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Sambucus nigra

Sambucus nigra

Other names: Bez

Flowers and berries in tradition; raw parts need care.

Compound leaves and flat-topped inflorescences.

Family
Caprifoliaceae
Plant type
Shrub / small tree
Safety level (indicative)
Caution
What the safety levels mean (expand legend)
  • Generally recognised as safe. Often a common herb with reasonable harvest and use; still read the specific warnings on the card.
  • Information. Primarily informational — details in the text and warnings below matter most.
  • Caution. Needs extra care (dose, duration, sensitive groups, interactions).
  • Risky. Significant risks — verify sources, contraindications and professional guidance.
  • Not for home experimentation. Not suitable to experiment with at home without knowledge and certainty.
  • High risk for internal use. Particular risk with internal use (e.g. alkaloids); avoid prolonged or irresponsible dosing.
  • Not specified. Level not filled in yet — rely on individual warnings and links below.
Bez černý — habitus rostliny (Wikimedia Commons).

Fotografie na Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.5).

Plant habit

Safety — read before use

For this herb it is important to check warnings, mix-ups and cautions. Start with the Safety section.

Quick overview

A practical summary; details are in the sections below.

Safety grade
Caution·details
Scientific sources on the card
Yes — sources are listed with claims·Science section
When and what to harvest
  • Flower — May–June
Full harvest section
Processing methods

Herbal infusion (tea), Syrup, Honey macerate, Fermentation and more

All methods and recipes on the card
Topics and symptoms

Body cleansing (folk framing), Breathing comfort, Circulation comfort (folk)…

Topics section · Symptoms overview

Identification and mix-ups

Berries black when ripe.

Possible mix-ups and risks

Unripe parts and seeds—berries should be properly heat-treated.

Similar herbs

  • Tilia cordata

    Jarní a letní květinové čaje z dřevin; u bezu rozlišuj květ, list a zralé plody podle bezpečnosti.

Topics and symptoms

More topics are in the symptoms and topics overview.

Geographic occurrence

  • Czechia

    Common (expected wild occurrence in the region)

  • Austria

    Common (expected wild occurrence in the region)

  • Germany

    Common (expected wild occurrence in the region)

  • Hungary

    Common (expected wild occurrence in the region)

  • Poland

    Common (expected wild occurrence in the region)

  • Slovakia

    Common (expected wild occurrence in the region)

  • France

    Common (expected wild occurrence in the region)

  • Morocco

    Common (expected wild occurrence in the region)

Harvest

  • FlowerMay–June

    jaro

    Region: Czechia

    Notes: Harvest note (full translation pending): Kvetenstvi.

Storage

  • Drying(Leaf)

    Sušený rostlinný materiál uchovávej v uzavřené nádobě.

    Light:
    Mimo přímé UV.
    Moisture:
    Nízká relativní vlhkost.

Processing methods on this herb card

  • Herbal infusion (tea)(Flower)Suitability: High suitability

    Infusion or brief extraction in hot water; usually without long boiling.

    Full method description (from the catalogue)

    In the narrow sense, “tea” often means an infusion: you pour water just off the boil over the dried plant matter and let it steep for a few minutes. Temperature, steep time, and the herb-to-water ratio change both flavour and what dissolves into the liquid.

    Compared with a decoction, heat exposure is shorter and gentler; tender leaves and flowers are often better as an infusion than with prolonged simmering. For each herb, always follow the plant card for suitable plant part, preparation, and safety notes — general rules never replace species-level judgement.

    Traditional context for this method: yes·Scientific context for this method: no

    Procedure (recipe)

    Sambucus nigra — Herbal infusion (tea) (Flower)

    About 10 min · Difficulty: Beginner

    Extraction parameters (rough guide): 250 ml water · 95–100 °C · 8–12 min steep

    1. Use 1–2 teaspoons dried inflorescence per cup (or 2–3 dried umbel clusters).
    2. Pour boiling water, cover, and steep 5–10 minutes.
    3. Strain — mildly spicy scent; do not confuse with other plant parts from the safety section on the card.

    Berries and other plant parts are not the same as flowers — follow safety notes on the herb card.

