Elder
Elder is a cooling, soothing, immune-supportive herb used for early-stage colds and flu, respiratory infections, lymphatic stagnation, and mucous membrane inflammation. The flowers excel as a gentle, cooling diaphoretic and anti-inflammatory, while the berries strengthen immune response, reduce viral load, nourish tissues, and support recovery from illness.
Sanbuke (Latin) refers to reed pipes made from the plant’s hollow stems. “Elder” comes from Old English aeld meaning “fire,” referencing both its diaphoretic properties and the hollow stems once used as blowing tubes for kindling.
Flowers:
Hot infusion during early stages of cold or flu helps reduce fever through gentle cooling diaphoretic action. Elder flowers decrease lung and sinus congestion, soothe inflamed mucous membranes, and support hay fever, allergies, and mild coughs. Gargles ease throat and mouth inflammation. Traditionally paired with peppermint, yarrow, or chamomile for children at the onset of flu. Elder flowers also reduce edema, soothe urinary tract inflammation, enhance kidney stone elimination, and were once used widely as “elder flower water” to reduce tissue swelling. Topically, they help clear weeping eczema, poison oak, and blisters, and their eyewash soothes irritated conjunctiva.
Berries:
Used for colds, flu, scratchy sore throats, and mono, as well as upper and lower viral respiratory infections. Berries soothe mucous membranes, reduce lymphatic swelling, and exhibit documented antiviral action, effective against multiple influenza strains in vitro. Clinical studies show elderberry supports antibody formation during recovery. Suitable for individuals with compromised immunity (including cancer or AIDS patients). Shows parasiticidal effects against Toxoplasma gondii. Helpful for minor constipation, anemia due to iron content, and immune support due to vitamin C and flavonoids.
Mentioned in Arabian Nights as a remedy to soothe sleepless patients. Historically planted as protective hedges against wind and animals. The bark was used for black dye, berries for blue-purple dye, and flowers for wines and beauty preparations. Indigenous peoples used dried flower infusions as baths for paralysis and fashioned arrow shafts, whistles, and flutes from the hollow branches.
A deciduous shrub to small tree, 2–8 m tall, with multiple pithy stems and gray-brown bark that becomes furrowed with age. Leaves are opposite, pinnately compound with 5–7 serrated leaflets. Large flat-topped corymbs of creamy-white flowers bloom terminally. Fruits are glossy purple-black drupes, 5–6 mm across, maturing in late summer. All fresh green parts are aromatic when crushed.
All stems, leaves, bark, and raw berries (especially with peduncles attached) can cause nausea, diarrhea, or purgation due to cyanogenic compounds. Always cook berries or use properly prepared extracts. The inner green bark is strongly cathartic. Red elder species are considered toxic.Restricted use during pregnancy; safe during lactation.
Tincture:
Glycerite:
Dry berries 1:5 (40% glycerin / 30% alcohol / 30% water)
—or— 1:5 (60% glycerin / 40% water)
30–60 drops, up to 4× daily
Tea:
Syrup:
Up to 4× daily
Culinary:
Used in jams, syrups, and liqueurs.
Christina Sinadinos, David Hoffman, Bryan Bowen, all relevant CHSHS lectures.