Elderberry, Sambucus canadensis, has been used for centuries as a beverage and medicine. Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, called the tree his "medicine chest".

It is most commonly known as supporting the immune system and an effective remedy in preventing and fighting viral and bacterial infections, such as the common cold and flu.

Elderberry is very high in antioxidants and vitamins. That being said, it helps with:

• inflammation
• headaches
• muscle aches
• congestion
• fevers
• nausea
• is a blood builder
• beneficial for collagen formation
• Vein health (helps prevent varicose veins and atherosclerosis)

Elderberry also helps those with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder). It helps to settle one down and focus.

I foraged this plant in central Minnesota.

I use the folk method for making all my tinctures, which uses no measurements except sizing things up with your eyes. So I put the plant material in a jar and then fill with alcohol.

Dosages for children are not provided in most herbals. To determine the correct dose you need to consider the size of the child, the ailment, the power of the herb you intend to use, and the adult dosage.

Young's Rule for determining dosage uses the child's age divided by twelve plus the age. The dosage for a 4 year old: 4/12+4 = 4/16 = 1/4 of the adult dose.