🌿 Elderberry: From Wild Harvest to Farm Apothecary
This past weekend marked a milestone here at Dobermanor Farms—our very first harvest of native elderberries (Sambucus canadensis). What began as an overgrown corner of the property, cleared out last Fall, has now become a thriving elderberry patch. With baskets full of glossy purple berries, we are carrying on a tradition that spans generations, cultures, and continents.
🌿 Botanical Profile
Scientific Name: Sambucus canadensis
Family: Adoxaceae
Growth Habit: Deciduous shrub, 5–12 ft tall
Leaves: Opposite, pinnate, serrated edges
Flowers: Creamy-white umbels, blooming late spring–early summer
Fruit: Deep purple-black berries, ripening late summer
Native to North America, elderberry thrives in moist, well-drained soils and is commonly found along fencerows, woodland edges, and stream banks across the eastern and central U.S.—including our own land here in Alabama.
American Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L. ssp. canadensis) growing at Dobermanor Farms in NE Alabama.
🌿 A Plant of History and Tradition
Native American Uses
Elderberry was treasured by tribes such as the Cherokee and Iroquois:
Medicinal teas from berries and flowers supported fevers, colds, and coughs.
Poultices of bark and leaves (never taken internally) were applied for swelling and skin ailments.
The hollow stems were crafted into flutes, blowguns, and pipes—earning elder its nickname, the "pipe tree."
European Folklore
Across the Atlantic, Sambucus nigra (European elder) was revered as a sacred, protective tree:
Believed to house the "Elder Mother" spirit; cutting the tree without permission was considered bad luck.
Elderflowers and berries were used in cordials, wines, and tonics.
Associated with healing, protection, and seasonal transitions.
🌿 Nutritional & Phytochemical Riches
Elderberries are packed with beneficial compounds:
Anthocyanins – powerful antioxidants responsible for the rich purple color, linked to immune and cardiovascular support【NIH PMC】.
Flavonols (quercetin, rutin, kaempferol) – support circulation and overall wellness【NIH PMC】.
Phenolic acids – provide anti-inflammatory and protective effects【NIH PMC】.
Vitamin C – supports immune function【NIH PMC】.
Minerals – including potassium, iron, and phosphorus.
Dietary Fiber – supports healthy digestion.
️ Safety Note: Raw elderberries, seeds, stems, and leaves contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can cause nausea, vomiting, or digestive upset if consumed raw. Proper cooking, drying, or fermentation neutralizes these compounds and makes elderberry safe for use【NIH PMC】.
Nutritional & Phytochemical components of Elderberry
🌿 Culinary Uses
Here at Dobermanor Farms, we’re excited to transform our harvest into small-batch creations that have both culinary uses and medicinal value, including:
🍜 Elderberry Syrup – simmered with ginger, star anise, cinnamon, cloves, lemon, and mandarin peel, then finished with raw local honey.
🌿 Elderberry Tinctures – long-lasting herbal extracts made with carefully diluted alcohol.
🍬 Elderberry Gummies – a sweet, kid-friendly way to enjoy this seasonal wellness ally.
🍵️ Teas & Infusions – dried elderflowers and berries blended with herbs like lemon balm, mint, and chamomile.
Elderberries also shine in jams, jellies, syrups, and baked goods, offering a deep, tart flavor and a boost of antioxidants.
🌿 Medicinal Wisdom
Modern research supports what traditional cultures long understood: elderberry is a powerful ally for wellness.
Immune Support: Elderberry extract may help reduce the duration and severity of colds and flu【Cochrane Review, 2021】.
Antiviral Properties: Compounds in elderberry inhibit influenza A & B replication in lab studies【Journal of International Medical Research】.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: Helps reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.
Respiratory Comfort: Traditionally used for coughs, sore throats, and congestion.
“This plant of God heals anything it touches.”
🌿 Elderberry at Dobermanor Farms
Our elderberry patch is a gift from the land itself. After we cleared a dense thicket, the native Sambucus canadensis reemerged, thriving in its natural habitat. We now tend these resilient shrubs with care, harvesting their blossoms in May and June for teas, and their berries in late August and September for syrups, tinctures, and gummies.
Every jar and bottle we craft carries not only the flavor and vitality of elderberry, but also the story of renewal, tradition, and the bond between land, plants, and people. For us, elderberry isn’t just an herb—it’s a living reminder that resilience and healing can flourish when we nurture what nature has already provided.
Stay tuned as we share our new elderberry syrup, tinctures, and gummies at the storefront and don’t miss part 2 of our blog deep dive into the history, folklore, and uses of elderberry.
🌿 Sources & Further Reading
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. (2021). Elderberry for the treatment of viral respiratory illness.
Porter, R. S., Bode, R. F. (2017). A Review of the Antiviral Properties of Black Elder (Sambucus nigra L.) and Its Constituents. Journal of International Medical Research, 45(5), 1498-1508.
USDA Plants Database – Sambucus canadensis: https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=SACA13
⚠️ Disclaimer
The information provided by Dobermanor Farms is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Herbs naturally contain a variety of chemical compounds, and their potency may vary depending on how they are grown, harvested, extracted, and processed. These compounds may interact with medications or cause sensitivities in some individuals. Always consult your physician before using herbal products, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition. Discontinue use if any adverse reaction occurs.
For full details, please visit our Disclaimer & Terms of Use.
Welcome to Dobermanor Farms
Welcome to Dobermanor Farms
Where nature, nourishment, and a whole lot of love come together.
Where nature, nourishment, and a whole lot of love come together.
Hello and Welcome!
I’m so glad you’re here.
What began as a small dream—rooted in the garden, inspired by my dogs, and fueled by a love of clean, intentional living—has grown into something truly special. Dobermanor Farms is a place where herbs, handmade products, and wellness-focused creations come to life.
Everything we make, from dog treats to skincare to home goods, is crafted with simple, wholesome ingredients. We believe in the power of plants, the comfort of a well-loved kitchen, and creating products that bring joy to both people and pups.
What You’ll Find on the Blog
This blog is a space to share, connect, and grow. Here’s what you can expect:
🌿 Herbal Living
Get to know the herbs we grow—how we use them in our garden, our kitchen, and our products. From calming chamomile to powerhouse plantain, you’ll get an inside look at our botanical lineup.
🐾 Dog Wellness
Our dogs are the heart of Dobermanor Farms. This space will spotlight natural tips, ingredient spotlights, and how our treats and all-natural pet care products are made with your pup in mind.
We’ll share our love for homemade dog food, its health perks, the hidden truths about the pet food industry, and why it involves more than just mixing some ingredients in the kitchen.
🏡 Natural Home & Lifestyle
Simple, seasonal tips for sustainable living. Think DIY recipes, cleaner swaps, and ways to infuse your daily routine with calm, comfort, and intention.
🌸 Life on the Farm
Catch glimpses of our herb gardens, cut flower beds, berry patch and orchard. I’ll be sharing what we’re planting, harvesting, and dreaming up next.
Why “Dobermanor”?
The name is a heartfelt tribute to our beloved Dobermans—who inspired so much of what we do. Their love and loyalty live on in every jar, bottle, and treat that carries the Dobermanor Farms name.
Let’s Grow Together 🌱
Whether you're here for the dog treats, the plant-based home goods, or just a peaceful pause in your day, I’m truly grateful to have you along for the journey.
Follow along for weekly posts, product updates, seasonal inspiration, and the occasional muddy paw print.
Welcome to the farm. You’re part of the pack now. 🐾
With gratitude,
Diane Alioa
Founder, Dobermanor Farms