One of my great passions are herbal remedies and I have grown herbs for many years as a way to have easy access to some of these amazing medicinal plants. Plants like Shepherds purse to stop bleeding, aloe for burns and sage for sore throats. I studied Herbal Medicine with an amazing Romani Gypsy many years ago and  her knowledge was so extensive. Unfortunately most of her remedies were of European origin, but I’ve since researched some of the most incredible  Australian remedies to add to my garden. 

Sambucus Nigra or common Elderberry is one of my favourite European ones. Be warned though if you want to grow one… its a very large bush. It can be grown in a domestic block with proper care and pruning, so worth having one in your garden. Just make sure you control it as it sends out runners!!

Flowers:

These are anti-catarrhal and encourage sweating, so are ideal for feverish colds and the flu. They are also helpful with hay fever, taken as a prophylactic early in the year to strengthen the upper respiratory tract before the pollen count rises. Topically used as an anti-inflammatory they can be used in skin creams. If your growing your own plant, harvest the flowers in early summer. I find it fascinating, having grown this plant for so long that its berries are now one of the main ingredients in a lot of commercially produced cold and flu remedies. Finally!

You can make the flowers into an infusion, let cool and then use as a  gargle for mouth ulcers, sore throats and tonsillitis.

Made into a cream it is the most amazing soothing solution for dry skin. especially lips in winter.

I have to confess to making a mean elderflower wine as well. The exciting thing about these flowers is the wild yeast on them, so no added yeast or nasties needed… Makes amazing champagne too. The flowering is prolific and in a warmer climate will flower for up to 6 months. lots of remedies and wine there!

Berries:

These are rich in vitamin A and C, so are a great addition to anyones diet. They can be quite bitter but made into a syrup extends their lifespan and hides the bitterness. You can also add them fresh to green smoothies or dry them in your dehydrator.

There is so much folklore attached to this plant. I think thats one of my loves for it. It was often described as  a “complete medical chest” because of its countless therapeutic qualites.  It was even used in the 18th century to whiten skin and remove freckles!!