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Overview: Elderflower is the flower of a plant called black elder (Sambucus nigra). The dried or fresh flowers are used to make teas, liquid extracts, and other supplements. People take elderflower for colds, the flu, fever, and other respiratory symptoms and general immune and anti-inflammatory support. The benefits of elderflower are not well defined. It seems to be well tolerated when properly prepared, but raw or unripe parts of the elder plant can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Before taking elderflower, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking, especially if you have diabetes.

Uses

What is elderflower used for?

Elderflower (Sambucus nigra) is the flower of the black elder tree. Elderflower is used as a fragrance in perfumes as well as some skin and beauty products. It has a long history of traditional use, mostly for colds and other minor illnesses. It is used for the following reasons, though the benefits are not well defined and evidence in humans is limited.

Colds, Flu, and Respiratory Symptoms. Elderflower is most commonly taken for colds, the flu, fever, cough, sore throat, and stuffy or runny nose. It has traditionally been used to help people sweat and to support the immune system.

Inflammation and Pain. Elderflower is also taken for general anti-inflammatory support.

General Wellness and Blood Sugar. Elderflower is sometimes taken for general wellness and to help support healthy blood sugar levels.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed elderflower for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does elderflower work (mechanism of action)?

Elderflower comes from the flower of the black elder tree (Sambucus nigra), also called European elder. Black elder is a shrub or small tree that grows in Europe, parts of Asia, and North America. The flowers are dried or used fresh to make teas, liquid extracts, and other supplements. The ripe berries of the same plant are used to make elderberry supplements.

Elderflowers naturally contain many chemicals. These include flavonoids such as rutin, isoquercitrin, quercetin, and kaempferol, phenolic acids such as chlorogenic acid, and a group of complex sugars called pectic polysaccharides. In laboratory research, some of these chemicals appear to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and the pectic polysaccharides may affect the immune system. Some laboratory research also suggests that chemicals in elderflowers may increase how cells take up sugar, which could affect blood sugar levels.

The benefits of elderflower are not well defined. Most of what is known comes from laboratory and animal research and traditional use. Evidence in humans is limited.

Herbal products, such as elderflower, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific elderflower product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

How should I store elderflower?

You should store elderflower according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of elderflower?

The most common side effects of elderflower are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach pain

Elderflower seems to be well tolerated when it is properly prepared. Stomach symptoms are most likely to happen after eating raw, unripe, or improperly prepared parts of the elder plant. There is not enough research to know all of the common side effects.

There may be other side effects of elderflower that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of elderflower?

While less common, the most serious side effects of elderflower are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Although rare, elderflower may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking elderflower and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Cyanide Poisoning From Raw Plant Parts. The leaves, stems, bark, roots, and raw or unripe berries of the elder plant contain natural chemicals called cyanogenic glycosides. The flowers have cyanogenic glycosides, though generally less than the leaves, stems, and bark. Ripe berries seem to have the lowest levels of cyanogenic glycosides. When these chemicals break down in the body, they can release cyanide. Eating large amounts of raw or unprocessed plant material can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, dizziness, and, in severe cases, more serious cyanide poisoning. Get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222 if you have these symptoms after taking an elderflower product.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use elderflower?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take elderflower.

  • Black elder flower
  • Common elder flower
  • Elder flower
  • Elderflower
  • European elder flower
  • Sambuci flos
  • Sambucus nigra
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific elderflower products they stock.

What should I know about elderflower before using it?

Elderflower is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Elderflower is available in many forms. Common forms include dried flowers, teas, liquid extracts (tinctures), syrups, and capsules. Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.

If you are taking a liquid elderflower product, use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist what measuring device to use.

Elder products can be made from different parts of the black elder plant (Sambucus nigra). Elderflower comes from the flower, while elderberry comes from the ripe fruit. These parts contain different chemicals and are used for different reasons. Other parts of the plant, such as the leaves, stems, bark, roots, and raw or unripe berries, are not safe to eat. They contain natural chemicals called cyanogenic glycosides that can release cyanide in the body. Even the flowers and unripe fruit contain small amounts of these chemicals. For this reason, elder products should be properly prepared, such as by drying or heating, which lowers the amount of these chemicals. Do not make your own product from raw plant parts. Read the label closely to confirm which part of the plant was used.

Keep elderflower out of the reach of children.

Herbal products, such as elderflower, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific elderflower product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way that the plant was processed after it was harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

The FDA has not tested elderflower products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Elderflower?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. Also tell them if you have an upcoming surgery planned. Sharing this information will help your health care provider know if this or other supplements are right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have or have had any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Before taking elderflower, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how elderflower could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if elderflower passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does elderflower interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between elderflower and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect elderflower.

Does elderflower interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using so they can watch for any potential interactions.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking elderflower.

  • A diuretic, also called a water pill, which is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressure. Elderflower may increase the effects of diuretics, which could lead to dehydration or changes in body salts (electrolytes). Tell your health care provider if you take a diuretic.
  • A medicine for diabetes. Elderflower may lower your blood sugar levels. If you take medicine for diabetes, elderflower could increase the blood sugar-lowering effect of your medicine.

The interactions between elderflower and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with elderflower is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking elderflower with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much elderflower?

If you or someone else has used too much elderflower, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Elderflower is available as dried flowers, teas, liquid extracts (tinctures), syrups, and capsules. Only use products made from the flower and prepared properly. Raw, unripe, or improperly prepared parts of the elder plant, such as the leaves, stems, bark, roots, and unripe berries, can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and, in severe cases, cyanide poisoning.

Read the product label closely, and speak with a health care provider about how to take elderflower safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.