In brief: Black elderflowers (Sambucus nigra) are traditionally used as an infusion to support the body through winter discomforts and seasonal allergic symptoms. This use is recognized by the EMA. Use 1 tablespoon of dried flowers per 250 ml cup, steep for 10 minutes at 95 °C (200 °F), and drink 2 to 3 cups per day. Important: raw elderberries are toxic and must only be consumed after cooking.
Black elder is one of the most deeply rooted medicinal plants in the European pharmacopoeia. Its delicately scented white flowers are harvested in spring, then dried to be steeped in autumn and winter, when the body's natural defenses need support. This page covers the recognized traditional uses, how to prepare the infusion properly, and the important precautions to be aware of (yes, elder does have real contraindications worth knowing).
Elder: a plant recognized by health authorities
Sambucus nigra is listed in the HMPC community herbal monograph of the EMA (European Medicines Agency). The traditional use of the flowers is recognized as plausible for relieving the early symptoms of the common cold, including perspiration and the sensation of an irritated throat. This recognition reflects several centuries of documented use across Europe.
The flowers contain flavonoids (rutin, quercetin), phenolic acids, essential oils and mucilages. This composition partly explains the traditional uses:
- Supporting the body's natural defenses in winter, as a preventive course or at the first signs of discomfort.
- A mild sudorific effect, traditionally used to accompany light feverish states.
- Action on seasonal symptoms (hay fever, itchy eyes).
- A gentle diuretic effect.
Several clinical studies have looked more specifically at elderberries (rather than the flowers). A meta-analysis published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine observed a modest reduction in the duration and severity of upper respiratory symptoms with a standardized berry extract. The effect of flowers in a classic infusion is less studied, but the traditional use remains well established.
Flowers, berries, bark: what you need to know
Not all parts of the black elder plant are used in the same way, and some carry real risks.
- Dried flowers are the most commonly used part in herbal infusions. Well tolerated at recommended doses.
- Cooked berries are used to make syrups, jams and liqueurs. They are rich in anthocyanins and vitamin C.
- Raw berries contain sambunigrin, a cyanogenic glycoside that is toxic. NEVER consume them raw: nausea, vomiting and severe digestive upset are possible. Cooking above 80 °C (175 °F) destroys this compound.
- The bark and leaves are also high in sambunigrin. Avoid for home use unless advised by a qualified phytotherapy practitioner.
For an infusion, stick to dried flowers from organic black elder. This is the safest and best-documented form.
How to make a good elderflower infusion
Elder flowers release their compounds in 10 minutes of steeping. Here's how to do it right:
- Quantity: 1 tablespoon (about 2 g) of dried flowers per 250 ml cup.
- Water: bring to just below boiling (95 °C / 200 °F). Avoid prolonged boiling, which degrades the aromatic compounds.
- Steeping time: 10 minutes, with the cup covered to retain the volatile essential oils.
- Straining: pour through a fine sieve. You can add a teaspoon of honey and a squeeze of lemon juice to soften the taste.
- Frequency: 2 to 3 cups per day during the period of discomfort, over a short course of 5 to 7 days.
Elder pairs particularly well with other plants suited to the cold season:
- Elder + thyme: a classic combination for respiratory comfort. See our thyme herbal infusion guide.
- Elder + lemon + honey: a time-honored home remedy, validated by generations of use.
- Elder + blackcurrant + meadowsweet: to ease seasonal joint discomfort.
- Elder + ginger: to warm and invigorate. Our ginger herbal infusion guide covers this use in detail.
When to drink an elderflower infusion
The best time depends on what you're looking for:
- As a winter preventive: 1 cup per day, over a one-week course, repeated several times throughout the cold season.
- At the first signs of discomfort (scratchy throat, runny nose): 2 to 3 cups per day, over a short 5 to 7 day course.
- For spring seasonal symptoms: 1 to 2 cups per day during the exposure period, alongside your usual measures.
- In the evening: preferable, as the mild sudorific effect can be uncomfortable during an active day.
Precautions and contraindications
An elderflower infusion is generally well tolerated, but a few rules apply:
- Raw berries, bark and leaves: NEVER consume without cooking. Sambunigrin is a precursor to hydrogen cyanide.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: use of the flowers warrants caution. The ANSES recommends seeking medical advice before regularly drinking any herbal infusion during pregnancy.
- Children: an elderflower infusion is generally acceptable from the age of 6, in moderate amounts (1 cup per day maximum).
- Diuretic treatment: the mild diuretic effect of elder may be additive. Monitor hydration and let your doctor know you are using it.
- Immunosuppressant medications: elder stimulates certain immune functions. Avoid without specialist advice if you are on post-transplant treatment or managing an autoimmune condition.
- Allergies: rare, but possible in people sensitive to Adoxaceae pollens.
If you have a fever lasting more than 48 hours, difficulty breathing, or any worrying symptoms, consult a doctor. An herbal infusion is a complement, not a treatment.
Disclaimer: the information in this article is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Infections, persistent fever or severe allergic reactions require medical consultation. Herbal infusions are not medicines.
Sources: European Medicines Agency, Community herbal monograph on Sambucus nigra L., flos (HMPC) · Hawkins J. et al., Complementary Therapies in Medicine on the effect of elderberry in upper respiratory infections (PMID:30670267) · ANSES, recommendations on herbal infusions · WHO monograph on selected medicinal plants Vol. 2 (Sambucus nigra).
Written by
Julien Huot, founder of Thés & Traditions. Tea selector since 2016, trained in tasting and passionate about sharing the cultures of tea and herbal infusions.
Published 22 October 2019 · Updated 21 May 2026
Frequently asked questions
- The dried flowers of black elder (Sambucus nigra). Berries are only consumed after cooking (syrup, jam). The bark, leaves and raw berries should be avoided for home use, as they contain sambunigrin, which is toxic.
- For early respiratory discomfort, a 5 to 7 day course is the standard approach. The mild sudorific effect can be felt within an hour of drinking the infusion, which is normal and expected.
- Occasional use of the flowers is generally tolerated, but regular consumption calls for medical advice. During pregnancy, opt for gentler infusions and always check with your midwife first.
- Clinical studies focus mainly on standardized berry extracts, not classic flower infusions. The traditional use is well grounded, and the EMA recognizes a plausible use for early cold symptoms. For confirmed influenza, consult a doctor.
Go further
To deepen your wellness approach, explore our thyme herbal infusion guide, which pairs beautifully with elder, discover our ginger herbal infusion guide for warming combinations, or browse our full guide to herbal infusions. Ready to get started? Browse our range of organic herbal infusions.