parts of the plant that are most used internally although the bark and leaves have been used externally for skin conditions such as boils, swelling, bruises, and eczema. The bark and root are not used internally so much because they are strong purgatives and emetic.
The berries are a wonderful herb to use for colds and flu. I like to combine them with rose hips and calendula flowers to make a tea or an extract. Use equal parts of each dried herb for each preparation.For a tea use a teaspoon of the combined herbs per cup of distilled water. Boil the water and pour over the herb, cover and let steep for 15 to 20 minutes. Drink while warm.
To make an extract fill a glass jar half way with the herbs and fill the jar the rest of the way with equal parts distilled water and vegetable glycerin. Cap the jar and shake it several times a day for 2 weeks, strain off the liquid through a piece of muslin or cheese cloth. The liquid that you strained off is the extract. Use a half teaspoon of this preparation several times a day.
Elder is one of Dr. Christopher's 100 herbs and a very good choice for herb of the year for 2013. It would be beneficial to learn more about this herb and get some to have on hand in case your family needs something for the seasonal illnesses going around.
Printable Version: http://www.herballegacy.com/
If you missed an article be sure to visit http://www.herballegacy.com and click on Articles. Also, take advantage of David Christopher's Radio Show (see Resource Links below for more information).
If you missed an article be sure to visit http://www.herballegacy.com and click on Articles. Also, take advantage of David Christopher's Radio Show (see Resource Links below for more information).
Public Seminar
David Christopher
will be speaking at the following public seminars to be held at these Utah,
Good Earth locations;
Tuesday
Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. -
Provo - 1045 S. University Ave. (801-375-7444)
Wednesday
Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. -
American Fork - 336 West Main (801-756-0233)
Thursday
Feb. 14 at 7 p.m. - Riverdale - 1050 West Riverdale Rd. (801-334-5500)
Friday
Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. -
Sandy - 7905 South 700 East (801-562-2209)
For more
information on these events please contact the Good Earth
nearest you.
From Dr. Christopher's School of Natural Healing book
Flu remedy, fevers, inflammation
1 ounce Elder flowers (Sambucus canadensis)
1 ounce Peppermint leaves (Mentha piperita)
Dosage: 1 teacupful every 30 to 45 minutes until the patient perspires; then 2 tablespoonfuls every 1 to 2 hours.
Administration: This tea taken hot will break down congestions, equalize circulation, and restore a functional equilibrium. Keep patient well covered in bed overnight; then sponge the body in the morning with equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water (this will act as a tonic and cleanse waste from the pores). For children: Give smaller doses and sweeten. (SNH)
Printable Version: http://www.herballegacy.com/
Herbal Resource Links
- Herbal Legacy - http://www.herballegacy.com - Our free information website
- The School of Natural Healing - http://www.snh.cc - Quality Education since 1953
- Christopher Publications - http://www.christopherpublications.com - Dr. Christopher's books and more
- Christopher Websites - http://www.christopherwebsites.com - Find all Christopher websites and other great resources
- A Healthier You Radio Show - http://www.ahealthieryouradio.com - Free weekly radio show
This newsletter is sponsored by:
The School of Natural Healing: http://www.snh.cc
Christopher Publications: http://www.christopherpublications.com
The School of Natural Healing: http://www.snh.cc
Christopher Publications: http://www.christopherpublications.com
NOTICE: All
information in this newsletter is given out as information only and is not
intended to diagnose or prescribe. For
our official Disclaimer, Biological Individuality, Important Notice & Terms
of Use please see: http://www.herballegacy.com/Disclaimer.html
This newsletter is sent by permission only - you can unsubscribe quickly and easily by clicking the link below.
.