Elderflower, one of the oldest cultivated herbs, has a fascinating history. Its use dates back to the Stone Age, and it’s mentioned by ancient physicians like Hippocrates and Dioscorides.
In 17th-century England, elder trees were believed to ward off evil. A tincture made from elderflowers was considered a remedy for various ailments, from plague to toothache. Interestingly, elder has dual symbolism: revered by pagan traditions for its magical attributes and feared in Christian lore as a symbol of sorrow and death.
Whether gateway guardian or mystical conduit, elder connects worlds through its hard outer bark and soft inner core, much like the spirit it embodies.