Elder flower & berry, bulk dried herb

Sambucus  spp.
parts used: flower, berry
per half oz

Elder is most well-known for the berry’s immunity benefits, especially when it comes to fighting influenza viruses. It does this byway of inhibiting and disabling the flu viruses’ infecting enzyme so that the infected start seeing improvement within 24-48 hours, and full recovery after the third day. It also protects against multiple different strains, unlike the flu shot. Elder berry is also excellent at fighting other viral infections such as hepatitis and herpes. Thanks to its affinity for the upper respiratory system, elder remedies infections, seasonal allergies and inflammatory conditions. And as an alterative, elder berry cleanses metabolic waste from the blood and lymph.


The flower is called on when there is fever, especially when the heat is trapped below the skin; elder flower acts as a diaphoretic to relax the muscles, open the pores and induce sweating, releasing the trapped fever. The flowers also act on the upper respiratory system with an anti-inflammatory effect that opens, disperses, and drains sinuses.


Note: Elder has several other functions that will be added to this materia medica so stay tuned!


Actions: antiviral, antimicrobial, alterative, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, nervine, decongestant, antispasmodic, diaphoretic


Energetics: cooling, moistening, drying


Constitution: all, especially hot


Flavor: sweet, bitter


Organ & Tissue Affinity: immune system, upper respiratory system


GWG Favorite Preparations: infusion, syrup, oxymel,


Contraindications: berries are toxic if eaten raw (formulations with dried raw berry are fine)


Herb-Drug Interactions: consult your health practitioner if you’re on immunosuppresant drugs