Element: Water
Planet: Venus
Energy: Feminine/Receptive
Properties: Healing, protection, gateway between realms, poetry
Folk names: Ellhorn, black elder, European elder, Frau Holle
Botanical Name: Sambucus nigra
Elder is a large shrub or small tree with tiny white flowers and deep purple-black berries. Black elder has been a staple in European traditional medicine for many centuries, and elderberry is commonly known as an herbal remedy for colds and flus in the modern day. Elder has been respected in many cultures as a portal to the underworld or a dwelling of the fae. Elder berries and flowers can be used in spells for protection, healing, artistic inspiration, or summoning spirits and opening a path between worlds.
Uncooked (even dried) elderberries are toxic due to cyanogenic glycoside in their seeds. Please educate yourself about safe use of elder and consult a healthcare professional before taking any preparation internally.
Disclaimer: Use herbs with caution. It is recommended that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before working with or ingesting any herbs, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
We make no actual claims nor guarantee any supernatural, magical, or medicinal qualities for any product. The names and alleged powers are gathered from books, folklore, and various occult sources. Not evaluated by the FDA.
