One tree to rule them all! • In all seriousness this tree is amazing. • The elder tree (Sambucus nigra) not only gives us elderberries at the end of the season but also elderflowers in the beginning! • The health benefits of elderflowers are super useful all year round but of course there is only a short window in which you can harvest them. • Elderflowers only bloom for a short period so keep an eye out for them in late spring/early summer in the Midwest, where we live. • When picking elderflowers try and pick them in the morning when they are at their highest potency, also once picked lay them on paper in a warm dry place to dry upside down (this helps the bugs to come out as well!). • A key elderflower health benefit (internally) is that they are great for supporting healthy sinuses & boost your immune system! • This can help you if you catch the ills and chills as well as in the allergy season. • Due to it’s wide range of health benefits, elderflowers have been used traditionally to help manage fevers. • The active properties within the flower induce sweating by working on sweat gland activity, which can help with promoting a fever. • Elderflower tincture, in particular, also helps to reduce and stop runny noses as it has anti catarrhal properties. • It is also helpful for those that are wanting to look after their skin. • If waste products are not able to be eliminated via the bowel or kidneys they often try to go out via the skin. • Elderflower tincture, though taken internally, can help support a better elimination process and healthier looking skin as elder also acts as a diuretic! • Elderflower is also rich in antioxidants, which help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and environmental stressors. • Its cooling properties can soothe irritated skin, making it a good choice for sensitive skin types. • Elderflower’s vitamins (A, B, C, and E) can help improve circulation, which can lead to a more radiant complexion. • Read comments below for continued reading.