Elderberry
Sambucus nigra
接骨木果
Pinyin: Jiē Gǔ Mù Guǒ
Plant Family
Adoxaceae (formerly Caprifoliaceae)
Part Used
Berry (ripe, cooked)
Origin
Europe, North Africa, Western Asia
Safety Level
Caution
Overview
Elderberry is the dark purple berry of the European elder tree. It has been used for centuries in folk medicine for colds, flu, and as a winter tonic. Modern research supports its antiviral properties, particularly against influenza viruses. IMPORTANT: Raw elderberries are toxic - must be cooked before consumption.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Properties
Nature (四气)
cool
Flavors (五味)
sweet, bitter, sour
Meridians (归经)
lung, skin
Health Benefits
Traditional Uses
- Colds, flu, and sinus infections
- Cough and bronchitis
- Fever (diaphoretic)
- Rheumatic conditions
- Diuretic
- Laxative
Active Constituents
The key compounds responsible for this herb's therapeutic effects:
Usage & Dosage
How to Use
Used as syrup, tincture, capsules, gummies, lozenges, and tea. Always COOKED - never raw. Very popular as an immune supplement during cold and flu season.
Suggested Dosage
Syrup: 1-2 tbsp daily for prevention, 3-4 times daily at onset of symptoms. Capsules: 500-1500mg daily. Tincture: 2-5ml 3 times daily.
Quality & Storage
Harvest Season
Late summer to early autumn, when berries are fully ripe and dark purple. Only fully ripe berries should be harvested.
Quality Indicators
Dark purple/black berries from Sambucus nigra. Standardized extracts list anthocyanin content. Syrups should be made from cooked berries. Do NOT use raw or unripe berries.
Storage
Dried berries: airtight container, cool dark place, 1-2 years. Syrup: refrigerate after opening, use within 3-6 months. Tincture: 2-3 years shelf life.
Safety Information
Contraindications
Raw berries are TOXIC (contain cyanogenic glycosides - cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)Pregnancy and breastfeedingChildren: syrup is generally safe in appropriate dosesAutoimmune diseases (may stimulate immune system)Diabetes (may lower blood sugar)
Possible Side Effects
- Cooked elderberry: generally safe at recommended doses
- Raw/uncooked: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (cyanide toxicity)
- Rare: allergic reaction
- May cause mild gastrointestinal upset in large doses
Drug Interactions
- Immunosuppressants (may reduce effectiveness)
- Diabetes medications (may lower blood sugar)
- Diuretics
- Laxatives (additive effect)
- Theophylline (may increase levels)
Note: Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting any herbal supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have medical conditions, or take medications.
References & Research
Information on this page is based on traditional herbal knowledge and modern scientific research. For a comprehensive list of references, please refer to our full citations page.
ℹ️ Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The FDA has not evaluated these statements. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal supplements.
Related Herbs
Echinacea
Echinacea purpurea
Echinacea is a group of flowering plants in the daisy family native to North America. It is one of the most popular herbal supplements for immune support, used by Native Americans for centuries before being adopted by modern herbalism.
Goldenseal
Hydrastis canadensis
Goldenseal is a perennial herb native to the rich forests of eastern North America, with distinctive yellow roots and a single pair of lobed leaves. It is one of the most important herbs in North American herbalism and also one of the most endangered due to overharvesting. Goldenseal is often combined with echinacea for immune support.
Andrographis
Andrographis paniculata
Andrographis is an annual herb with small white flowers and extremely bitter leaves. It is used in both Ayurvedic medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine as a powerful cooling, detoxifying herb. In recent years, it has gained attention in the West for its immune-supporting and antiviral properties, particularly for upper respiratory infections.
Shiitake Mushroom
Lentinus edodes
Shiitake is the second most commonly cultivated edible mushroom in the world. It has been used as both food and medicine in East Asia for over 1,000 years. The Japanese have extensively studied shiitake for its health benefits. Lentinan, a beta-glucan from shiitake, is used as an intravenous cancer drug in Japan and China.