Plant Description
Medical Properties
DosageCaution & Interaction
Efficacy Studies
& Other Clinical Data
Helpful Links 
Latin (botanical) name:
Sambucus nigra
Common names: Black Elder, Black-Berried Elder, Pipe Tree, Common Elder, Bore Tree, Boor Tree, Ellhorn, Ellanwood
Plant Description: The Elder is common throughout most of Europe. It grows in hedgerows and woods throughout northern temperate regions, generally in moist, shady places and among underbrush. It is a shrubby tree, 10-30 feet high. The bark is light brown near the bottom of the stem, grayish higher up, and stippled with warts. The leaves are opposite and odd-pinnate, while the leaflets ovate, acuminate, finely serrated and dark green. In June and July, Black Elder grows cymes of white to yellow flowers which develop into berries that turn from green to red-brown to shiny black.
Interesting Historical Notes: A fragrant, flowering tree, Elderberry gets its name from the Anglo-Saxon word "aeld" meaning "fire." Inside young elder branches is a hollow tube or pipe. Presumably, these tubes were once used to blow on a fire in order to encourage the flames. The elder has a rich background of cultural superstitions. The Russians believed that elder trees ward off evil spirits. It was considered good luck to plant a tree near your home. Sicilians thought that elder wood branches could kill snakes and drive away thieves. Elderberry was first discovered by the Egyptians, who applied its flowers to the skin. Many early Indian tribes made tea from elderberry. The British, in the 17th century, often drank homemade elderberry wine.
Medicinal Properties &Uses: Elderberry has a long history of traditional use, both topically and as a tea. Elder flowers are a mild astringent. Raw berries have laxative and diuretic properties. Elder berries contain a considerable amount of vitamins A, B and C and are one of the richest sources of anthocyanins. The berries also contain flavonoids, sugar, tannins, carotenoids and amino acids.
Dosage: 20-40 drops in water or juice, 2-3 times daily, or as needed.
Cautions & Interactions: Keep out of reach of children.
Efficacy Studies & Other Clinical Data:
Disclaimer (U.S. Only): These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent any disease.
Common names: Black Elder, Black-Berried Elder, Pipe Tree, Common Elder, Bore Tree, Boor Tree, Ellhorn, Ellanwood
Plant Description: The Elder is common throughout most of Europe. It grows in hedgerows and woods throughout northern temperate regions, generally in moist, shady places and among underbrush. It is a shrubby tree, 10-30 feet high. The bark is light brown near the bottom of the stem, grayish higher up, and stippled with warts. The leaves are opposite and odd-pinnate, while the leaflets ovate, acuminate, finely serrated and dark green. In June and July, Black Elder grows cymes of white to yellow flowers which develop into berries that turn from green to red-brown to shiny black.
Interesting Historical Notes: A fragrant, flowering tree, Elderberry gets its name from the Anglo-Saxon word "aeld" meaning "fire." Inside young elder branches is a hollow tube or pipe. Presumably, these tubes were once used to blow on a fire in order to encourage the flames. The elder has a rich background of cultural superstitions. The Russians believed that elder trees ward off evil spirits. It was considered good luck to plant a tree near your home. Sicilians thought that elder wood branches could kill snakes and drive away thieves. Elderberry was first discovered by the Egyptians, who applied its flowers to the skin. Many early Indian tribes made tea from elderberry. The British, in the 17th century, often drank homemade elderberry wine.
Medicinal Properties &Uses: Elderberry has a long history of traditional use, both topically and as a tea. Elder flowers are a mild astringent. Raw berries have laxative and diuretic properties. Elder berries contain a considerable amount of vitamins A, B and C and are one of the richest sources of anthocyanins. The berries also contain flavonoids, sugar, tannins, carotenoids and amino acids.
Dosage: 20-40 drops in water or juice, 2-3 times daily, or as needed.
Cautions & Interactions: Keep out of reach of children.
Efficacy Studies & Other Clinical Data:
-
A Flu Remedy's New Horizons
- A 1993 placebo-controlled, double-blind study on Sambucal, a standardized extract of elderberry, was carried out in Israel.
Disclaimer (U.S. Only): These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent any disease.
