ECHINACEA Echinacea angustifolia, L.( U. S. Agricultural Department, Appalachia, 1971)
ELDER OR ELDERBERRY Sambucus canadensis, L.( N. O.: Caprifoliaceae)
Common Names: Sambucus, American Elder, Sweet Elder. Features: An indigenous shrub growing in all parts of the United States and Canada, in low, damp grounds, thickets and waste places. Elders are frequently cultivated for their ornamental foliage. They grow from 5 – 12 ft. high, blooming in June and July, with star-shaped fragrant flowers ¼ in. across, grouped in flat flower clusters about 8 in. across. Purple black berries containing three or four round seeds, maturing in September and October. The fruit is often made into jellies, pies and wine. The branching stems are covered with a rough, pitted grey bark; large central stems are smooth. The odour is faintly sweet, aromatic; taste slightly bitter. The European Elder, though larger than the American, is in general characteristics and properties similar. Medicinal Parts: The roots, inner bark, leaves, berries and flowers are all recognized as natural medical treatment. Solvent: Water. Bodily Influence: Emetic, Hydragogue, Cathartic; Flowers: Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Alterative, Emollient, Discutient, Gentle Stimulant. Uses: No education is required as to which part may be used. From the tree top to root’ s end is a symbol of medical properties. Often all that is needed is the virtue of necessity as a teacher. The flowers, berries, leaves, inner bark and roots have expressed gratitude for many in conditions of headache due to colds, palsy, rheumatism, scrofula, syphilis, jaundice, kidney and epilepsy.
Dr. Brown( 1875) gives us the following:“ The inner bark of Elder is hydragogue, emetic and cathartic. Has been successfully used in epilepsy by taking it from branches 1 or 2 years old, scraping off the grey outer bark, and steeping 2 ounces of it in 5 ounces of boiling water for 48 hours. Strain and give a wineglassful every 15 minutes when the fit is threatening, have the patient fast. Resume it every 6 to 8 days.” The tea of the flowers is quieting to twitching and inflammation of the eyes, taken internally. The tea simmered for 10 min. longer and cotton soaked in the solution provides an eye application over closed lids. The berries are rich in organic iron and therefore an excellent addition to the autumn menu, especially if anaemic. Combine Elderberry and Blackberry juice, 1 oz. three times a day.
The inner green bark is cathartic; an infusion of it in wine, or the expressed juice, in doses from ½ fl. oz. to 1 fl. oz. will purge moderately. A large dose produces vomiting. In small doses it produces