View photos of the edible and medicinal plant, Sambucus nigra ssp. cerulea (Elder), profiled in Medicinal Plants of the Western Mountain States and the Wild Edible Series: Arizona, California: Vol 1, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.

A passage from Medicinal Plants of the Western Mountain States:

Elder’s use as a stimulating diaphoretic is as old as it is effective. Its application to low to moderate fevers34 is its most specific indication. Simply put Elder promotes sweating in febrile states. Users will find the hot tea drunk during the latter part of the day/evening is its most effective preparation and schedule.

A passage from Wild Edible Plants of Arizona:

When ripe, Elder berries are blue–black and semi–sweet. Eat them fresh (limited) or dry them for future use.

A passage from Wild Edible Plants of California (Vol 1):

Elderberry syrup has a modern following as a cold and flu remedy – this is a recent application with no historical or traditional precedent. If sick, use the flower (or leaf) tea for therapeutic results. Use Elderberry syrup – on pancakes.

A passage from Wild Edible Plants of Utah:

The dried berries can be stored or rehydrated/used as needed. In truth, the drying process concentrates the berries’ natural sugars, making them sweeter than fresh.

View photos of the edible and medicinal plant, Sambucus canadensis [Sambucus mexicana] (Elder), profiled in Medicinal Plants of the American Southwest and the Wild Edible Series: California: Vol 1, Sonoran, and Texas: Vol 1.

A passage from Medicinal Plants of the American Southwest:

Children will certainly benefit from Elder, and other diaphoretics such as Spearmint and Ginger. Fevers dependent upon wintertime viral infections: common cold, sinusitis, bronchitis, and even the flu, will be dealt with efficaciously. If the fever resolves the infection has as well. Depending on secondary symptoms Elder will combine well with Echinacea, Wild indigo, or other immune stimulants.

A passage from Wild Edible Plants of California (Vol 1):

When ripe, Elder berries are blue–black and semi–sweet. Eat them fresh (limited) or dry for future use. The dried berries can be stored or rehydrated/used as needed. In fact, the drying process concentrates the berries’ natural sugars, making them sweeter than fresh.

A passage from Wild Edible Plants of Texas (Vol 1):

Elder occurs disjointedly throughout central and eastern parts of the state. It prefers moist soils – stream and
creek sides, forest margins, and other bottomlands.