05/01/2026
Sambucus. Sambucus nigra. Common or Black Elder.
Elder is a small tree in the honeysuckle family, common in the UK and mainland Europe, and its fruits and flowers have long been used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. According to the herbalist Maude Grieve, the elder has been called the ‘medicine chest of country people’, as most parts of the tree have been used medicinally through the ages.
Elder has been widely associated with folklore, and is considered a protector - once planted next to dwellings to keep evil spirits away. Elderberry juice is said to be a cure for colds, and provides relief for asthma and bronchitis. It is rich in vitamins (especially vitamins C and A), and minerals (including potassium and iron).
In homeopathic medicine, Sambucus nigra has similarly been found to have an affinity for the respiratory system. It is commonly used to treat colds with nasal congestion in infants; colds that typically lead to chesty cough or bronchitis; and asthma especially where it is associated with marked perspiration, and waking in the night with difficulty breathing.
