Black elderberry, called Sambucus nigra in Latin, descends from the honeysuckle (Caprifoliaceae) family. You can see the elder tree in England, where it can grow to a height of 35 feet. The elderberry has many medicinal benefits. Yet, you will find it used as a hedge tree in England. The tree “bears oval leaves and cream-colored flowers followed by purplish-blue berries in autumn” (Balch, 61).
The leaves of the black elderberry can be harvested anytime during the growth cycle. Only use fresh leaves and apply for external uses. Elderflowers are safe to consume when picked in early bloom and use when dried. The most beneficial part of the plant is the elderberries. Harvest the berries when fully ripe. One part of the elder tree that should NOT be used is the stem. The stems contain cyanide which can be harmful when ingested.
The Medicinal Functions of Black Elderberry
Black elderberry is most commonly known for its medicinal uses in the aid of upper respiratory infections, constipation, and fever. It is an antiviral which has the ability to stimulate the immune system. Studies show black elderberry has positive effects against the herpes simplex virus and HIV. “A clinical trial of elderberry found that it cured ninety percent of flu infections within 72 hours,” (Balch, 61)
Herbal Remedies using Black Elderberry
Black elderberry can be used be both internally and externally. Only ingest the flowers and berries. Flowers and berries can make pure alcoholic tinctures, vinegar and alcoholic tinctures (acetum), teas and syrups. You can also make the pure alcoholic tincture form from either fresh or dried flowers. To make the acetum tincture form, “pack the flowers in a crock or jar and cover with simmering hot apple cider vinegar. Cover and set aside overnight, then pour off through cheesecloth.” (Cech, 144)
The first way involves mixing one part of dried elderberry flower tea with two parts of honey. The second way consists of mixing two parts honey for every one part of juice made from raw or cooked berries.
Externally, you can use black elderberry as a wash, a bath solution, oils, salves or creams. Cold elder tea is best to use as a wash. This can benefit oily or acne skin. Usually, bath solutions combine with elderberry tea or tincture to cure a fever. To make the solution add dried black elderberry flowers to a muslin bag. Then add the bag to hot bath water.
This will help sweat out the fever. One of the few uses that involve leaves include oil making, salves or creams. To make herbal oil out of black elderberry, use fresh, green leaves. You can mix the oil alone or mix it to make a salve or cream. The use of the leaves is beneficial to old burns, ulcerations, and hemorrhoids.
Warnings for use of Black Elderberry
The seeds and stems of raw elderberries can be extremely toxic, which is why most physicians suggest buying Sambucol, which is a commercial-grade form of black elderberry syrup. Since there are about 20 different species of elderberries, it is important only to make herbal remedies from the trees that produce black, blue or purple berries. The trees with red berries typically have a higher level of toxicity.
Balch, Phyllis A. Prescription for Herbal Healing New York, New York: Penguin Putnam Inc, 2002.
Cech, Richo. Making Plant Medicine Williams, Oregon: Horizon Herbs, 2000.