Wild Foraging: Unlocking the Healing Power of Elderberries
Foraging is an ancient practice of gathering wild plants, herbs, and fungi from the natural environment, offering a deep connection to the land and a sustainable way to source food and medicine. By foraging, you not only reduce your reliance on commercial agriculture but also tap into nature's abundance, using what naturally thrives in your local ecosystem.
I love foraging.. I feel so connected to nature when i’m using what naturally exists locally to our benefit.
Foraging Elderberry: A Natural Treasure
Elderberry is one of my favourite things to forage. It’s easy to collect and makes truly delicious syrups.
Commonly found in hedgerows, woodlands, and even along roadsides, elderberry is a small, dark berry that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. Both its berries and flowers can be foraged, each offering unique benefits.
When and Where to Forage Elderberries
Season: Elderberries ripen in late summer to early autumn, typically from August to October, depending on your location.
Location: Look for elder trees in wild areas, often along forest edges, in hedgerows, or near rivers and streams. Elderberries grow in clusters of small, dark purple or black berries.
I always make a practise of connecting with the tree and asking it if I can take the berries. Its sounds woo woo… but honestly, this is what creates our connection with nature. Sometimes I sense a tree doesn’t want share their bounty… especially if they are smaller, or seem to have less berries. Sometimes it feels right to leave lots for the birds.
Sustainable Foraging Tip: Identify Carefully: Be certain you're correctly identifying elderberries, as there are toxic lookalikes, such as the red elderberry, which can cause stomach upset if not properly prepared.
Harvest Responsibly: Take only what you need, leaving enough berries for wildlife and the plant’s natural cycle. When collecting flowers, harvest in moderation to allow the plant to produce berries later in the season.
Avoid Polluted Areas: Don't forage from areas exposed to pesticides, traffic pollution, or contaminated water.
Uses of Elderberry
Elderberries have been prized for their medicinal properties, especially in supporting immune health. Here’s how you can use both the berries and flowers.
1. Elderberry Syrup
One of the most popular ways to use elderberries is to make elderberry syrup, known for boosting the immune system and warding off colds and flu. This syrup is rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and has antiviral properties.
How to make it: Simmer elderberries with water, honey (or a vegan sweetener), and spices like cinnamon and cloves for a potent, delicious syrup.
Uses: Take a spoonful daily during flu season, drizzle it over pancakes, or add it to teas.
2. Elderflower Tea
Elderflowers can be foraged in early summer, before the berries appear, and used to make a fragrant tea with anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties.
How to make it: Steep the dried flowers in hot water for 5–10 minutes. Add honey and lemon for a soothing herbal infusion
Uses: Elderflower tea can be enjoyed to relieve cold symptoms or simply as a refreshing drink.
3. Elderberry Tincture
For a more concentrated immune support option, make an elderberry tincture. This extract is easy to make by soaking elderberries in alcohol (like vodka) for several weeks.
How to make it: Fill a jar halfway with dried elderberries and cover with alcohol. Let it sit in a dark place for 4–6 weeks, shaking occasionally. Strain and store in a dark bottle.
Uses: A few drops under the tongue or mixed in water during illness provides a potent antiviral boost.
4. Elderberry Jam or Jelly
Preserve the bounty of elderberry season by turning the berries into jam or jelly.
How to make it: Combine elderberries with sugar, lemon juice, and pectin to make a delicious, immune-boosting spread.
Uses: Spread on toast, mix into yogurt, or enjoy it in baked goods.
5. Elderflower Cordial
Elderflower can also be used to create a refreshing cordial, perfect for summer drinks.
How to make it: Steep fresh elderflowers in water with lemon and sugar to create a fragrant, floral syrup.
Uses: Mix with sparkling water or use as a base for cocktails and mocktails.
6. Elderberry Vinegar
For a tangy twist, you can infuse vinegar with elderberries to create elderberry vinegar.
How to make it: Fill a jar with elderberries and cover with apple cider vinegar. Let it infuse for a few weeks before straining.
Uses: Use the vinegar in salad dressings, marinades, or as a daily tonic for gut health.
Health Benefits of Elderberries
Elderberries are well-known for their medicinal qualities, particularly in supporting the immune system:
Rich in antioxidants: Elderberries contain high levels of flavonoids, which help fight oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
Antiviral properties: Elderberry has been shown in some studies to reduce the duration and severity of flu symptoms.
Immune support: The vitamins A and C in elderberries help maintain a healthy immune system, making them ideal for cold and flu prevention.
By foraging and using elderberries, you not only access nature's pharmacy but also reduce your environmental footprint by sourcing your remedies directly from the wild. This ancient practice reconnects you to the land and seasons, encouraging a slower, more mindful approach to sustainability.