The magic of elderflowers
Oh my goodness, the elders are stunning this summer, their flowers in full bloom, I can’t get enough of them, the smell is divine and I feel they represent what many of us are currently navigating and opening towards.
Indeed, the elder tree is widely regarded in folklore and pagan traditions as a powerful guardian of boundaries, representing the threshold between life, death and the fairy realms. It is deeply associated with the Elder Mother spirit, rebirth, and ancestral wisdom.
In Danish and Celtic folklore, the tree is home to the "Elder Mother" (or Hylde-Moer), a spirit that demands respect. Cutting elder wood without asking for her permission or offering a gift is traditionally believed to bring bad luck.
Elder trees are viewed as a gateway to the fae. It is said that sleeping beneath an elder tree can transport you to fairy lands or induce vivid, narcotic dreams.
Furthermore, because the elder grows rapidly and readily regenerates, it represents the continuous cycle of life, death, and renewal.
In Celtic traditions, elder is tied to the dark half of the year and the crone archetype, symbolizing endings, wisdom, and the honoring of ancestors.
In folk magic, hanging dried elder leaves or flowers in doorways or windows was a common way to shield a home from negative energies.
The tree's hollow, pithy stems have historically been hollowed out to make flutes and wands, tools often used for spirit communication and clearing the mind of distracting thoughts.
Elderflowers are highly valued in traditional medicine for their healing properties, which include:
Immunity: Potent antioxidants contributes to a properly functioning immune system.
Viruses and illnesses: Helps to prevent and treat illnesses and viruses.
Inflammation: Anti-inflammatory properties in elderflower can help reduce inflammation in the body as it helps to inhibit the development of inflammation as a result of excessive activity of free radicals, alleviating the symptoms of diseases associated with inflammation”
Cold and flu: Helps to ease common cold and flu symptoms.
Sinus infections: May help treat sinus infections and inflamed nasal passages to support sinus health.
Respiratory health: May contribute to improved respiratory health by working as a natural decongestant due to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Skin health: Contributes to protecting healthy skin with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties contributing to protecting the skin from damage, healing the skin, soothing skin irritations and helping remove dirt from pores for healthier skin.
Constipation: Elderflower may relieve the symptoms of constipation and increase bowel movements in people who are constipated.
Blood sugar levels: Elderflower may help control and lower blood sugar levels.
Circulation: Elderflower may help to stimulate blood circulation.
Allergies: Elderflowers can help combat seasonal allergies.
Detox: Elderflower have detoxification properties to help cleanse the body of toxins.
The most wonderful way to work with elderflowers is via cordial. Here is a yummy - and yet high in sugar - recipe!
Ingredients
30 large elderflowers, shaken free of insects
6 lemons, cut into quarters
2oz citric acid
2lb granulated white sugar
3 pints boiling water
Put everything into a plastic bucket. Pour over boiling water. Stir until teh sugar is dissolved. Leave for 24 hours and strain through a muslin or clean J Cloth into sterilised bottles. Should keep for years.
Happy cordial making and elder healing.
Love Emma x
