Elderberry (Elderberry Sambucus)
Medicinal Profile of Elder Berry
(Elderberry Sambucus)
Elderberries are small, dark-purple fruits traditionally used across Europe and North America as both food and medicine. They have a long reputation for protecting against infections, especially viral illnesses, and are now recognized for their antioxidant and immune-modulating properties. In terrain terms, elderberry is especially supportive for states of excitation with inflammatory irritation, congestive stagnation in the sinuses and respiratory tract, and hyporesponsive immunity where defenses are weakened. Because they combine nutritive nourishment with medicinal potency, elderberries work well for individuals who suffer from recurring colds, sinus congestion, or seasonal allergies tied to immune imbalance.
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👉 Tastes describe the initial impression a herb leaves on the tongue, and they reveal its deeper actions in the body, shaping digestion, circulation, and tissue response.
Sweet – The sweet taste builds tissues, replenishes vitality, and provides nourishment for recovery.
Sour (subtle) – The slight sourness stimulates circulation and awakens sluggish digestion.
Astringent (mild) – The mild astringency tones mucous membranes and reduces excessive secretions.
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👉 Qualities describe the felt nature of a substance or practice, and how it acts in the body beyond nutrients or chemistry.
Moistening – Elderberries restore hydration to tissues and soothe dryness caused by inflammation or infection.
Stabilizing – They calm excessive immune activity and restore balance in irritated tissues.
Light – They are easy to digest and integrate quickly into the system without heaviness.
Circulating – They promote movement of fluids in the blood and lymph, assisting in clearing congestion.
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👉 Nutritional values give the measurable nutrients that a food contributes to the diet.
Elderberries are rich in vitamin C, dietary fiber, and anthocyanins, pigments with powerful antioxidant effects. They also provide flavonoids, phenolic acids, and trace minerals such as iron and potassium. Together, these compounds enhance immune function, protect cells from oxidative damage, and contribute to vascular health.
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Elderberries are commonly prepared as syrups, which concentrate their immune-supportive and antiviral actions.
They can be decocted into teas for acute respiratory infections.
Extracts and tinctures are used for more concentrated medicinal effects.
Capsules and lozenges are widely available as convenient supplement forms.
Traditionally, elderberries were also cooked into jams and tonics, though raw berries are not eaten due to toxicity.
Indicated Patterns by Affinity
👉 Indicated patterns describe the functional state of the body and its organs and/or tissues, showing whether they are dry, atrophied, too damp (pressure), stagnant, lax, inflammed, sluggish, tense or underactive. The Primary Indicated Pattern is the main state where this remedy works best. Secondary Indicated Pattern(s) are the patterns that often develop over time when the primary state is left unaddressed. The primary pattern must be supported first, as this allows the secondary patterns to naturally ease or resolve.
👉Affinities are the organ systems and tissues where the remedy acts most strongly.
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Hyporesponsive / Depressed (Primary Indicated Pattern) – This occurs when defenses are weak and illness recurs frequently. Examples include chronic colds, slow recovery, or weakened immunity in the elderly.
Elderberries provide immunomodulating polysaccharides and flavonoids that strengthen the immune system’s responsiveness while nourishing vitality.
Excitation / Inflammatory (Secondary Indicated Pattern) – This occurs when immune overactivity drives heat, irritation, or allergy symptoms. Examples include seasonal allergies, autoimmune irritation, and chronic inflammation.
Elderberries stabilize immune activity through antioxidants and flavonoids, reducing inflammatory cascades.
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Congestive (Primary Indicated Pattern) – This occurs when mucus stagnates in the sinuses or chest, creating heaviness and sluggish clearance. Examples include sinus congestion, phlegmy coughs, and boggy mucous membranes.
Elderberries promote circulation of fluids and protect respiratory tissues, helping the body expel mucus and resist infection.
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Excitation / Inflammatory (Secondary Indicated Pattern) – This occurs when vascular tissues are irritated by oxidative stress and inflammation. Examples include hypertension risk, inflamed vessels, or oxidative burden. Elderberries provide anthocyanins that protect blood vessels, reduce oxidative irritation, and support vascular resilience.
Congestive (Secondary Indicated Pattern) – This occurs when blood flow is sluggish and lipid metabolism becomes imbalanced. Examples include elevated cholesterol and poor circulation.