    Why this way (extraction / behaviour of constituents)

    HMPC závěry pro květ bezu popisují tradiční použití při rýmce v přípravcích; domácí čaj závisí na kvalitě suroviny a hygieně sběru. Pokud příznaky trvají déle než týden nebo se zhoršují, vyhledej lékaře (rámec dokumentu).

    What is typically released
    Polární a aromatické frakce z květů.
    Solvent / water
    Voda.
    After preparation
    Čerstvě připravený nálev.

    Extra literature for the recipe

  • Syrup(Flower)Suitability: High suitability

    Decoction or infusion with sweetener and reduction; shelf life depends on sugar and storage.

    Full method description (from the catalogue)

    Syrups combine a herbal base with sugar or honey and often a short boil to concentrate and improve hygiene. Preservation depends strongly on water content, sugar level, and bottling practice.

    Home syrups may fall under food rules; store in the fridge after opening per recipe.

    Traditional context for this method: yes·Scientific context for this method: no

    Procedure (recipe)

    Elderflower cordial

    About 45 min · Difficulty: Beginner

    1. Wash the lemon, grate zest without the white pith, and juice it; you may add juice from a whole lemon.
    2. In a pan combine about 1 litre water, 1 kg sugar, and elderflower heads (about 20–30 medium umbels), simmer briefly, then cool overnight in the fridge.
    3. Strain through cloth, stir in lemon juice, reheat briefly to dissolve sugar fully, bottle into sterilised jars, and store in the refrigerator.

    Do not substitute other plant parts for the flower; syrup is very sweet — dilute or omit if you have diabetes.

    Why this way (extraction / behaviour of constituents)

    Home preparation following this recipe is mainly educational and cultural; it should not be assumed to match the extractive or safety profile of registered medicines or standardized extracts. Check specific effects, drug interactions, and contraindications on the herb card and with your clinician if you use prescription drugs.

    What is typically released
    orientační domácí extrakce — profil závisí na teplotě, čase řezu a poměrech
    Solvent / water
    mediální složení (voda, alkohol, olej, med…) viz jednotlivé kroky
    After preparation
    po přípravě uchovávej hygienicky a podle typu výrobku (chlad, světlo, alkohol)

    Extra literature for the recipe

  • Honey macerate(Flower)Suitability: High suitability

    Macerating plant material in honey (a honey conserve).

    Full method description (from the catalogue)

    Honey as a maceration medium creates a viscous mixture with its own biochemistry: water activity, acidity, and enzymes influence shelf life and flavour. Traditionally it is used with delicate flowers or herbs when you want aroma bound into honey.

    Infant botulism guidance for honey and honey safety in general sit outside a single herb page; maceration time, ratios, and storage must follow a vetted recipe and source, not this general overview alone.

    Traditional context for this method: yes·Scientific context for this method: no

    Procedure (recipe)

    Elderflower honey

    About 30 min · Difficulty: Beginner

    1. Pick over the flowers and fill a clean jar about one third full; pour runny liquid honey over them.
    2. Close and macerate 2–3 weeks in a warm shady spot, shaking occasionally, then strain.
    3. Berries and other plant parts are not the same as the flower — follow the herb card.

    Maceration takes weeks; if you have diabetes, dilute honey or omit.

    Why this way (extraction / behaviour of constituents)

    Home preparation following this recipe is mainly educational and cultural; it should not be assumed to match the extractive or safety profile of registered medicines or standardized extracts. Check specific effects, drug interactions, and contraindications on the herb card and with your clinician if you use prescription drugs.

    What is typically released
    orientační domácí extrakce — profil závisí na teplotě, čase řezu a poměrech
    Solvent / water
    mediální složení (voda, alkohol, olej, med…) viz jednotlivé kroky
    After preparation
    po přípravě uchovávej hygienicky a podle typu výrobku (chlad, světlo, alkohol)

    Extra literature for the recipe

  • Fermentation(Flower)Suitability: High suitability

    Microbial processing (fermentation) of plant material for drinks or foods.

    Full method description (from the catalogue)

    Fermentation changes sugars, flavour, and microbial composition (e.g. herbal ferments, oxymels combining honey and vinegar per tradition). Hygiene, temperature, and time are critical for a safe outcome.

