Parts of the plant used:

• Principally the flowers, although the leaves and berries are sometimes used.
• The flowers and berries do not have the same medicinal applications.

How is it used?

• The flowers are used to make teas, extracts and syrups.

What is it used for?

• In Europe, Elder flowers (but not the leaves or berries) are used for respiratory ailments such as bronchitis, coughs, colds and fever.
• Elder flower tea promotes sweating and therefore may help in lowering fever.
• Some constituents in Elder flowers have antimicrobial activity (antiviral) and are employed against infections of the respiratory tract, including the flu.
• Elder flower tea may also be useful against insomnia, anxiety and other nervous disorders.
• The flowers are a significant source of Vitamin C, as well as other antioxidants.
• The ripe berries also have a laxative effect in small doses, but may cause nausea and vomiting in larger amounts.
• The leaves, bark, and unripe berries can be potentially toxic and should be avoided.
• In Mexican traditional medicine, the fresh leaves of a related species, mexicana (Mexican Elder), are applied directly to the joints as a compress to relieve pain and swelling in arthritic patients
• A tea made from the berries is taken as a purgative.