Common names for elder include black elder, bore tree and bour tree. The bark, leaves, flowers and berries were all used in herbal medicine, making it a very versatile remedy that has been in use for many hundreds of years.
An old superstition had it that if you gathered elder branches on May day, piece of the branches could be used to cure the bite of a rabid dog. Another superstition claimed that if you carried a twig of elder in your pocket it would protect you against rheumatism.
The bark of the elder was used as a strong purgative and, if taken in large doses, was an emetic. A tincture from the bark was used to relieve the symptoms of asthma and croup, and the bark has also been used in epilepsy.
The leaves were used as a purgative and a diuretic. They were helpful in conditions requiring an expectorant or one in which perspiration was required to be induced.
Elder leaves were used externally to cure sprains, bruises, chilblains, open wounds and piles. They were used to relieve headaches by placing them on the temples.
The root of the elder was curative in some respects. A tea was made from it as a cure for dropsy. It was also used in an ointment for eczema and psoriasis and in a decoction used as a mouthwash.
The flowers of the elder are mildly astringent and were used in eye lotions and skin lotions. The dried flowers were used to make a tea that had a laxative effect and was also used to induce perspiration. Taken before going to sleep, a hot elderflower infusion was considered to be cure a for colds, laryngitis, tonsillitis, sinus trouble and influenza, having decongestant and expectorant properties.
It was supposed to have a relaxant effect and was thought to be a cure for the spasms caused by asthma.
Taken before breakfast, it was meant to purify the blood.
A hot infusion of elderflowers was also given in cases of eruptive diseases, such as measles and chickenpox, supposedly to bring out the rash and aid recovery.
Elderflowers were thought to be diuretic and were used to relieve fluid retention. They were used in the treatment of gout and arthritis.
The flowers of the elder were used in poultices, ointments or lotions to reduce inflammation, to heal wounds and to bring relief to burns and scalds. The same treatment was used to relive chapped hands and chilblains.
The berries, as well as being used to make wine, were used to treat coughs and colds. They also had laxative properties. Taken internally, elderberries were used as a remedy for neuralgia and sciatica. Medieval herbalist used them to bring on menstruation.
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