Elderberries stimulate circulation and protect against lipid oxidation.
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Congestive / Damp (Secondary Indicated Pattern) – This occurs when digestion is heavy or stagnant, with sluggish elimination. Examples include sluggish bowels and post-meal heaviness.
Elderberries provide fiber and mild laxative properties that support bowel clearance and ease heaviness.
Excitation / Irritative (Secondary Indicated Pattern) – This occurs when the gut lining becomes inflamed and irritated. Examples include inflamed intestines or irritated digestion.
Elderberry antioxidants soothe irritation and protect the gut lining from oxidative stress.
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Excitation / Inflammatory (Secondary Indicated Pattern) – This occurs when heat-driven irritation affects the skin. Examples include rashes and inflammatory breakouts.
Elderberries provide antioxidants that reduce inflammatory load and support clearer skin.
Atrophic / Degenerative (Secondary Indicated Pattern) – This occurs when oxidative stress reduces skin resilience and elasticity. Examples include premature aging and oxidative damage.
Elderberries’ polyphenols and vitamin C protect collagen and promote skin repair.
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Congestive / Damp (Supportive Pattern) – This occurs when water retention or sluggish urinary elimination slows clearance. Examples include mild edema and urinary sluggishness.
Elderberries act as a gentle diuretic, encouraging fluid elimination and supporting urinary health.
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👉 Medicinal actions describe the specific ways a food influences organ systems and body functions.
Immune System
Antiviral – Inhibits viral replication and blocks viral entry into cells.
Immune stimulant – Activates immune defenses during infection.
Anti-inflammatory – Reduces overactive inflammatory responses, balancing hyperreactivity.
Respiratory System
Expectorant (gentle) – Promotes clearance of mucus and phlegm.
Soothing agent – Calms inflamed mucous membranes in coughs, colds, and flu.
Digestive System
Mild laxative – High anthocyanin and fiber content can gently stimulate bowel movements.
Digestive tonic – Sour-sweet taste awakens digestion and metabolism.
Urinary System
Diuretic – Promotes urination and clearance of waste fluids, helpful in fevers or congestion.
Integumentary System (Skin)
Alterative – Clears heat and inflammation that show up as skin eruptions during fevers or toxicity.
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Second Degree – Reliable immune and antiviral effects, with systemic influence on inflammation and elimination. Safe in food-like forms, but stronger than everyday nutritive fruits.
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Immunosuppressant drugs – May reduce effectiveness by stimulating immune activity.
Diuretics – Elderberry has mild diuretic effects, possibly additive.
Laxatives – May enhance bowel movement when combined.
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Decoction / Syrup – Dried berries simmered and sweetened for immune support.
Infused tea – Mild preparation for daily use.
Tincture – Alcohol extract for more concentrated immune action.
Culinary – Added to jams, wines, or sauces for nutritive and medicinal effects.
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Raw berries – Contain cyanogenic glycosides (sambunigrin), which can cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; always use dried or cooked berries.
Children – Safe in food/syrup amounts; avoid raw.
Pregnancy/Breastfeeding – Traditionally used, but limited research; best in food-like doses.
Autoimmune conditions – Caution in active flares due to immune-stimulating properties.
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Traditional Sources
Grieve, M. (1931). A Modern Herbal. Penguin. (Notes elderberry syrups and wines for colds and fevers.)
King’s American Dispensatory (1898). Eclectic Medical Publications. (Describes elderberry as alterative, diuretic, and immune-supportive.)
North American indigenous use — Documented in ethnobotanical records as a fever and respiratory remedy.
Modern Sources
Zakay-Rones, Z., et al. (1995). “Inhibition of several strains of influenza virus in vitro and reduction of symptoms by an elderberry extract.” Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 1(4), 361–369.
Tiralongo, E., et al. (2016). “Elderberry supplementation reduces cold duration and symptoms in air travelers.” Nutrients, 8(4), 182.
Vlachojannis, J. E., Cameron, M., & Chrubasik, S. (2010). “A systematic review on the sambuci fructus effect and efficacy profiles.” Phytotherapy Research, 24(1), 1–8.
USDA FoodData Central. (2024). Nutrient data for elderberries, raw and dried.
