Elder

Elder (Sambucus nigra) with clusters of dark purple-black elderberries hanging from red stems.
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The elder tree provides multi-purpose medicines:

Leaves are used topically for bruises, sprains, wounds, and more.

Flower treats colds and influenza, and contains antiviral properties. Can reduce the duration of flu symptoms to 3-4 days.

The herb strengthens cell membranes to prevent virus penetration, possibly by inhibiting the viral enzyme that weakens the membrane.

 

Elder (Sambucus nigra) flowers forming flat clusters of small white blossoms against a dark background.
Elder (Sambucus nigra) in bloom, displaying flat-topped clusters of tiny white flowers. Photo by Cam James at Unsplash.

Plant Details

Botanical identity
  • Latin name: Sambucus nigra, canadensis
  • Family: Adoxaceae
  • Native range: North America: Canadensis (eastern), Nigra (western)
Medicinal profile
  • Parts used: Flower, Fruit, Leaf
  • Herbal actions: Anticatarrhal, Antiinflammatory, Antioxidant, Antirheumatic, Antispasmodic, Antiviral, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Expectorant, Febrifuge, Laxative, Mucolytic, Nervine, Purgative
  • Body systems: Cardiovascular, Immune, Muscular, Nervous, Sketetal
  • Energetics: Cooling & Drying
Growing profile
  • Sun needs: full sun
  • Water: high
  • Difficulty: intermediate
Simple preparation note

Raw elderberries, leaves, seeds, and bark contain toxic cyanogenic glycosides and should be cooked to be safe for consumption.

Science + Research

Prevents virus from entering cell, decreases replication

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