The Elder Tree ~ Sambucus Nigra: the elder is an ancient and treasured tree from Europe, also known as "the medicine chest tree". It is extremely versatile and has few equals as a food and medicine. Every part of the elder is usable. The flowers added to skin and bath products are simple exquisite! (Margaret Roberts)
SOOTHNG SKIN LOTION:
Boil two cups of fresh elderflowers in two litres of water for 20 minutes. Cool, strain and use as a splash lotion or in the bath for eczema, psoriasis, dry itchy skin, sunburn, rashes, heat rush and even mosquito bites. For acne and oily problem skin make and elderflower vinegar. (Recipe to follow...)
MOISTURISING SKIN CREAM:
Heat one cup of natural aqueous cream in a double boiler with one cup of elderflowers (shaken off their stems) for 20 minutes. Strain, cool, add two teaspoons of almond oil, and mix well. Bottle into sterilised jars with tight-fitting lid and label clearly.
ELDERFLOWER VINEGAR:
Steep enough elder flowers to fill a glass bottle, cover with apple cider- or balsamic vinegar and place in the sun for 10 days. Give it a daily shake. During the time strain out the elderflowers twice, and replace with fresh flowers. Strain again and pour into attractive bottle with a good screw top and add a freshsprig or two of elderflowers for identification. Label clearly. (Margaret Roberts)
