Everything You Need to Know About

Elder (Sambucus nigra)

Botanical family: Adoxaceae
Parts used: Bark, Flowers, Fruits
Elder (Sambucus nigra)
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Overview and Health Benefits

Elder (Sambucus nigra) has long been celebrated in herbal medicine for its potent therapeutic properties, particularly in the form of elderflowers and elderberries. These parts of the plant are highly regarded for their antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting benefits, making elder an essential remedy in the natural treatment of respiratory infections, colds, and flus (Wieland et al., 2021; Roschek et al., 2009). Elderflowers are particularly effective in promoting sweating and reducing fever, while elderberries are renowned for their ability to shorten the duration and severity of viral infections, thanks to their high content of antioxidants and flavonoids (Zakay-Rones et al., 1995; Roschek et al., 2009). Beyond their use in combating respiratory issues and promoting immune function, elderflowers and elderberries are also used for their diuretic, laxative, and skin-soothing properties, providing a versatile addition to any herbalist's toolkit (McIntyre, 2019; Easley & Horne, 2016).

Key Benefits:

  • Antiviral and Immune-Boosting Properties
  • Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects
  • Support for Respiratory Health
  • Digestive Support and Detoxification
  • Skin Health and Wound Healing

Elderberries are a powerful ally in the fight against viral infections, particularly colds and influenza. They are rich in flavonoids, which have been shown to inhibit the replication of viruses like the flu (Roschek et al., 2009). Clinical studies have demonstrated that elderberry extracts can significantly reduce the duration of flu symptoms, making them a valuable preventative and treatment option during the flu season (Zakay-Rones et al., 1995). Additionally, elderberry supplementation has been shown to “reduce cold duration and symptoms in air-travelers” (Tiralongo et al., 2016), and the natural product Sambucol, derived from black elderberry, has been found to “enhance the production of human cytokines,” which are crucial for immune response (Barak et al., 2001).

Both elderflowers and elderberries are loaded with antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body (Ulbricht et al., 2014). This anti-inflammatory action is beneficial not only for managing conditions like arthritis but also for reducing the severity of colds and respiratory infections by alleviating symptoms such as sore throat and swollen mucous membranes.

Elderflower tea is a traditional remedy for respiratory issues, including colds, sinusitis, and bronchitis. It acts as a diaphoretic, helping to reduce fever by promoting sweating, and as an expectorant, aiding in the clearance of mucus from the airways (Easley & Horne, 2016). The combination of elderflower with other herbs like yarrow and peppermint is particularly effective in managing flu symptoms and expediting recovery (Easley & Horne, 2016).

Elderberries have a mild laxative effect and support healthy digestion by promoting regular bowel movements (Picon et al., 2010). They also act as a diuretic, helping to eliminate excess fluids and toxins from the body, which can be beneficial in cases of urinary tract infections or fluid retention (Dévora Gutiérrez et al., 2023).

Elderflowers are used in herbal skincare for their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. They can be applied as a wash or compress to treat conditions like acne, eczema, and rashes, or used in a bath to improve overall skin tone and texture (Stanković et al., 2017; Lin et al., 2019). 

Safety

When using elder, caution is advised due to the presence of alkaloids and cyanogenic glycosides in the bark, leaves, roots, seeds, and unripe berries. These compounds can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and, in severe cases, depression of the central nervous and respiratory systems (American Botanical Council, 2004; Gardner & McGuffin, 2013). The risk of toxicity is particularly high if these plant parts are used fresh, as the process of maceration during chewing can release hydrogen cyanide (HCN). Cooking or drying reduces this risk, with boiling the berries for three minutes prior to preserving being generally considered adequate to mitigate potential toxicity (Buhner, 2013; Easley & Horne, 2016). Additionally, red elderberries (Sambucus racemosa) contain higher levels of these glycosides compared to the black elderberries, making it essential to differentiate between species (Buhner, 2013). As the safety of elderberry during pregnancy and lactation is not well-established, it is crucial to use it only under professional guidance during these periods (Gardner & McGuffin, 2013). As with any herbal remedy, it is best to consult with a qualified medical herbalist before using elderflower or elderberry, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition or are taking any prescription medications.

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Key Body Systems Elder (Sambucus nigra) relates to

Elder (Sambucus nigra)
Respiratory system
Elder (Sambucus nigra)
Immune System

Energetics

Elder (Sambucus nigra)
Cooling
Elder (Sambucus nigra)
Drying

Key actions

  • Antiviral
  • Immunomodulatory
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Diaphoretic
  • Antioxidant
Elder (Sambucus nigra)

Key uses

Elderberry is used for immune support, particularly in colds and flu, while elderflower is used for its diaphoretic action in fevers and to alleviate allergies and sinus issues.

Where to Find Elder (Sambucus nigra)

Elder (Sambucus nigra)

Elder (Sambucus nigra), a member of the Adoxaceae family, is a striking, deciduous shrub or small tree that can reach up to 10 metres in height. Its smooth, greyish-brown bark often develops shallow fissures with age, adding to its distinctive appearance. The leaves are compound, consisting of 5 to 11 serrated, lance-shaped leaflets arranged oppositely along the stems. This leaf pattern, combined with the characteristic hollow, pithy stems, makes elder easy to identify in the wild.

