Elderberry (Elder)

Basic Information

Biological name (genus and species):
Sambucus canadensis
Parts used for medicinal purposes:
Bark
Berries/fruits
Innerbark
Leaves
Chemicals this herb contains:
Albumin
Cyanide
Itydrocyanic aid
Resin (See Glossary)
Rutin
Sambucine
Sambunigrin--found in stem and breaks down to cyanide
Tannic acid
Tyrosin
Viburnic acid
Vitamin C
Volatile oils (See Glossary)
Wax (See Glossary)

KNOWN EFFECTS

Bark, berries and leaves irritate the gastrointestinal tract to act as laxative and purgative. Causes vomiting (sometimes). Helps body dispose of excess fluid by increasing amount of urine produced. Increases perspiration.

Miscellaneous information:
Stems contain cyanide and can be EXTREMELY toxic.

UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS

Treats headache. Treats arthritis. Treats gout. Treats the common cold. Treats fevers. Treats sore throat. Treats abdominal pain. Aids discomfort of menstrual cramps. Poultices promote healing of bruises and sprains. (See Glossary)

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Don't take if you:
Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan pregnancy in the near future. Have any chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract, such as stomach or duodenal ulcers, esophageal reflux (reflux esophagitis), ulcerative colitis, spastic colitis, diverticulosis, diverticulitis.

Consult your doctor if you:
Take this herb for any medical problem that doesn't improve in 2 weeks. There may be safer, more-effective treatments. Take any medicinal drugs or herbs including aspirin, laxatives, cold and cough remedies, antacids, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, supplements, other prescription or non-prescription drugs.

Pregnancy:
Dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don't use.

Breast-feeding:
Dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don't use.

Infants and children:
Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal preparation is hazardous.

Others:
Ripe berries are probably non-toxic. Beware of stems. Enough cyanide from them could cause death.

Storage:
Keep cool and dry, but don't freeze. Store safely away from children.

Safe dosage:
At present no "safe" dosage has been established.

TOXICITY

Rated slightly dangerous, particularly in children, persons over
55 and those who take larger than appropriate quantities for
extended periods of time.
For symptoms of toxicity: See Adverse Reactions, Side Effects or Overdose Symptoms section below.

ADVERSE REACTIONS, SIDE EFFECTS OR OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS