Meet elder – also known as Sambucus – a plant that is trending upward in the holistic health community.

While much of the traditional use of elder has focused on the flower, the past few decades have focused more on the purplish-black berry known as elderberry grows all over the Northern Hemisphere in temperate regions. Elderberry has been used in traditional wellness practices for hundreds of years and even has some mythical folklore surrounding it. Today, elderberry is best known for providing immune support.**

The history of elder and elderberry

Elder has a long and colorful history. Named the “Herb of the Year” in 2013, the Kansas City Starreported that evidence in Switzerland and Italy revealed that the elderberry plant may have been used by prehistoric man. Anatomia Sambuci, a book published in 1644 by Dr. Martin Blochwick, is about the uses and benefits of elder. Some Native American tribes used branches from the elder tree to make flutes. Interestingly elderberries have many uses, from making syrups to using dried berries, and making elderberry wine. Elderberries can also be used in the production of jams, jellies, tea, and vinegar.