Elderberry

Sambucus nigra

Herbs & Roots. Western & European and Dr. Sebi's list.

Also called Black elder, European elder, Elderflower, Elder

Spanish: Saúco

Raw parts can be toxic

Elderberry is the dark berry of the elder tree, and its syrup is a popular folk remedy for colds and flu.

Did you know? Old European folklore said a tree spirit called the Elder Mother lived in the elder tree, so people asked her permission before cutting it.

What it may help, and how strong the proof is

Colds, flu & immunity. Small trials suggest elderberry syrup may shorten cold and flu symptoms, but larger and better trials are needed.
Early proof
Infections. Lab studies show activity against some flu viruses, but this has not been shown in people.
Traditional proof
Fever. Elder flower tea is used to bring on sweating during fevers, and there are no good human trials.
Traditional proof

Parts of the body

Immune system

Traditional use

European folk medicine used elder flower tea to bring on sweating during colds and fevers. Elderberry syrup became a common home cold remedy in Europe and North America.

How it is classified

Herbal actions: Diaphoretic, Antiviral, Antioxidant, Immune balancer. Energy: cooling.

How people take it

Most people take cooked syrup, tea made from the flowers, or capsules. Studies on colds used syrup or extract for a few days, and doses varied.

Syrup, tea, capsule and food.

Where to get it

Grows wild in hedgerows and woods across Europe and North America, and is also grown commercially. Sold as dried berries and flowers, syrups, gummies, and capsules.

Be careful

Raw or unripe berries, and the leaves, stems, and bark, contain compounds that can release cyanide and cause vomiting. Cook the berries before eating them, and choose products made from cooked berries. Allergic reactions are rare.

Avoid if: pregnancy; autoimmune disease.

Mixing with other things

Works well together
Often sold together for colds and flu, with little proof that the mix works better.
Works well together
Both were used in old flu and fever teas.
Works well together
Both are used together in old European fever teas to bring on sweating.
Works well together
Often added to cold and fever teas with elderflower.
Works well together
Both are used in winter syrups for colds.
Works well together
Both are used in cold-season products. Human proof is limited.
Use caution
Immune-suppressing medicine (transplant drugs, some arthritis drugs)
Elderberry may boost immune activity, which could work against immune-suppressing drugs. This is mostly theory.

Found in these formulas

Elderberry syrup (Western), Cold-season kit (Modern)

The honest take

Elderberry has some small human trials for colds and flu, and they hint at shorter symptoms. Most of the lab evidence is on viruses in test tubes, which does not prove it works in the body. Claims that it boosts immunity for everyone go beyond what is proven.