In late spring to early summer, elder produces its most recognisable feature: clusters of tiny, creamy-white flowers arranged in flat-topped umbels, known as elderflowers. These fragrant blossoms, which can span up to 20 centimetres across, are a herald of the warmer months and are often found in abundance in hedgerows, woodland edges, and roadside verges. As summer fades, these flowers give way to drooping clusters of small, glossy, dark purple-black berries, known as elderberries, which hang like jewels from the branches in late summer to early autumn.

Elder thrives in temperate regions, flourishing across Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and can often be found in rich, fertile ground near rivers, streams, or in areas where the soil retains some moisture, though it is also adaptable to drier conditions. The plant’s preference for sun-dappled locations means it is commonly spotted at the edges of woodlands, in hedgerows, and even in urban green spaces.

When foraging elderflower or elderberries, ensure that you are collecting from areas free from pollution and pesticides—avoid plants near busy roads or those that might have been sprayed. It’s vital to correctly identify black elder, and to collect the appropriate parts of the plant, as its leaves, bark, and unripe berries contain toxic compounds. Always leave plenty of flowers and berries for wildlife and future harvests, and be sure to check local bylaws to ensure foraging is permitted in your chosen location. The timing is also crucial: harvest elderflowers in late spring when they are in full bloom, and pick elderberries when they are fully ripe and deep in colour, usually by late summer.

References

American Botanical Council. (2004). The ABC clinical guide to elderberry. http://abc.herbalgram.org/site/DocServer/Elderberry-scr.pdf

Barak, V., Halperin, T., & Kalickman, I. (2001). The effect of Sambucol, a black elderberry-based, natural product, on the production of human cytokines: I. Inflammatory cytokines. European Cytokine Network, 12(2), 290-296. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11399518/ 

Buhner, S. H. (2013). Herbal antivirals: Natural remedies for emerging & resistant viral infections. Storey Publishing.

Dévora Gutiérrez, S., Hernández-Luis, F., Martín-Herrera, D., Morales Marrero, C. C., & Abdala, S. (2023). Diuretic activity of Sambucus nigra L. ssp. palmensis (Link) R. Bolli, an endemic Canary Islands species. Boletín Latinoamericano y del Caribe de Plantas Medicinales y Aromáticas, 22(4), 500. https://doi.org/10.37360/blacpma.23.22.4.37 

Easley, T., & Horne, S. (2016). The modern herbal dispensary: A medicine-making guide. North Atlantic Books.

Gardner, Z., & McGuffin, M. (2013). American Herbal Products Association’s Botanical Safety Handbook (2nd ed.). CRC Press.

Lin, P., Hwang, E., Ngo, H. T. T., Seo, S. A., & Yi, T. H. (2019). Sambucus nigra L. ameliorates UVB-induced photoaging and inflammatory response in human skin keratinocytes. Cytotechnology, 71(5), 1003–1017. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10616-019-00342-1

McIntyre, A. (2019). The complete herbal tutor. Aeon. 

Picon, P. D., Picon, R. V., Costa, A. F., Sander, G. B., Amaral, K. M., Aboy, A. L., & Henriques, A. T. (2010). Randomized clinical trial of a phytotherapic compound containing Pimpinella anisum, Foeniculum vulgare, Sambucus nigra, and Cassia augustifolia for chronic constipation. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 10(17). https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-10-17 

Roschek, B. Jr, Fink, R.C., McMichael, M.D., Li, D., & Alberte, R.S. (2009). Elderberry flavonoids bind to and prevent H1N1 infection in vitro. Phytochemistry, 70(10), 1255-61. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2009.06.003

Stanković, M., Živković, J., Tadić, V., & Arsić, I. (2017). Skin protection against solar UV radiation by natural plant products: Extracts from elder fruit (Sambucus nigra L.). RAD Conference Proceedings, 2, 231–236. http://www.rad-proceedings.org

Tiralongo, E., Wee, S. S., & Lea, R. A. (2016). Elderberry supplementation reduces cold duration and symptoms in air-travelers: A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Nutrients, 8(4), 182. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8040182 

Ulbricht, C., Basch, E., Cheung, L., Goldberg, H., Hammerness, P., Isaac, R., & Wortley, J. (2014). An evidence-based systematic review of elderberry and elderflower (Sambucus nigra) by the natural standard research collaboration. Journal of Dietary Supplements, 11(1), 80-120. https://doi.org/10.3109/19390211.2013.859852

Zakay-Rones, Z., Varsano, N., Zlotnik, M., Manor, O., Regev, L., Schlesinger, M., & Mumcuoglu, M. (1995). Inhibition of several strains of influenza virus in vitro and reduction of symptoms by an elderberry extract (Sambucus nigra L.) during an outbreak of influenza B Panama. Alternative & Complementary Medicine, 1(4), 361-369. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.1995.1.361