Elderflower
Sambucus nigra (flower)
The blossom of the elder (distinct from the berry), a classic gentle tea for feverish colds, sinus congestion, and to encourage sweating.
Traditional use (european-folk): The blossom of the elder (distinct from the berry), a classic gentle tea for feverish colds, sinus congestion, and to encourage sweating.
The blossom of the elder (distinct from the berry), a classic gentle tea for feverish colds, sinus congestion, and to encourage sweating.
Active constituents are under study; evidence ranges from traditional use to preliminary human trials.
- The blossom of the elder (distinct from the berry), a classic gentle tea for feverish colds, sinus congestion, and to encourage sweating.
Evidence strength: traditional use.
- See the evidence level above
- Use only flowers/ripe cooked berries — raw berries, leaves, bark, and stems are toxic.
- Raw/unripe berries and green parts
Use only flowers/ripe cooked berries — raw berries, leaves, bark, and stems are toxic.
May interact with prescription medications — review with a clinician if you take any.
Use caution in pregnancy, breastfeeding, for children, and with chronic disease unless cleared by a clinician.
Choose reputable, tested suppliers; correct identification is essential for wild-harvested plants.