“It is said the great physician Boerhaave never passed an Elder without raising his hat, so great an opinion had he of its curative powers”
(M Grieve, A Modern Herbal)

“If the medicinal properties of [the Elder’s] leaves, bar and berries were fully known, I cannot tell what our countryman could ail for which he might not fetch a remedy from every hedge, either for sickness, or wounds”
(John Evelyn, De Silvis)

  
 

The Powers of Flowers

Elderflower
The elder is probably the most widely used plant in European folk medicine, and every part is held to have some benefit.   You can find out more in Mrs Grieves Herbal

The article on Elder is the longest single entry in this definitive encyclopaedia of herbs.
Here’s a recipe for an elderflower hot toddy:
I mint tea bag (or fresh peppermint if you have it).
Boiling water
Elderflower Cordial 1tbs
Honey 1 tsp
Whisky (optional)

Pour the boiling water on the mint tea bag or sprig of fresh peppermint and brew for a few minutes. Then add the Elderflower Cordial, honey, and optional whisky. Drink it, then make another one and take it to bed.  You will find you start to sweat due to the diaphoretic effect of elderflowers- If you don’t  sweat a little you haven’t had enough elderflower – you probably cheated and used one of the weaker brands. Make another one, and keep going until you break sweat.   Sleep well and wake up refreshed.


References: Serkedjieva J et al. Antiviral activity of the infusion from flowers of Sambucus nigra, Hypericum perforatum, and Saponaria officinalis against influenza and herpes simplex virus. Phytother Res 1990; 4:97.


Hibiscus

Hibiscus tea, also known as Karkady or sour tea, is the national drink of Egypt where research has been carried out on its effects.

Reference
Haji Faraji M, Haji Tarkhani A. The effect of sour tea (Hibiscus sabdariffa) on essential hypertension. J Ethnopharmacol 1999;65:231–6.    click here   for details