You have probably heard about the benefits of elderberry syrup for boosting immunity throughout the winter months. It is one of the herbs that has made the jump to mainstream with variations available for purchase over the counter as big box retailers around the world. But did you know that Elderberry is also an important herb for strengthening psychological immunity?

Note on the name Elderberry

Elder is the name of the plant. Elderberry is specifically the berry part of the plant. But Elderflower is the name of the flower of the plant. Throughout this article I will refer to the plant as Elder as well as Elderberry.

What is psychological immunity?

Dr. David Frawley (author of the The Yoga of Herbs) has been a giant in the herb community for decades. He is one of the leaders that held teachings for western audiences and prepared the way for a true Herbal Renaissance. Dr. Frawley works primarily with eastern herbs of the Ayurvedic tradition.

He said that psychological immunity is just as important as physical immunity, “we let people in our heads that we would never let in our homes.” In this age of great divisiveness, it can be difficult to know how best to protect ourselves from emotional contagions. That is where our friends the plants come in.

Herbs for psychological immunity

Dr. Frawley recommends Ashwaganda as a great plant for boost psychological immunity. It is the root of this plant that is used. It is a relative of the tomato and can be grown in zones 3-4 in just one growing season. So, it really has the potential of being a world-wide plant. However, whenever possible I prefer to use herbs specific to my cultural background. As I was contemplating this I heard Elder speak to me–“I am your herb.”

Elderberry Syrup is a delicious way to take your medicine

Elderberry in the Celtic Tradition

Emma Farrell is a Celtic herbalist. Much of her work focuses on plant communication and connecting with plants in a spiritual way. She said the Brigid is the triple goddess of the Celtic world. Brigid in associated with the 3 stages of womanhood–maiden, woman (mother) and crone. Elder is associated with the crone stage. She writes extensively about Elder in Journeys with Plant Spirits.

Farrell said that while Elderberry shines as an herb for the common cold it is really not using the herb to its full advantage. In fact, she compares Elder to Ayahuasca–

We do not need to plunder the resources of our rainforests to satisfy a legion of truth seekers when the native plants and trees of our own lands can be just as powerfully healing and sometimes just as psychedelic. It is all about how you approach them, hence a meditation practice and traditional working context is extremely valuable.
from “Journeys with Plant Spirits”

Dried Elderberry and other herbs and spices create a delicious syrup

A Word of Caution

Herbs have an incredible ability to heal on a deep level. One of the reasons that we have a health crisis in this country is because western medicine is only beginning to acknowledge the mind/body connection. Herbs are not for a “quick allopathic fix.”

Elder is associated with the blood, Farrell explains–

We are the blood of our ancestors; their blood runs through our veins and our hearts beat thanks to the life we have inherited from them. When Elder purifies blood she is healing ancestral wounds, traumas and imbalances.
from “Journeys with Plant Spirits”

This often brings a “healing crisis” where the issue appears to get worse, “old issues are activated and come to the surface for clearing,” it can be tempting to stop at this point.

If we stop taking the medicine, the issue will still be there because the plant has not had time to finish its job and work the issue through the many energetic layers required for true healing, so it is best to allow the plant to finish what it started. . . The spirit that works through Elder is a wise crone who helps us take a step back from any situation and see it from a wiser and more objective angle, allowing us to be more receptive to other avenues or options.
from “Journeys with Plant Spirits”

The Question is “Do we really want growth?”

If the answer to that question is yes, then Elderberry would be a valuable herb in your arsenal. It allows you to strengthen your body and mind through multi level immunity. But it is not for the faint of heart. It must be treated with respect as you would a very old but wonderful grandmother.

Elderberry Syrup Recipe

There are many ways to take herbs including infusions, tinctures, and syrups. Undoubtedly Elderberry Syrup is one of the tastiest preparations I have ever made. Even my children request it when they are feeling under the weather. Here is my recipe.