Elder

Sambucus Nigra...better know as Elder is in full bloom right now!  These beautiful tiny white flowers are found in large clusters on Elder trees all over.  The Elder is literally the gift of medicine from the earth. Elderberries are amazing immune strengthers and they taste wonderful. They are loaded with natural vitamin C and you will most likely find them because of all the birds swarming the scene.  They are sweet little vitamin berries!  But now I am getting ahaed of myself because long before those beautiful little safire berries come out Elder flowers take center stage.  Unlike Elderberries Elder flowers have almost no taste at all but dont let that fool you, these little beauties are just as healthing as their counter parts.  They are fantastic for fevers and flus, they build up your respitory system to help fight off the ever present pollin and allergens that come with the season. They are also great for improving circulation and have anti-imflamitory components.  Steep them into a tea with some local honey and get to know them.  It is a good idea to dry them out first.  Just spread out your tiny snowflake flowers on a napkin and let them dry for a few days. They will shrink atleast a third, if not more, and they will turn an off white almost yellow color.  If you are suffering from bad alleries right about know then I recomend combining the elder flowers with some dried Stinging Nettle in a tea.  Not only with the Elder treat the flu like symptoms associated with allergies but the Nettle with clear your head in no time and help your body feel back to normal.  Start to look for all the goodies in your back yard that can bring you health and happiness.  It amazing all we can learn if we just observe.