    Home ferments should not smell “rotten”; when in doubt, discard.

    Traditional context for this method: yes·Scientific context for this method: no

    Procedure (recipe)

    Sparkling elderflower drink (basics)

    About 50 min · Difficulty: Advanced

    1. Macerate flowers in cooled boiled water with lemon and sugar following a trusted recipe for sparkling flower champagne.
    2. Ferment with yeast intended for sparkling drinks in the cold — keep vessels clean and vent CO₂ safely in bottles.
    3. Follow local rules on home alcohol; not before driving.

    Bottle explosion is a risk with poor venting — learn a safe recipe first.

    Why this way (extraction / behaviour of constituents)

    Home preparation following this recipe is mainly educational and cultural; it should not be assumed to match the extractive or safety profile of registered medicines or standardized extracts. Check specific effects, drug interactions, and contraindications on the herb card and with your clinician if you use prescription drugs.

    What is typically released
    orientační domácí extrakce — profil závisí na teplotě, čase řezu a poměrech
    Solvent / water
    mediální složení (voda, alkohol, olej, med…) viz jednotlivé kroky
    After preparation
    po přípravě uchovávej hygienicky a podle typu výrobku (chlad, světlo, alkohol)

    Extra literature for the recipe

  • Herbal liqueur(Flower)Suitability: High suitability

    Sweet alcoholic macerate with herbs; sugar and ethanol drive the outcome.

    Full method description (from the catalogue)

    A liqueur combines herbs, spirit, and sweetener into a strongly aromatic mixture. Home batches differ from commercial products in law and in how strength is controlled.

    Follow the recipe for dosing and storage; maceration time changes colour and flavour.

    Traditional context for this method: yes·Scientific context for this method: no

    Procedure (recipe)

    Elderflower liqueur

    About 40 min · Difficulty: Beginner

    1. Macerate flowers in neutral spirit with sugar per a trusted recipe for 2–4 weeks.
    2. Strain, adjust sweetness, dilute to taste — watch total alcohol.
    3. Not before driving; no alcohol for children.

    Why this way (extraction / behaviour of constituents)

    Home preparation following this recipe is mainly educational and cultural; it should not be assumed to match the extractive or safety profile of registered medicines or standardized extracts. Check specific effects, drug interactions, and contraindications on the herb card and with your clinician if you use prescription drugs.

    What is typically released
    orientační domácí extrakce — profil závisí na teplotě, čase řezu a poměrech
    Solvent / water
    mediální složení (voda, alkohol, olej, med…) viz jednotlivé kroky
    After preparation
    po přípravě uchovávej hygienicky a podle typu výrobku (chlad, světlo, alkohol)

    Extra literature for the recipe

Traditional / spiritual use

Kept separate from science — entries are cultural or symbolic, not medical advice.

Related guides in the library

  • Elder in the hedge: cordial season, berries later

    General

    Traditional useFolk useHerbal lore

    Across much of Central Europe black elder reads as the village hedge, elderflower cordial, and later dark berries in jams. The seasonal kitchen story is stronger than any magical shortcut — always follow the herb card on unripe parts, heat treatment, and legal picking.

    Form:
    květ v nápoji, kuchyně
    Claim strength:
    Tradition
    Source note:
    Central European kitchen rhythm — mind unripe parts and processing rules on the card.

Scientific notes

Each claim lists a study type and a source (URL or DOI) where available. Dose notes from the literature are informational only.

How to read evidence strength and study type labels

Labels summarise how the catalogue entry is tagged — they are not a medical verdict on efficacy. For every row, read the summary, limitations and source link.

Evidence strength

Evidence level not specified
The author did not grade the record; judge from the summary, limitations and source link.
Narrative / orientational literature
Descriptive or expert literature without controlled group comparison — context rather than proof of effect.
Weak evidence
Study or conclusion with major methodological limits; treat only as a pointer for further reading.
Preliminary findings
First or smaller studies — interesting direction, not the final word on efficacy or safety.
Moderate strength of evidence
Moderate strength by study design; sample and context limits still apply.
Stronger evidence
Stronger design or consistency of results within the study’s stated limits.
Review article
A review summarises multiple sources; quality depends on review method and field.

