Elderflower
Sambucus nigra
1:3 Ethanol/Distilled H2O Spagryic Tincture of organic dried Elderflowers, with purified salt principle added.
Planetary Ruler: Venus

Physical Properties*:
There was once a 230 page book written on the healing virtues of the Elder tree, whilst it no longer enjoys such eminence in medical fields, it is still a valuable remedy indeed. Elderflower is indicated for catarrhal inflammations of the upper respiratory tract such as sinusitis, hay fever, rhinitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis, tonsilitis, laryngitis, trachitis, and bronco-pneumonia. It also treats colds and influenza being particularly useful where there is fever, as it helps to open the pores and release heat whilst not denying the body’s natural detoxifying and cleansing processes – it aids lymphatic drainage. There are other actions the flowers can take in the head, including: reducing cattarhal deafness, improving eye health, and as potent remedy for periodontitis (gum disease) – due to anti-inflammatory actions.
Externally the flowers or the tincture of the flowers can be blended into salves, balms and solutions for treating sun burns, undesired skin pigmentations and sunburn; they soften and rejuvenate the skin. Elderflower is considered a relaxant diaphoretic, meaning that it opens the pores to release heat – unlike stimulant diaphoretics such as cloves or chillies that promote pore opening by increasing heat within. Naringenin and 5-O- caffeoylquinic acid enable glucose uptake and decrease fat storage, which is useful for those with Type-2 diabetes. It is also considered nervine and relaxing, being apt for use at bedtime.

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Emotional/Spiritual Properties*:
Elder has long been revered for its mystical and magical properties, the hollow twigs being used as magical wands as their hollowness indicates a conduit for spirit and intention. More specifically Elder is revered as a plant that oversees processes of death and rebirth, having a strong affinity to the star-sign Scorpio, which oversees the death process. As its physical effects help to clear out stagnation and toxins with the respiratory passages, on an emotional and spiritual level it is a great aid in letting go of old thoughts and old ways. The luminosity of elder can find us in dark corners, or the dark corners within us and shed its light therein. Catching it’s bright flower, we too look up again to new horizons, taking a deep and promise-full inhalation we can collect ourselves in cheer, whilst also having greater awareness of what must be relinquished in order to truly move forward. Elderflower is particularly useful for those who are holding on to angry thoughts about situations that happened in the past. It helps these people to find the insight and awareness the anger is trying to generate, after which they can move on with greater expansiveness.

Cautions/Contraindications:
-Diabetes: Elderflower can lower blood sugar levels, when combined with diabetic medications it can cause a sever drop in blood sugar levels. Proceed with caution or seek medical advice if using diabetic medications.
-Surgery: Because of its effects on blood sugar levels it is advised to stop taking Elderflower at least one week before surgery and discontinue use until at least 1 week afterwards.