Elderberries

Sambucus nigra,  the name of the plant that produces Elderberries, is a large deciduous shrub that bears dark black berries. Sambucus nigra comes from Europe, and also originates from southwest Asia and northwest Africa. Our producer in Croatia keeps us well supplied with Elderberries. Other common names for Sambucus nigra include Black Elder, European Elder, Common Elder, Black-berried European Elder, boor tree and German Elder. The plant produces flowers in the summer, and the fruit comes on in the late fall months of the year. The small dark berries hang in clusters off the large shrub, and are attractive to birds who flock to the plants for late season food.

Humans eat the berries as well, and often serve them cooked in pies and jams, as well as in elderberry wine. According to some sources the berries can be toxic to some if eaten raw, however. The berries have also been used in times past as a dye or a flavoring.
Elderberry contains antioxidants, and for thousands of years Elderberry has been used to ease the symptoms of colds and flu, and help boost the immune system. Make a tincture, a syrup, or combine with an herbal tea.

Hippocrates, the father of medicine, considered the Elderberry shrub his medicine chest and over the centuries, elderberry has been used to help with colds, flu, fever, burns, cuts, and more.