We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Fitness

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Black Elder?

Sara Schmidt
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 2,168
Share

Also known as sambucus nigra, black elder is type of tree native to northwestern Africa, southwest Asia, and Europe. It is often used as a home remedy for various ailments. The elder flower and berries are also used in recipes for their nutritional value.

Black elder may also be referred to as elderberry or European elder. Though considered a poisonous weed to mammals due to the presence of glycoside sambunigrin, a cyanogenic compound, black elder is known for its many medicinal properties. Bronchitis, upper respiratory infections, cough, fever, the flu, and the common cold may all be treated with black elder.

To be used in treating congestion and other respiratory maladies, elderberry flowers may be cooked to create an herbal tea remedy. After simmering for 15 minutes, the dried flowers may be poured through a strainer or coffee filter. The resulting beverage, imbibed hot or cold, may help ease symptoms, though allergic reactions can occur.

The flowers and berries, the only parts of the plant that are safe for consumption, are very nutritious. The former contains folic acid, vitamins C and B1, fruit acids, and essential oils while the latter is a good source of flavonoids and calcium. For these reasons, they are often used to produce infusions, jams, jellies, and chutneys as well as wines, syrups, and cordials.

Soup made from the elderberry is a traditional meal in Germany. The flowers may also be used in cooking fritters by frying them in batter. Elderberry is frequently used in pies and other pastries with apples or blackberries. Some areas also produce elderflower-flavored soft drinks.

Some people use elderberry in their fasting or detoxification practices. Ingestion of elderberry can induce sweating in the body, a popular form of detoxification. For this purpose, the plant is usually used in a juice form.

The tree is also used for ornamental value. The sweet-smelling plant is a member of the honeysuckle family. To keep flies away during outings, horse riders have tied black elder foliage to their horses' manes.

Growing in both wet and dry conditions, elderberry thrives in direct sunlight. A small deciduous tree, it usually grows up to 13 to 20 feet (four to six meters) in height. Its leaves feature serrated margins that are arranged in opposite pairs, and it sports five-petaled white flowers. The fruit of the tree is a dark purple to black berry that is produced in clusters during the late autumn.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Sara Schmidt
By Sara Schmidt
With a Master's Degree in English from Southeast Missouri State University, Sara Schmidt puts her expertise to use by writing for WiseGeek, plus various magazines, websites, and nonprofit organizations. She published her own novella and has other literary projects in the works. Sara's diverse background includes teaching children in Spain, tutoring college students, running CPR and first aid classes, and organizing student retreats, reflecting her passion for education and community engagement.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Sara Schmidt
Sara Schmidt
With a Master's Degree in English from Southeast Missouri State University, Sara Schmidt puts her expertise to use by writing for WiseGeek, plus various magazines, websites, and nonprofit organizations. She published her own novella and has other literary projects in the works. Sara's diverse background includes teaching children in Spain, tutoring college students, running CPR and first aid classes, and organizing student retreats, reflecting her passion for education and community engagement.
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-black-elder.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.