Elderberry

Description: Elderberry is the dark purple berry from the European elder tree. The berries are used to make medicine. Do not confuse elderberry with American Elder, Elderflower, or Dwarf Elder. Some people take elderberry by mouth for the common cold, "the flu" (influenza), and H1N1 "swine" flu. It is also taken by mouth for HIV/AIDS and boosting the immune system. Elderberry is also taken by mouth for sinus pain, back and leg pain (sciatica), nerve pain (neuralgia), and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Some people also take elderberry by mouth for hay fever (allergic rhinitis), cancer, as a laxative for constipation, to increase urine flow, and to cause sweating. It is also used for heart disease, high cholesterol, headache, toothache, and weight loss. Some people apply elderberry to the inside the mouth for gum inflammation. Elderberry fruit is also used for making wine and as a food flavoring.