Elderberry is one of those plants that has accompanied humans since ancient times and has a dual reputation. In some regions, it has long been considered cursed, while in others, it was trusted for treating the sick and planted near homes to enhance prosperity. Nowadays, gardeners are less interested in the legends and beliefs associated with this plant, but they highly value its decorative and medicinal qualities.

1. Elderberry is a perennial flowering plant that belongs to the Adoxaceae family.

2. According to ancient Greek mythology, Prometheus stole fire from Olympus and hid it in the hollow stem of an elderberry. In the Middle Ages, the image of elderberry was shrouded in mysteries.

3. In western Ukraine, there were popular stories about forest spirits dwelling among the branches of elderberry and that elderberry bushes were actually transformed into vampires. As a result, making toys from elderberry, burning its branches, sleeping under it, and even relieving oneself near it were strictly forbidden.

4. Elderberry is not found only in South Africa and South America.

5. The plant was associated with witchcraft and magic. To protect themselves from evil spirits, people used to attach elderberry twigs to their clothes on Walpurgis Night.

6. One of the most valuable characteristics of elderberry is its hardiness. In its natural habitat, the most common species can be found in forest edges, meadows, wastelands, roadsides, cemeteries, and even dumps.

7. Christian legend claims that elderberry acquired its unpleasant smell when Judas hanged himself on it. The people of Wales believed that elderberry would only grow where human blood had been spilled. In the language of flowers, elderberry symbolizes diligence.

8. Infusions made from elderberry flowers are used to treat various gynecological conditions, while cosmetic products made from elderberry extracts help with skin ailments.

9. Black elderberry juice is beneficial for treating prostatitis, a common male condition.

10. Elderberry has been used since ancient times as an adjuvant to alleviate symptoms of the flu and colds because infusions made from its flowers and extracts from its berries reduce the severity and duration of infections.

11. One of the most common uses of elderberry in folk medicine is related to heart health. Studies have shown that its berries have a positive impact on the health of the heart and blood vessels. The plant’s fruits help reduce the risk of heart diseases due to their anthocyanin content. These substances act as antioxidants, reducing cholesterol buildup in arteries and positively influencing blood pressure.

12. One of the most common uses of elderberry in folk medicine is related to heart health. Studies have shown that its berries have a positive impact on the health of the heart and blood vessels. The plant’s fruits help reduce the risk of heart diseases due to their anthocyanin content. These substances act as antioxidants, reducing cholesterol buildup in arteries and positively influencing blood pressure.

13. Elderberry is effectively used in cosmetic procedures. It is used to reduce inflammation, brighten the skin, and remove dead cells.

14. Elderberry is highly toxic due to its high content of cyanide and sambunigrin. Consuming a sufficient amount of its aromatic and colorful berries can lead to serious poisoning. This is especially dangerous for young children, as their bodies are weaker and may not be able to handle the poisoning on their own.

15. In the United Kingdom, an elite club called the “Black Elderberry Wine Society“ has existed for centuries.

16. Elderberry has been considered a sacred plant by many European nations for centuries, believed to cure various diseases, cleanse the body, and prolong life. Let’s remember Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale “Elder-Tree Mother,“ in which elderberry infusion was used to treat a cold.

17. It is believed that the Latin name for elderberry, “sambucus,“ comes from Iran and is related to the three-stringed musical instrument called “sambuk,“ which is made from elderberry wood.

18. Planting elderberry next to houses was a common practice among many nations, including Russia, to protect against dark forces. Elderberry was always planted near bakeries, and if not available, wreaths made from its branches were hung on the door. People believed that the devil liked to be where there were many ovens and heat.