Elderberries & Autumn in Idaho

Wild blue elderberry

(Sambucus cerulea)

Finding elderberry in the mountains here in Idaho has been such a delight. The first one I discovered was in the backyard of the house where we are now residing, but its berries were still green so I didn’t know if it was a red or black/blue elderberry. I was quite familiar with the red variety, it being pretty abundant in SE Alaska; but not so the black or blue one ~ that is one of the best folk herbalists: ‘before a cold sets in’ medicines. Also good for the eyes and full of antioxidants & flavonoids, a helpful berry for inflammation.

The second plant I found was snuggled into willows, aspen, red twigged dogwood and hawthorn (such a lovely combination by the way!!). Elders like to grow near water or in more dampish soil. However, a good dose of sunshine is needed for good berry production. Edges of streams, spring runoff areas, maple forests are where I’ve noticed them growing now ~ and they are locally abundant which is so neat to see.

All of the plant is considered medicinal. However, some sources will claim varying degrees of toxicity. In short, the roots and bark and leaves are much stronger medicine and it’s good to do your research on them before using. The berries can be nibbled raw, but not too many or they can cause stomach upset. I’ve eaten maybe 15 at a time and felt fine. I’ve read many places that red elder berries are only to be used cooked.

Right now the end of the season nears for picking. As the frosts hit more frequently and for longer, the berries will begin to shrivel more. But there are still some luscious beauties like these hanging around. Such good medicine being around these plants. Oh, and the backyard elder is a blue one :)

An easy syrup recipe is add 2 cups blue or black elderberries and 2 cups water together. Bring to a gentle simmer and stir occasionally for 30 minutes. Strain with cheesecloth or muslin. Add one cup honey to strained mixture. You could also use cane sugar to make a simple syrup but I prefer honey for its own medicinal benefits. Completely mix honey and strained juice. Store in fridge for at least 6 months or perhaps longer. Other herbs such as rose hips, orange peel, ginger, cinnamon, thyme & rosemary could also be added to make an immune boosting, helpful cold remedy. Here’s a recipe I’ve been making for years for our family and in workshops. An autumn gift from me to you!

Rose Hip & Elderberry Elixir

1/2 cup dried rose hips (or use 1 cup fresh)

1/2 cup dried elderberries (or use 1 cup fresh)

2 T. cinnamon chunks

1 T. dried orange peel

6 whole cloves

2 T. Licorice root

2 T. Hibiscus flowers (**not for use during pregnancy, optional)

1/2 T. dried ginger (or use 1-2 T. freshly grated)

1 T. dried Thyme (or use 3 T. fresh)

2 cups Water

Honey to taste (about 1/2 cup; this will help preserve it as well)

1-5 t. Yarrow tincture (optional)

If using wild rosehips, after removing dried sepal, use a mortar and pestle, or a blender to gently open up whole rosehips (if using a blender, add a bit of the water). If using larger hips, cut open and remove seeds if you want to. Add all ingredients except for the honey and tincture to a glass or stainless-steel saucepan (I actually prefer a double boiler, so if heating directly, be sure check and stir often). Bring to a gentle boil, simmer 45 minutes to one hour. Strain through cheesecloth. Add honey and stir until dissolved. Add tincture/s. Pour into desired container/s.

Dosage is ½-1 teaspoon for kids, 1 T. for adults once per day to help strengthen the immune system. Triple, or more, the dose per day if dealing with the beginnings of a cold/flu, or in the thick of it. Store in the fridge to extend shelf life, use within 6-9 months.

Other tinctures, can be used as well; some examples are Usnea (cold process), as well as Elecampane, Pine Resin, Cottonwood Bud and Wild Cherry Bark tinctures. You can make this medicine with many variations tailored more towards you individual needs. Hope you enjoy!

*Recipe by Emily Grace Willis

Rosalee de la Foret has a fantastic herbal website where she dives in deep about Elder. Highly suggest checking out her website: https://www.herbalremediesadvice.org/rosalee-de-la-foret.html for more information on Elder medicine and many more herbs! She’s also listed in the resources section of this website.

Autumn is the sunset of the seasonal year. Wishing you and your loved ones a time of rest and reflection.