Quoted By:
A useful shrub to grow:
Sambucus Canadensis
Uses: Iroquois used bark in tea for measles, headache; strong laxative, diuretic, spring cleansing emetic; poultice for cuts. Cherokee used berry tea for boils, rheumatism; also diuretic, cathartic, emetic externally in salve for burns and skin eruptions. Leaves poultice on bruises and on cuts to stop bleeding. Bark tea was formerly used as a wash for eczema, old ulcers, skin eruptions. A tea with peppermint in water is a folk remedy for colds; induces sweating and nausea. Considered a mild stimulant, carminative, and diaphoretic. In WV, concentrated fruit syrup is made as a wintertime remedy for colds and flu. Various research groups have conducted clinical studies on the use of a fruit extract of European elder (sambucus nigra) with positive results for colds and flu. Flowers and fruit extracts used in European phytomedicine in treating colds, as they reduce fever while increasing bronchial secretions. Polyphenolics and anthocyans in the fruit have antioxidant activity.
Warning : Bark, root, leaves, and unripe berries toxic; said to cause cyanide poisoning, severe diarrhea. Fruits edible when cooked. Flowers not thought to be toxic; eaten in pancakes and fritters.