Does it matter what kind of Elderberry?

[AnnetrichStudent]

I have been looking at Elderberry bushes and have learned that some of the spcecies (usually the green leafed kind) require a cross pollinator, So I would have to get two bush, whereas the Dark leafed Elderberry do not require a cross pollinator. Are all Elderberries created equal? (except the red berried kind of course) Do they still have the same medicinal qualities? Doc, what is your favorite Variety? Thanks!

Anne

[IdahoHerbalist]

Since the leaf is most medicinal, if you are growing for the leaf it does not matter if you have a pollinator or not. If you do want the berries then of course you do.

I do not see anything on line or in the literature that indicates that there is any difference in the medicinal quality of the leaf.

[AnnetrichStudentTopic Author]

Awesome. Thanks. I ended up getting two different green leafed varieties.

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

You’ll also get the flowers without a pollinator. Flowers or berries are much better for little kids than the leaf.

The berry of Sambcus racemosa (Red Elder) can be a little toxic so avoid that one.

I have both the local mountain elder and black elder (Sambucus nigra) growing on my place and use both interchangeably.

Doc

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

[Granny.BStudent]

I’ve never heard of Elderberry leaf being used. What applications do you use it for? Can it be used internally?

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

Granny.B wrote: I’ve never heard of Elderberry leaf being used. What applications do you use it for? Can it be used internally?

I use it all the time internally. It has the same properties as the flower and berry only stronger. I don’t use it in little kids preferring the flower or berry for them.

Combined with peppermint and yarrow, it’s absolutely the bomb for colds/flus.

Doc

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

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TimberBakery

[Granny.BStudent]

Give us an idea how you would use Elderberry leaf for a cold or flu. Just drink the tea?

[IdahoHerbalist]

I would combine it in equal parts with the other plants that Patrick suggested. If you REALLY want a kick then add 1/4 to 1/3 part cayenne!!! :yahoo: :scared: Well, you could start lower and add until you get the kick you like or want! :nod:

Then just use it as a cold infusion (keep the mint happy) or make a tincture of it.

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

Granny.B wrote: Give us an idea how you would use Elderberry leaf for a cold or flu. Just drink the tea?

I combine elder leaf, yarrow and pepperimint…about a teaspoon of each made into a tea. Sometimes I add some Brigham tea or a little cayenne.

Doc

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

[AnnettStudent]

Doc:

Is this the elder plant you are refering to when you said “mountain”?

Sambucus microbotrys (mountain red elder)

Thanks!

[IdahoHerbalist]

No, it is not the RED elder. Just the run of the mill blue colored berry kind.

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

annett wrote: Doc:

Is this the elder plant you are refering to when you said “mountain”?

Sambucus microbotrys (mountain red elder)

Thanks!

I’m not familiar with that species. I wouldn’t use any of the elders that produce a red berry.

Doc

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

[AnnettStudent]

Will any sambuccus nigra be medicinal? There are a variety of names that follow “nigra” so I want to be sure. Thanks!

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

annett wrote: Doc:

Is this the elder plant you are refering to when you said “mountain”?

Sambucus microbotrys (mountain red elder)

Thanks!

I’m not familiar with that species. If it has red berries, don’t use it.

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

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