Elderberry
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is a small tree or a branchy shrub, reaching a height of 3 to 7 m.
On the barky branches grow opposite arranged leaves, which in turn are composed of 5 – 7 subleaves.
The white flowers have a 5-part corolla and stand together like umbels. From them in late summer develop black fruits that hang down on reddish stalks.
Elderberry
Image source: 265956351 – stock.adobe.com
Family and collection time
Elderberry belongs to the muskweed family.
Caution: Danger of confusion with the poisonous dwarf elderberry and the poisonous red elderberry!
Parts of the plant used: Flowers, fruits
Collection time in detail:
- Flowers: June – July
- Fruits: from August
Healing effect and application
Healing effect:
Diaphoretic, immunostrengthening, digestive.
Application in naturopathy:
To strengthen the immune system, colds, also with fever.
Ingredients: (selection)
-
Sweat-inducing glycosides
-
much vitamin C
-
Minerals
Applications
Tea recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 tsp elderflower
- 250 ml water
Preparation:
Pour 250 ml of hot water over 2 tsp of elderflowers and leave for 10 min. Let pull.
Recipe for the kitchen: elderberry pancakes
Ingredients
-
Flower umbels
-
200 g spelt flour
-
3 eggs
-
300 ml milk
-
2 tablespoons honey
-
1 pinch salt
The ingredients are mixed to form a thick batter. The flower umbels are dipped in the batter and baked in a pan until golden brown.
For the kitchen
Usable are the
- Blossoms for elderflower syrup,
- Fruits for elderberry juice
- Fruits for elderberry jelly
References:
Beiser, Rudi: Our edible wild plants. Kosmos Nature Guide 2018
Bühring, Ursel: Praxis-Lehrbuch der modernen Heilpflanzenkunde; Grundlagen – Anwendung – Therapie. Sonntag Publishing House Stuttgart 2005
Pahlow, M. Pharmacist: Medicinal Plants. Bechtermünz Publishing House Augsburg 2001
Schneider, Christine: Finding wild herbs. Ulmer Publishing House Stuttgart 2017
Recipe by Dr. Markus Strauß www.dr-strauss.net
