Elder
“Look at it from my point of view: When it comes to pollinators, don't be too picky. The more, the better! So I welcome honeybees, butterflies and moths, as well as hoverflies and beetles, with my appealingly sweet scent. It's all about survival and growth.”
Medicine meets magic
Ask any herbalist about elder and they will sing its praises: Elder (Sambucus nigra) is a medicine chest and it has extraordinary growth powers. It’s no wonder that its history as a healing plant dates back to the Stone Age. Almost the whole plant is said to have healing properties. Flowers, berries, leaves, bark and roots are used to treat a wide range of ailments. Elder is held in high esteem in both Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and European herbal medicine.
But elder doesn’t just help boost the immune system. If you want to protect yourself from witchcraft, hang an elder branch on your wall or put some elderberries in your pocket. The various species, commonly known as elder, elderflower or elderberry, are part of a rich folklore tradition that is still alive today. None other than Harry Potter trusts the powers of an elder wand.
Facts and Figures
- 7
- Mature Elder trees can grow up to 7 metres.
- Elderflowers are used to treat fevers and colds.
- 60
- Elder trees can live up to 60 years.
FAQ
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