D

European Elder 

This fact sheet provides basic information about European elder—common 

names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. 

European elder is a tree native to Europe and parts of Asia and Africa, and it also 

grows in the United States. There are several different types of elder, such as 

American elder, but European elder is the type most often used as a supplement. 

Common Names—European elder, black elder, elder, elderberry, elder 

flower, sambucus 

Latin Name—Sambucus nigra 

What It Is Used For 

•	 Parts of the elder tree—such as the berries and flowers—have long been 

used for pain, swelling, infections, coughs, and skin conditions. 

•	 Today, elderberry and elder flower are used for flu, colds, fevers, 

constipation, and sinus infections. 

How It Is Used 

The dried flowers (elder flower) and the cooked blue/black berries (elderberry) of 

the European elder tree are used in teas, liquid extracts, and capsules. 

What the Science Says 

•	 Although some small studies show that elderberry may relieve flu 

symptoms, the evidence is not strong enough to support this use of the berry. 

•	 A few studies have suggested that a product containing elder flower and 

other herbs can help treat sinus infections when used with antibiotics, but 

further research is needed to confirm any benefit. 

•	 No reliable information is available on the effectiveness of elderberry and 

elder flower for other uses. 

Side Effects and Cautions 

•	 Uncooked or unripe elderberries are toxic and can cause nausea, vomiting, 

or severe diarrhea. Only the blue/black berries of elder are edible. 

•	 Because of elder flower’s possible diuretic effects, use caution if taking it 

with drugs that increase urination. 

•	 Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative 

practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your 

health. This helps to ensure coordinated and safe care. 
 

Sources 

Elderberry. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturaldatabase.com on 

May 15, 2007. 

Elderflower. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturaldatabase.com on 

May 15, 2007. 

Elder (Sambucus nigra L.) Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturalstandard.com on May 16, 2007. 

Elder flower. In: Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckman J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. 

Newton, MA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000:103-105. 

For More Information 

Visit the NCCAM Web site at nccam.nih.gov and view: 

• What’s in the Bottle? An Introduction to Dietary Supplements at nccam.nih.gov/health/bottle/ 

• Herbal Supplements: Consider Safety, Too at nccam.nih.gov/health/supplement-safety/ 

NCCAM Clearinghouse 

Toll-free in the U.S.: 1-888-644-6226 

TTY (for deaf and hard-of-hearing callers): 1-866-464-3615 

E-mail: info@nccam.nih.gov 

CAM on PubMed 

Web site: nccam.nih.gov/camonpubmed/ 

NIH Office of Dietary Supplements 

Web site: www.ods.od.nih.gov 

NIH National Library of Medicine’s MedlinePlus 

European Elder listing: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-elder.html 

This publication is not copyrighted and is in the public domain. Duplication is encouraged. 


NCCAM has provided this material for your information. It is not intended to substitute 

for the medical expertise and advice of your primary health care provider. We encourage 

you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. The 

mention of any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCAM. 

National Institutes of Health 

♦♦♦

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 

D391 

Created August 2007 

Updated April 2008 

*D391*