Elderflower
Sambucus nigra
Frothy, muscat-scented blossoms used for centuries to break a fever, ease a cold, and bottle the smell of early summer.
At a glance
Heady, almost grape-like aroma — muscat wine and cut hay. Fresh flowers are heavily fragrant; dried ones are softer but still distinct. The infusion is pale gold with a sweet, slightly grassy finish.
- Cold and flu fever blend
- Sinus and hay fever support
- Children's cold tea
- Elderflower cordial for summer keeping
Modern research
Tradition
European folklore is unusually consistent about elder: never cut it without asking the Elder Mother's permission, never burn it, never make a baby's cradle from it. Whether or not you take that on board, the tree gave village herbalists their most important fever remedy for over a thousand years.
Modern evidence
Best evidence is for the berries (cooked) shortening influenza duration in randomized trials. The flowers have less direct trial support but solid traditional standing for upper respiratory complaints, hay fever, and fever management. Active compounds include flavonoids, triterpenes, and a small amount of essential oil.
How to brew
A heaping tablespoon of dried florets per covered cup, water just off the boil, ten minutes. Holds up well in blends. For the famous cordial, use fresh flowers and treat the syrup like a delicate jam — short, careful, never boiled.
Garden note
Elder is among the easiest hedge plants to establish from a cutting — push a finger-thick stick into damp earth in winter and many will take. Coppice every few years to keep it within reach for harvesting.