Move Over Elderberry — Elderflower Is Having Its Moment

I’m sure many of you have heard of Elderberry….but….have you heard of Elderflower. Elderflowers have long been used for their healing powers. In fact, their use can be traced back at least 12,000 years. Hippocrates even used Eldertrees, including Elderflowers, for a variety of ailments.

“If the medicinal properties of the leaves, bark, berries, and [flowers] were thoroughly known…a countryman could aile for nothing” – John Evelyn (17^th Century English gardener & diarist)

Did you know there are so many aspects to the magick that elderflowers have to offer? Elderflowers are full of Vitamin C along with bioflavonoids. They provide a wealth of benefits (anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, diaphoretic, immune supporting) to support the physical, emotional, energetic, and spiritual aspects of the body (especially during the allergy and cold & flu seasons).

Dried Elderflowers can be added to oil to make Elderflower oil, which is soothing for the skin. A cooled Elderflower infusion can also be used as a compress or body wash to help support and soothe the skin.

Elderflowers also make a delicious, calming, and slightly sweet addition to teas, infused honey, syrups, jams, and mocktails (to name just a few).

Magickal Properties of the Elderflower

Associations:  protection, renewal, travel between the realms, love, enhances intuition, transitions, purification, judgement

Planet:  Venus (also Saturn by some herbalists)

Element:  Water

Energy:  Feminine

Energetics: Cooling & Gently Drying

According to ancient European and Celtic folklore the “Elder Mother”, the tree’s protective spirit, lives in the tree and punishes those who use her tree selfishly. The tree and blossoms also have a deep connection to the realm of the fae.

“Elder be ye Lady’s tree, burn it not or cursed ye’ll be” – Old Folklore

Elderflower Syrup Recipe

Tools & Ingredients:  pot with lid, water, Elderflowers*, sugar, lemon, 2 large jars with lids, wax paper, marker

 

Method:

 

1. Combine 4 cups of water and 6 cups of sugar into a pot over medium heat.
2. Stir the heated sugar water mixture until all of the sugar dissolves.
3. Once all of the sugar dissolves allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
4. Remove any debris or insects from the Elderflowers (do not wash as this removes flavor). Trim any stems from the flowers and discard.
5. Place the cleaned Elderflowers into a large jar.
6. Pour the cooled sugar water mixture over the Elderflowers and squeeze a lemon into the mixture (make sure the blossoms are immersed into the fluid).
7. Place a piece of wax paper over the jar opening and seal with the lid. Write the date on the lid & place in a cool dark place for 2-5 days. Rotate the jar daily.
8. Strain the syrup into a new clean jar, label the jar, and keep in the refrigerator (Good for up to 1 year).

 

ENJOY!!! The syrup can be added to mineral water, lemonade, regular water, etc.

Elderflower Calming Tea Recipe

Tools & Ingredients: Elderflowers, Chamomile flowers, Rose petals, cup with lid to cover, tea kettle to boil water, tea strainer, local raw honey (if desired)

 

Method:

1. Boil 8 ounces of water in a tea kettle (or other pot).
2. Combine equal amounts of Elderflowers, Chamomile flowers, and Rose petals into a tea strainer.
3. Place the tea strainer into a cup.
4. Pour the boiling water over the tea strainer.
5. Place a small saucer or cup lid over the opening & infuse the herbs for 10 minutes.
6. Add local raw honey to taste (if desired)

 

ENJOY!!! Take in the aroma of the herbal infusion to find calmness with your senses as well

Elderflower Oil Recipe

Tools & Ingredients: oil (Olive, Sunflower, Safflower, etc.), Elderflowers*, mason jar with lid, wax paper, marker

 

Method:

1. Place dried Elderflowers into a mason jar, filling about ¾ of the way full.
2. Pour oil into the jar completely covering the blossoms.
3. Cover the jar and rotate it several times, adding additional oil as needed to completely cover the plant material.
4. Place a piece of wax paper over the jar opening and close with the lid.
5. Label and place into a cool dark location for a minimum of 28 days.

ENJOY!!! The Elderflower oil can be used by itself on the skin, added to bath water, or used to make lip balm or skin nourishing salves

 

*Only use chemical free elderflowers & elderberries

 

All information is for educational purposes only. NaturalU – Wholistic Wellness and Last Home Farm make neither medical claims nor intend to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Please do your own research regarding the safety and usage of any herbs or supplements.