The elderflowers are in full bloom here on the farm, and today we’re continuing our exploration of how to use them.
To learn more, we turned again to A Modern Herbal by Mrs. M. Grieve, first published in 1931, which contains the medicinal, culinary, cosmetic uses, cultivation, and folklore of herbs (find the online book link below).
We learned that the flowers of the elder tree may be used to distill Elderflower Water (Aqua Sambuci), an old-fashioned remedy for supporting a clear complexion and treatment for sunburn and freckles. Elderflowers are known for their softening, anti-inflammatory, and anti-wrinkle properties. This infusion of elderflowers is mildly astringent and a gentle stimulant.
In 1931, Elderflower Water was an official preparation of the British Pharmacopoeia and was used in medicines and as a vehicle for eye and skin lotions. Every lady’s cosmetic table contained a bottle, and she relied on it to keep her skin fair and free from blemishes.
You can make your own Elderflower Water at home. Fill a large jar with elderflowers and tamp them down. Pour 1-quart boiling water over the flowers, and when it has cooled slightly, add about 1½ TBS rectified spirits (aka grain alcohol 95% by volume).
Let this stand in a warm place for about 24 hours, then strain the liquid through a fine mesh cloth to remove all plant matter. Bottle and label your Elderflower Water and refrigerate. The liquid can also be frozen for later use. Adding the alcohol is optional as a preservative. Some recipes omit this ingredient.
How to use your Elderflower Water:
• Elderflower Water is a good addition to your bath. According to our source, “a well-known French doctor has stated that he considers it a fine aid in the bath in cases of irritability of the skin and nerves.”
• Elderflower Water is a gentle toner for oily skin, to be used after your evening cleansing routine.
• Elderflower Water can be used as a post shaving astringent.
• Soothe inflamed eyes with an Elderflower Water compress. Steep a muslin cloth or flannel in Elderflower Water and apply to closed eyes, then sit back and relax.
• Elderflower Water soothes sore feet. Add it to your foot bath along with 1 TBS of apple cider vinegar and soak as usual.
• Wash your hands with Elderflower Water morning and night to keep hands soft, supple, and clear of blemishes. Add 1 TBS glycerin to 3 TBS of the water and keep this in the refrigerator.
• An infusion of elderflowers can be dabbed on the skin to discourage mosquitos and flies from biting. And in the garden, people sprinkle the elderflowers over delicate plants to keep the aphids and caterpillars away.
Elderflowers also make a good salve for keeping aging skin fresh and supple. We’ll cover that next time.
Be sure to stay tuned!
* References:
A Modern Herbal, Mrs. M. Grieve (find this book online at https://www.botanical.com)