Comments on: Into the Forest: Exploring Elderberry

By: Kristen

Kristen — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 00:16:39 +0000

OK, looks like Rico at Horizon Herbs says the SEED of Red Elderberry is toxic, not the fruit, so in theory the Sambucus racemosa could be used if one can filter out the seed or cook it (which apparently renders the seed non-toxic, according to Rico). But I wonder, does the red elder fruit carry the same medicinal benefits… ?

My botanist friend says the blue elderberry doesn’t grow this far north in New Mexico… Lucky you!!!

By: Kristen

Kristen — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 16:18:25 +0000

My kids have been gobbling up elderberry “snowcones” every morning –luckily we have plenty of snow this year– and we haven’t had a cold yet! (nevermind those pesky chickenpox).

KIVA, a question. I’m in Northern NM at 8,000 feet and there is a patch of what I believe is RED elderberry (sambucus racemosa probably) up the road a ways probably at 9,000 feet … I’ve read the red elderberry could be toxic. Do you have any thoughts on using red elderberry? If this grows here, I am sure I can somewhere nearby find neomexicana or mexicana growing , too, but I haven’t found it yet in my usual spots.

Kristen

By: Kiva Rose

Kiva Rose — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 01:43:28 +0000

I’ve used both, which is why I give recipes for both in my writings, it just depends on what I have on hand.

By: Sue

Sue — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:46:45 +0000

Kiva
Do you tincture the fresh berries or the dried ones.
Loved all your writings on Elderberry what a blessing these tiny pearls are.

By: Kiva Rose

Kiva Rose — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:25:37 +0000

Alder is definitely more palatable and effective for this use as a tincture. I suggest you read up on my previous posts on these plants before using them too.

You’re so welcome, thanks for reading!

By: Sandie

Sandie — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:06:23 +0000

I’ll definitely do the elderberry elixir, and get the alder/beebalm ready, too. I have none of that on hand, but can order it. Would the beebalm and alder be more effective as a tincture or an infusion? Thanks so much for all of the wonderful info you share and all of the time you put into this site…it is MUCH appreciated!

By: Kiva Rose

Kiva Rose — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 01:06:23 +0000

Sandie. I’ve only used the Elderberry Elixir made with glycerine for this problem (not the honey!) but the plain tincture may also work.

If it’s that serious of an infection, you might consider Alder/Beebalm internally as well, much better chance of success that way.

By: Sandie

Sandie — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 23:49:04 +0000

Kiva

This post is almost a Godsend! I’ve just come off yet ANOTHER bout with a severe swimmers ear infection, and after spending over $250 in Dr. visits and meds, I’m really searching for something to help. I seem to have a chronic problem. I treat myself with garlic oil and mullein oil, but inevitably, cannot stave off the infection long term. Would an elderberry tincture work as well as the elderberry honey? I’m looking for something to stop things when I get those first tingles of what will become another infection. I’ve never heard of using elderberry, and I’m almost too excited to hope it will work!

Sandie

By: Kiva Rose

Kiva Rose — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 16:02:05 +0000

Thanks litha, I love Elderberry t’ej, it’s so super yummy!

Wow Denise, I’ve never met a kid who didn’t like elderberry elixir, for me that’s one of the great benefits of making it because I don’t have to fight little ones to take it. So glad you enjoyed the post!

By: Denise

Denise — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 13:12:04 +0000

I love elderberry and have recently found myself being drawn to it more and more.
I haven’t worked with the flowers, but have used the dried berries for making tinctures and something very similar to your elixir, and I find that it’s not only tasty, but strong medicine as well.
My kids don’t especially like the taste, but they know that elderberry is the first thing I’ll give them when colds and flues set in. They’re very open-minded about it all and have even told some of their friends that I make my own medicines.
Makes me feel good.
Thanks for such a great post on elderberries!

By: litha

litha — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 02:03:15 +0000

wow, excellent post. i am continually amazed by your vast knowledge and your generosity in sharing what you know. so inspiring! i currently have some elderberry t’ej fermenting…. hoping it will go all right! thank you again!