black elderberry
Sambucus nigra L.
Traditional Food Use
Eaten raw or dried for storage
Medicinal Documentation
the leaves and stems are poisonous A decoction of the roots is used to treat fever, eczema, psoriasis, sore snakeroot, waptá yahúžiži, throat, coughs, excessive perspiration, morning sickness (during black snakeroot, waptá yaȟlá, waptá pregnancy), toothaches, and menstrual irregularities. A poultice of the
Ceremonial & Cultural Notes
This species include two varieties distinguished by fruit coloration. Variety melanocarpa (previously known as Sambucus melanocarpa) has purplish-black fruit and variety leucocarpa (previously known as Sambucus leucocarpa) has red fruit.
Botanical Reference
Parts Documented: root, leaf, stem, Berries
Safety Notes: the leaves and stems are poisonous A decoction of the roots is used to treat fever, eczema, psoriasis, sore snakeroot, waptá yahúžiži, throat, coughs, excessive perspiration, morning sickness (during black snakeroot, waptá yaȟlá, waptá pregnancy), toothaches, and menstrual irregularities.