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Elderberry

Sambucus spp.

Witchwood, Tree of Doom, Sambucus, Jie gu mu (Traditional Chinese Medicine)

Native to

Europe, Asia, and Africa

A majority of the Witchlist's Garden include naturalized species that now live across the globe, for history's sake we include it's nativity.


Parts Used

  • Flower (Dried)

  • Berry (Cooked)

Medicinal Actions

Note: This information is for historical and ceremonial use only, this information is not FDA-regulated or approved. When considering the Medicinal properties, do not forget that the species, application, and parts used are critical. And please read all warnings.

  • Analgesic: Pain reliever

  • Anti-Inflammatory: Reduces inflammation/swelling

  • Antioxidant: Removes, prevents potentially harmful oxidising within the body

  • Antiviral: Stops or slows the spread of a virus

  • Diuretic: Makes you pee

  • Emetic: Induces vomiting

  • Immunostimulant: Activates the immune system

Divinities & Mythos

  • The Crone (Wiccan, Neo-Paganism, Triple Moon Goddess)

  • Holda (Germanic)

  • Venus (Greek)

Holidays

  • Celtic Zodiac Tree (November 25-December 22)

Plant Energies

Over the course of millenia, various religions, physical sciences, diviners and star gazers, etc. have come to assign energies. This is perfectly synopsized by JD Walker in A Witch's Guide to Wildcraft:

Plants can be hot, cold, wet, or dry. They are assigned to or governed by one of seven (or nine [by including the Moon and Sun], depending on your outlook) heavenly bodies. People assigned these characteristics based on where a plant grew, what it looked like, and what effect it had on the humans and animals that came in contact with the plant.

  • Planet(s): Venus

  • Element(s): Water

  • Gender: Feminine

  • Taste: Slightly Sweet

  • Energy: Cooling, Pungent

Warning: Wildcrafting

Elderberry can be dangerous without proper preparation. Typical instructions say to boil any part other than the flower of the plant for at least 30 minutes. Fresh berries are safe in small amounts.

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The Bat & Raven offers these products that utilize the properties of Elderberry.

Magical Properties

  • Blessings

  • Cleansing

  • Healing

  • Defense against evil, negative energies

  • Exorcism

  • Fairy Magic

  • Hex-breaking

  • House Blessing

  • Otherworld

  • Prosperity

  • Protection

  • Representation of the veil between realms

  • Safe Travel

  • Sleep

  • Warding Evil

  • Wisdom

Talk to your Doctor/Medical Professional before adding any Supplements, herbal teas, Infusions, etc.

Part of the reason that we list medical jargin is because many plants can interfere with or even counteract medications we already take or it can exacerbate ailments we already have. 

When talking to your Medical Professional, we suggest asking what "actions" an herb might do to interfere 
with your health, either positive of negative. For example, if you suffer from heartburn, a Cholagogue which creates more bile may not be advantageous. Too much of a good thing, eh?

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