Elderberry (sambucus)

Table of Contents

Other names

elderberry
black elderberry

Synopsis

Elderberry typically refers to the berries of Sambucus nigra, a deciduous shrub native to Europe, with related species found in North America (Sambucus canadensis) and other temperate regions. The dark purple-black berries are rich in anthocyanins, flavonoids, polyphenols, and vitamins A and C, and are primarily used to support the immune system and respiratory health, particularly during viral infections such as colds and flu.

Modern research and traditional use support elderberry’s ability to:

  • Shorten the duration and reduce the severity of colds, influenza, and upper respiratory infections
  • Enhance immune response, especially by boosting cytokine production and activating macrophages
  • Provide antiviral effects, by inhibiting virus entry and replication, particularly for influenza A and B
  • Act as a mild anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, reducing oxidative stress and tissue irritation during illness
  • Relieve symptoms like nasal congestion, cough, sore throat, and fever

Elderberries are most commonly consumed as syrups, gummies, teas, lozenges, capsules, or standardized extracts, often combined with other immune herbs like echinacea, astragalus, or zinc. The flowers of the elder plant also have medicinal uses, particularly as a diaphoretic and anti-catarrhal, but the berries are more widely studied and utilized in modern formulations.

Important Note: Raw elderberries, as well as the leaves, stems, and seeds of the plant, contain cyanogenic glycosides that can cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea if consumed uncooked. Proper heating (e.g., in syrups or teas) neutralizes these compounds and makes elderberry safe for consumption.

Historical Use
Elderberry has been used for centuries in European herbal medicine, with mentions dating back to Hippocrates, who referred to it as his "medicine chest" due to its wide range of therapeutic applications.

Traditional uses included:

  • Treating fevers, colds, and flu
  • Stimulating sweating to break fevers (diaphoretic)
  • Promoting urination and detoxification
  • Soothing sore throats, bronchitis, and catarrhal conditions
  • Making wines, jams, and fermented tonics for winter immunity

In folk medicine across Europe, elderberry was a staple for household remedies and often used to make warming cordials and cough syrups. The elder tree itself also held magical or protective significance in folklore, believed to ward off evil or illness.

In Native American herbal traditions, related species (Sambucus canadensis) were used similarly—for fevers, coughs, and infections, as well as for topical wounds and burns.

Today, elderberry is one of the most popular herbs in modern integrative and naturopathic medicine, especially for:

  • Seasonal immune support
  • Early intervention in viral infections
  • Back-to-school and travel-related immunity boosts

Its safety profile (when prepared correctly), effectiveness, and palatable taste make it a go-to remedy for children and adults alike.

Uses: Health Conditions

Antibiotics (alternatives to) (Traditional)
Celiac Disease (Traditional)
Cervical Dysplasia (Traditional)
Chemical Poisoning (Traditional)
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects) (Traditional)
Chicken Pox (Traditional)
Chills (Traditional)
Cholera (Traditional)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (Traditional)
Cirrhosis of the Liver (Traditional)
Cold Sores (Traditional)
Colds (antiviral) (Traditional)
Colds (decongestant) (Traditional)
Colds (general) (Traditional)
Colds (prevention) (Traditional)
Colds (with fever) (Traditional)
Colitis (Traditional)
Congestion (Traditional)
Congestion (bronchial) (Traditional)
Congestion (lungs) (Traditional)
Congestion (lymphatic) (Traditional)
Congestion (sinus) (Traditional)
Conjunctivitis (Traditional)
Contagious Diseases (Traditional)
Convalescence (Traditional)
Cough (damp) (Traditional)
Cough (dry) (Traditional)
Cough (general) (Traditional)
Cough (spastic) (Traditional)
Cramps (leg) (Traditional)
Cramps (menstrual) (Traditional)
Cramps and Spasms (Traditional)
Crohn's Disease (Traditional)
Croup (Traditional)
Cushing's Disease (Traditional)
Cystic Fibrosis (Traditional)
Cytomealovirus (Traditional)
Deafness (Traditional)
Debility (Traditional)
Defensiveness (Traditional)
Dehydration (Traditional)
Dementia (Traditional)
Denture Sores (Traditional)
Depression (Traditional)
Dermatitis (Traditional)
Diabetes (Traditional)
Diaper Rash (Traditional)
Diarrhea (Traditional)
Diphtheria (Traditional)
Diverticulitis (Traditional)
Ear Infection or Earache (Traditional)
Epstein Barr Virus (Traditional)
Fever (Traditional)
Glands (swollen lymph) (Traditional)
Headache (sinus) (Traditional)
Herpes (Traditional)
Infection (Traditional)
Infection (bacterial) (Traditional)
Infection (viral) (Traditional)
Influenza (Traditional)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Traditional)
Mumps (Traditional)
Pertussis (Traditional)
Pneumonia (Traditional)
Sweat Baths (herbs for) (Traditional)

Body Systems

Circulatory System (Traditional)
Eustachian Tubes (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Respiratory System (Traditional)