What is Black Elderberry?

Black elderberry (sambuca nigra) is a bushy plant native to the warmer parts of Europe and North America. While its leaves and stems are mildly poisonous, the flowers and blue-black berries are used to make liquor, jams and other foods, as well as medicinal teas and elderberry extract.

Elderberry Fruit

Black elderberries can be used in most recipes that call for blueberries. Elderberry pie, elderberry jam and elderberry syrup are among the best known elderberry recipes.

Elderberry Liquor

Elderberries are used to make Sambuca, a popular Italian liqueur, as well as elderberry wine and elderberry cordial.

Elderberry Extract

Elderberry extract is used in Sambucol, which has been shown to reduce the severity and duration of both Type A and Type B influenza. It also has been shown to lessen the severity of cold symptoms and reduce inflammation.

Antioxidants in Elderberry

The USDA says that the black elderberry contains higher concentrations of anthocyanins, a powerful antioxidant group, than either blueberries or cranberries. Anthocyanins are believed to boost immune system function.

Elderberry Vitamins

Black elderberries contain high levels of vitamins C, A and B. Other components of elderberry include flavonoids, carotenoids and amino acids.

Warning

Elderberries should not be eaten raw because they are mildly poisonous unless they are cooked. Leaves and stems of the elderberry also may contain a mild poison similar to cyanide.

Resources

• Elderberry in Alternative Medicine