Elder (Sambucus nigra)
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- General
- 1 condition
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Overview
Elder (Sambucus nigra in Europe) is a deciduous tree that can reach 33 ft (10 m), bearing cream-colored clusters of flowers and dark blue-black berries. Rich in folklore, elder was historically believed to house a protective spirit (“Elder Mother”). Medicinally, both its flowers and berries have notable antiviral properties and can promote sweating to reduce fevers. The flowers also help relieve nasal congestion, while the berries act as a mild laxative and further support the immune system.
Traditional uses & properties
Anti-Inflammatory & Antiviral: Shortens the severity of influenza and other viral infections. Diaphoretic & Decongestant: Encourages sweating, reduces fever, and helps clear mucus from the respiratory tract. Febrifuge & Nutritive: Useful for colds, flu, and chest complaints; the berries also provide vitamins A and C. Cooling & Drying: Helps to manage heat (fever) and reduce dampness (mucus congestion).
Traditional preparations
Traditional texts describe the preparations below, and where those texts give specific amounts, the amounts are quoted here as part of that record. This is a record of historical practice, not a dosage recommendation - the figures are what the sources say, not what HerbMate tells you to take. Amounts, potency, and safe use vary enormously by preparation, plant part, and person.
Infusion of flowering tops. For colds, drink 3/4 cup (150 ml) 3 times a day.
Safety & precautions
Mild Toxicity in Fresh Plant: Raw stems, bark, root, and unripe berries can induce nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Preparation: Flowers and berries should be dried or (in the case of berries) boiled briefly before use to reduce the risk of upset. Autoimmune Conditions: Use cautiously, as elder can stimulate immune activity.
Drug & food interactions
There is some very weak experimental evidence to suggest that elder extracts may have additive effects with antidiabetic drugs and phenobarbital, and may antagonise the effects of morphine.
- Phenobarbital
- The interaction between elder and phenobarbital is based on experimental evidence only.
- Morphine
- The interaction between elder and morphine is based on experimental evidence only.
- Herbal medicines
- No interactions found.
- Food
- No interactions found.
- Antidiabetics
- The interaction between elder and antidiabetics is based on experimental evidence only.
These entries keep the wording of the reference they come from, and three phrases mean three different things. "No interactions found" means the source looked for reports of that pairing and found none. "No data found" means nothing has been published either way. "Based on experimental evidence only" means the effect has been seen in a laboratory or animal study but not in people - a reason for caution, not a report of harm.
Habitat
Widespread in temperate regions, elder thrives in woods, hedges, and open fields. It is easily cultivated from cuttings in spring. The flowering tops are collected in late spring, and the berries in early autumn.
Traditionally used for
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Frequently asked questions
What is Elder (Sambucus nigra) traditionally used for?
Traditional sources describe Elder (Sambucus nigra) as follows: Anti-Inflammatory & Antiviral: Shortens the severity of influenza and other viral infections. Diaphoretic & Decongestant: Encourages sweating, reduces fever, and helps clear mucus from the respiratory tract. Febrifuge & Nutritive: Useful for colds, flu, and chest complaints; the berries also provide vitamins A and C. Cooling & Drying: Helps to manage heat (fever) and reduce dampness (mucus congestion).
How is Elder (Sambucus nigra) prepared?
Traditional texts describe the preparations below, and where those texts give specific amounts, the amounts are quoted here as part of that record. This is a record of historical practice, not a dosage recommendation - the figures are what the sources say, not what HerbMate tells you to take. Amounts, potency, and safe use vary enormously by preparation, plant part, and person. Cold and Flu: Infusion of flowering tops. For colds, drink 3/4 cup (150 ml) 3 times a day.
What safety cautions apply to Elder (Sambucus nigra)?
Mild Toxicity in Fresh Plant: Raw stems, bark, root, and unripe berries can induce nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Preparation: Flowers and berries should be dried or (in the case of berries) boiled briefly before use to reduce the risk of upset. Autoimmune Conditions: Use cautiously, as elder can stimulate immune activity.
Related herbs
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