Adoxaceae
Elder Root
Sambucus ebulus
✗ High Risk
Avoid in Pregnancy
Native to: Europe, Western Asia, North Africa
Also known as: Dwarf Elder Root, Danewort Root, Ground Elder Root
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Parts Used
Root
Therapeutic Uses
Oedema (diuretic), constipation. CAUTION — much more toxic than S. nigra. Historical use only. Root especially toxic.
Herbal Actions
Diuretic, laxative, anti-inflammatory
Active Constituents
Lectins (sambucus nigra agglutinin I — different from S. nigra), anthraquinones, alkaloids (sambucine), flavonoids, saponins
Preparation Methods
🏺 Tincture
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | NOT recommended — toxic |
| Tincture | Very low dose under professional supervision only — not recommended for general use |
| Notes | TOXIC — alkaloids cause vomiting and diarrhoea at regular doses. S. nigra (black elder) preferred for all medicinal uses. Document only — avoid clinical use. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✗ High Risk
Pregnancy
Avoid in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
None known
Contraindications: TOXIC ROOT. Avoid. Use Sambucus nigra instead.
Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, cardiac effects. Avoid.