# Elderflower {Organic} (Sambucus nigra)

Elder Flower, derived from the elder tree (Sambucus sp), is prized for its delicate blooms and medicinal benefits. It is used in herbal remedies and may help improve respiratory illness symptoms, congestion, and inflammation. Elder flower is also known for its soothing properties, often brewed into teas or incorporated into syrups and tinctures and may support a healthy immune and respiratory function.

### **You might need Elder Flower if . . .  **

- You have congestion
- You have skin irritation
- You have a respiratory illness

### **Benefits of Elder Flower  **

- Contains anthocyanins, vitamin C, and quercetin
- Supports respiratory system
- Antiviral properties
- Increases blood flow and circulation
- Reduces inflammation
- Expectorant -- helps move congestion
- Soothes skin

### **Common ways to use Elder Flower  **

Elder Flower is typically consumed in teas and tinctures but can also be included in elderberry syrups, jams, and even serums or lotions.

**🌿Try making **[**herbal extractions**](https://earthley.com/earthleys-blog/herbal-extractions-any-herb)** or this**[** herbal sinus rinse**](https://earthley.com/earthleys-blog/diy-herbal-sinus-rinse)**. ← 🟩 *****DIYs, recipes, and more! You can also learn more in our ***[***What You Need to Know about Elderberries guide***](https://earthley.com/products/what-you-need-to-know-about-elderberries)***!***

### **Growing and Foraging Information**

Elder trees can be found amongst most areas in North America except for the further north areas and islands. you can harvest elder flower once all buds bloomed on the cluster. Snip off entire cluster, but do not remove too many clusters or it will affect the amount of berries produced.   [Elderberries ](https://earthley.com/ingredient/elderberries-whole)are also very beneficial.

### **Safety Concerns  **

**Drug Interaction:** If you have any health concerns or are taking any prescription medication, please consult with your healthcare provider before adding new herbs to your diet.

**Breastfeeding and Pregnancy: **There are no known contraindications for breastfeeding and pregnancy.

### **Select Studies About Elder Flower  **

[Inhibition of proinflammatory activities of major periodontal pathogens by aqueous extracts from elder flower (Sambucus nigra) - PubMed (nih.gov)  ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16460254/)

This study looks at the effects that elder flower has on inflammation.

[Sambucus nigra flower and berry extracts for food and therapeutic applications: effect of gastrointestinal digestion on in vitro and in vivo bioactivity and toxicity - PubMed (nih.gov)  ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35666472/)

This study examines how elder flowers and elderberries affect digestion.