Elder Is the Lady's tree - Burn it not or cursed you'll be

[thecyfarwydd]

Another quick question, I understand that burning the actual tree wouldn’t be advisable, but what about the leaves or berries, would you be able to burn these (as an ingredient in a incense or oil)

Many thanks

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Comments

[lonewytch]

It depends what tree/berries they are. As long as it's non-toxic it's fine. EG: Yew tree is definitely a no-no, as are several other plants.

Dry the leaves and berries out first though. Or shred the leaves and immerse them in a base oil for a week or longer.

Do you have a particular plant in mind? I can advise if safe or not.

[thecyfarwydd]

I was talking about the Elder tree...

[lonewytch]

Leaves should be fine to dry and then burn, as should the wood if you want to use twigs in the incense. Just ventilate well, as i think it will produce quite a heavy acrid smoke.

The raw berries can be poisonous, and i'd avoid using them or leaves to make an oil.

[preachan_sidhe]

Elderberries are poisonous when unripened...I've never known the berries themselves to be toxic when ripe. Am I missing something here?

[lonewytch]

My understanding is that the ripe berries contain an alkaloid which is potentially toxic if consumed in certain amount, but the alkaloid is destroyed by cooking or pickling.

[14pearl84]

I wouldn't use any of the plant in incense.

The ripe berries aren't poisonous but the plant when burned creates toxic gas...

http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/edible/msg0916191629649.html?11

[preachan_sidhe]

I would think the ripened berries (from an edible variety) would be alright as an ingredient in an oil or incense.

I would personally be hesitant to burn any other part of the plant though, unless outdoors perhaps. The leaves, stems, wood and seeds contain cyanide and I'm not sure how that would go with burning. It makes me wonder if that is where "no burning" lore comes from.

I am hoping someone with more expertise chimes in on this one because now I'm curious. You might try to ask it in one of the LJ herbal communities?

[14pearl84]

I do a lot of herbal meandering and I've never seen elderberries used in incense likely because the plant itself has the cyanide like you cited. most incense, as nice as it smells should be really used out doors or at least in well ventilated areas, inhaling any particles long terms isn't going to be good for anyone... On the other side I'm extremely cautious because I own tropical birds and even scented candles can cause them to drop dead so it's outside or highly ventilated for me...incense is a big no no for birds

[preachan_sidhe]

That's a good point on burning the berries. I know that processing (like in syrups, etc.) reduces the cyanide, but straight up burning would probably be similar to burning leaves or wood.

[peskipiksi]

Which elder? IIRC, there are anywhere from five to 30-odd species of elder, depending on how you count them.

Around here (southern Michigan), we mostly have box elder, which I would not recommend burning any part or distillation of unless you're planning to do it outdoors - the smoke is acrid liek whoa. (Also, be careful if you're planning to climb one to gather materials. Box elder tends to rot from the inside out, and many have multiple insect infestations. There's a reason they're known as "trash trees.")

Unfortunately, I don't know the other members of the family well enough to advise. I've never lived anywhere where they grew, so I've never worked with them. :)

[tryst_inn]

Generally speaking, a bit of superstition prohibiting something is likely a good indication that its not safe to use.