European Elder

© Steven Foster

This fact sheet provides basic information about European elder—

common names, what the science says, potential side effects and 

cautions, and resources for more information.

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

elder flower, sambucus

Latin Name—Sambucus nigra

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. Parts of the elder tree—such as the berries 

and flowers—have historically been used for pain, swelling, infections, 

coughs, and skin conditions. Current folk or traditional uses of 

elderberry and elder flower include flu, colds, fevers, constipation, and 

sinus infections.

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 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 all your health care providers about any complementary health practices you use. Give 

them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This helps to ensure coordinated 

and safe care. For tips about talking with your health care providers about complementary 

and alternative medicine, see NCCAM’s Time to Talk campaign at 

nccam.nih.gov/timetotalk/. 

Sources

Elder (Sambucus nigra L.). Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed at www.naturalstandard.com on May 26, 2009.

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

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

Elderberry. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at www.naturaldatabase.com on May 29, 2009.

Elderflower. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at www.naturaldatabase.com on May 29, 2009.

For More Information

Visit the NCCAM Web site at nccam.nih.gov and view Using Dietary Supplements Wisely

(nccam.nih.gov/health/supplements/wiseuse.htm).

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

PubMed®

Web site: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez

NIH Office of Dietary Supplements

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

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 2012