ΑΚΤΗ
Sambucus nigra
(Elder)
Botanical info:
Elder is a deciduous shrub or small tree growing to 6 m tall. Grow in medium to wet, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Best in full sun. Plants are spread by root suckers to form colonies. Its natural habitat includes hedges, waste-ground roadsides, and woods. It is native to Europe as far east as Turkey. Flowering from May to June.
Hippocratic legacy:
a. In Affections:
a. Elder leaves are used for the preparation of anti-inflammatory poultices.
b. In Regimen 2 elder is recommended:
a. As laxative.
c. In Nature of Women:
a. As fumigant.
b. As uterus purgative.
d. Diseases of Women 1:
a. A drink is suggested as uterus anti-inflammatory.
b. Against uterus ulcers.
c. As accouchement purgative.
e. In Diseases of Women 2:
a. Against hysteria.
Other uses:
The flowerheads are used in infusions, giving a drink in Northern Europe and the Balkans. Extracts of the flowers and fruits are used for cold and flu symptoms. Unripe berries, the seeds of the fruit, and all green parts of the plant are poisonous, containing cyanogenic glycosides.