Elderberry

The elder tree was considered sacred in many European cultures. Hippocrates called it his 'medicine chest' and referenced it in his writings around 400 BC. In Norse mythology, the elder was home to the goddess Hyldemor. Medieval Europeans planted elder near homes to ward off evil. Native American tribes used elderberries to treat infections and fevers, independently of European traditions.

Tradition: Western Herbalism

Origin: Europe, North America