Study type

Narrative / expert text
Expert text or overview without a classical study design.
In vitro study
Cell culture or test-tube experiment — does not show an effect in the body.
Animal study
Animal model — transfer to humans is not automatic.
Observational study
Observing groups without random treatment assignment; confounding is possible.
Clinical trial
Human clinical trial; sample size and control group matter.
Randomised controlled trial
Randomised controlled trials are among the stronger designs when well conducted.
Review study
A review aggregates multiple papers — quality depends on selection rules.
Systematic review
Systematic review with explicit search and selection methodology.
Meta-analysis
Statistical pooling of studies; outcome depends on input data and heterogeneity.
Regulatory assessment / monograph (EMA, WHO…)
Regulatory body summary for a herbal product — different context from a single RCT; often about products, not home tea.
Expert monograph (herbal preparations)
Structured literature summary for a plant or drug — quality depends on author and edition year.

  • Meta-analyses of randomised trials (roughly 180 participants overall) report elderberry extracts may shorten or ease upper respiratory symptoms versus placebo; products and dosing schedules differed between studies.

    Moderate strength of evidenceMeta-analysisYear: 2019

    Limitations: Small pooled numbers; heterogeneous syrups and capsules; unripe fruit toxicity and drug interactions are not fully covered here; pregnancy and paediatric use need individual review.

    Hawkins J, Baker C, Cherry L, Dunne E — Complementary Therapies in Medicine

    Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) supplementation and upper respiratory symptoms: meta-analysis of RCTs

    DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2018.12.004

  • Evidence summary (full translation pending): Rychly prehled peti klinickych studii (dospeli, kratkodobe uziti komercnich preparatu bobule) naznacuje mozne zkraceni/zmirneni priznaku virovych infekci dychacich cest pri zahajeni do 48 h; nejsou spolehlive udaje pro COVID-19 ani pro tehotne.

    Preliminary findingsReview studyYear: 2020

    Limitations: Limitations (translation pending): Narrativni synteza bez nove meta-analyzy; vyber studii a komercni produkty limituji prenos na caj z kvetu vs. extrakt z bobuli; nezrale casti rostliny zustavaji rizikove.

    Advances in Integrative Medicine

    The effects of Sambucus nigra berry on acute respiratory viral infections: rapid review

    DOI: 10.1016/j.aimed.2020.08.001

  • Evidence summary (full translation pending): EMA HMPC pro kvet bezu cerneho popisuje tradicni pouziti pri rymce; caj neni schvaleny lecivy pripravek z dokumentu.

    Review articleRegulatory assessment / monograph (EMA, WHO…)Year: 2018

    Preparation form in the study: infusion

    Active compound / focus: flavonoidy (dle dokumentu)

    Limitations: Limitations (translation pending): Pri zhorseni potizi nebo delce >1 tydne konzultuj lekare (ramec dokumentu).

    Dose note (from literature): Dosage notes (translation pending): Domaci koncentrace a hygiena suroviny rozhoduji.

    EMA Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC) — European Medicines Agency

    EMA: Final assessment report on Sambucus nigra L., flos (revision 1)

Images

The main photo is in the card header. More images will appear here when available.

Safety

What the warning types mean

The type on each warning helps group themes — it does not replace the separate severity badge.

Internal use
Risks from swallowing, extracts, duration of use or concentration for internal use.
Interactions / medicines
Possible effect on medicines or concurrent treatment — check sources and a professional.
Raw plant parts
Raw, unripe or poorly prepared plant parts can be dangerous.
Toxins and regulation
Toxic constituents or regulated compounds (e.g. in distillates).
Contact with the plant
Skin or mucosa irritation from contact with fresh plant or sap.
Allergy
Allergic reactions, often linked to family sensitisation.
Harvesting and contamination
Contamination, species mix-ups or harvesting from unsuitable places.
  • Safety information (full translation pending)Moderate severityRaw plant parts

    This warning is being translated to English. Czech editor text: Syrove casti rostliny Nezrale casti a semena bobuli vyzaduji znalost pripravy.