Elderberry
Sambucus nigra
Common Names: Elder, Elderberry, European Elder, Black Elder, Ellhorn
Botanical Family: Adoxaceae
Parts Used: Flowers, berries, leaves, bark (with caution)
A deciduous shrub or small tree with creamy umbels of fragrant blossoms in late spring and clusters of deep purple-black berries in autumn. Sacred to many European folk traditions, the elder is both healer and gatekeeper, protecting boundaries, bridging worlds, and offering powerful medicine.
Origins & Habitat
Native to Europe, parts of Asia, and North America (Sambucus canadensis). Found along hedgerows, woodland edges, and damp meadows. Often planted near homes for protection. In folk belief, the elder is the dwelling of powerful spirits, especially the Elder Mother (Hylde Moer in Danish lore).
Traditional & Medicinal Uses
Folk Herbalism & Modern Use:
Flowers: Diaphoretic tea for colds, flu, and fevers; cooling for inflammation.
Berries: Rich in anthocyanins and vitamin C; antiviral and immune-supportive. Often prepared as syrup, wine, jelly, or tincture.
Leaves & Bark: Traditionally used externally for bruises and sprains; internally toxic in large doses due to cyanogenic glycosides.
Notable Actions:
Antiviral, immune-enhancing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, mild laxative.
Commonly used for seasonal immune defense and to shorten duration of cold/flu.
Preparation:
Infusion: Flowers steeped in hot water for fevers, colds, and as a gentle diuretic.
Syrup: Berries simmered with honey or sugar and spices for immune support.
Tincture: Preserves antiviral properties for long-term storage.
Magical & Energetic Correspondences
Element: Water (healing, emotion) with a touch of Air (communication with the unseen)
Planet: Venus & Saturn
Chakras: Heart & Third Eye
Energy Signature: Protective, liminal, boundary-keeping, transformative
Magical Uses:
Protection: Branches hung above doors to ward off unwanted spirits.
Spirit Work: Flowers and wood used in charms for ancestral contact and guidance.
Threshold Magic: Elder is seen as a living doorway between worlds, an ally in dreamwork and shamanic journeying.
Healing Rituals: Elder blossoms and berries incorporated into teas, baths, or charms to support recovery and renewal.
Folklore & Symbolism
In Norse and Anglo-Saxon lore, elder trees were sacred to the goddess or spirit of the Elder Mother; cutting one without permission was said to bring misfortune.
In English folk magic, elder wood was never burned in the hearth, doing so could invite the Elder Mother’s wrath.
In Celtic tradition, elder is the 13th month in the Ogham tree calendar, representing endings, beginnings, and transformation.
Elderberry wine was offered at Samhain as a gift to the dead.
Spellwork Example: Elderberry Ward Syrup
Purpose: To protect the home and strengthen the body’s defenses in winter.
You Will Need:
Fresh or dried elderberries
Water
Honey
A pinch of cinnamon and clove
A small piece of iron (symbol of warding)
Ritual:
Simmer the elderberries in water until soft, adding cinnamon and clove.
Strain and stir in honey while warm, speaking:
“Berries dark, blossoms white,
Guard my hearth through winter’s night.
Strength of root, ward of tree,
Keep all harm away from me.”Store in a glass jar with the iron piece nearby or tied to the jar.
Take a spoonful daily in cold months, visualizing a circle of elder trees around your home.
⚠ Cautions
Raw berries, leaves, and bark contain compounds that can cause nausea, cook before use.
Avoid high doses during pregnancy without professional guidance.
Always give thanks to the elder tree before harvesting, tradition says to whisper your name and purpose.