Sambucus nigra
The clustered ebony-purple berries of this large shrub are used both in food and medicinally. Elderberries are often prepared into wine, jam, infused honey, tea, syrup, and mead (honey wine). The syrup has become quite popular recently as a remedy for flus, but elderberry has been used medicinally for centuries in Europe and North America for a wide variety of ailments.
The fruit is considered a tonic food and medicine for arthritic complaints. Additionally, elderberries can be helpful in colds (as well as the flu) due to their antiviral, diaphoretic (helps break fevers), and anticatarrhal (decongestant) qualities.
This information has not been evaluated by the FDA. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.