Elder, or Sambucus nigra, is an herb that has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. It is commonly found in Europe, North America, and Western Asia, and has a long history of use in traditional medicine.
Herbal Actions
Elder has a wide range of medicinal properties, and is commonly used to treat colds, flu, and other respiratory infections. Its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties make it an effective remedy for these conditions. Elder is also a natural diuretic and laxative, making it useful in treating constipation and promoting healthy bowel movements.
Another important action of elder is its ability to stimulate the immune system. It contains compounds known as flavonoids, which have been shown to enhance immune function and protect against oxidative stress. This makes elder a valuable herb for supporting overall health and preventing illness.
Folklore
Elder has a rich history of folklore and has been used in various cultures for its magical properties. In European folklore, elder was believed to have protective qualities, and was often planted near homes to ward off evil spirits. In some traditions, elder was also used to make wands and other magical tools.
In Native American folklore, elder was often used in spiritual rituals and was believed to have the power to communicate with the spirit world. It was also used as a medicine for various ailments, including colds, coughs, and fever.
Energetics
Elder has a cooling and moistening energy, making it useful for conditions associated with heat and dryness. It is often used to treat fevers, sore throats, and other inflammatory conditions. Elder is also believed to have a calming effect on the nervous system, making it useful for anxiety and stress.
Spiritual References
In some spiritual traditions, elder is associated with the element of water and is believed to have the power to purify and cleanse. It is often used in purification rituals and is believed to have the ability to remove negative energy and protect against spiritual harm.
In other traditions, elder is associated with the goddess and is believed to have feminine energy. It is often used in rituals related to fertility, abundance, and prosperity.
In conclusion, elder is a powerful herb with a long history of use in traditional medicine and folklore. Its various herbal actions, including its anti-inflammatory and immune-stimulating properties, make it a valuable remedy for a wide range of conditions. Its energetics and spiritual associations also make it a valuable tool for promoting overall health and well-being
ECHINACEA (Echinacea purperea)
Family: Asteraceae
Parts Used: Roots/Flower.
Taste: Sweet, diffusive, bitter. Diffusive – Tingling mouth feel (works between the nerves & the circulatory system)
Herbal Actions: Lymphagogue, Alterative & Immune stimulant.
Lymphagogue: facilitates in the draining, cleansing, and detoxification of the lymphatic ducts and glands, as well as the blood and interstitial fluids.
Alterative: Echinacea’s primary action is working on the blood and lymph systems, clearing out toxins and purifying these fluid tissues. This can range from simple lymphatic stagnation from a cold or flu, to very serious blood poisoning or sepsis.
Immune Stimulant: This is the primary way that Echinacea is defined in modern Western herbalism, the result of extensive scientific research on this plant. This action works to stimulate the body’s innate defense mechanism by raising white blood cell count, thus helping the body itself to destroy pathogens and develop resistance to them. Echinacea has developed quite a reputation as an immune stimulant, particularly increasing the response time and count of white blood cells attacking an invader/pathogen within the body. This has ultimately led to a widespread usage of it in the treatment of a wide variety of common acute conditions, such as standard coughs, colds, and flus, which is quite different from how it was traditionally used.
Affinities: Immune Systems, Lymph & blood.
Immunity: Echinacea is supportive to the immune system, through stimulating the innate immunity cells. Lymph & blood – Echinacea has been long used for cleansing septic materials in the blood and the diffusive nature working on sluggish lymph. If we are to think of a primary area of the body Echinacea works on, I consider it to primarily be an alterative for the blood and lymphatics, which are at the root of its effects upon the immune system.
Energetics: Cooling, Drying, Stimulating.
Cooling: This property is shown in the way it is so incredibly effective at treating conditions of heat, irritation, and inflammation.
Stimulating: The elimination process of metabolic waste product.
Specific Indications: Tongue: full, swollen, typically heavily coated. thick white coated tongue- (mild red/orange/brown indicates heat)
