Sambucus canadensis, Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis. Elderflower, elder, common elder, American elder, elderberry.

The genus Sambucus has a great deal of geographic and morphological variation, with about 9 species and 9 varieties (for lumpers) and as many as 26 species (for taxonomic splitters) worldwide. S. canadensis (S. nigra subsp. canadensis) and European S. nigra are widely used in folk medicine. In Great Britain, elderberry ranks just behind docks, nettles and dandelions as among the most important folk remedies through history, imbued with magico-religious traits since ancient times. Today, based on research conducted by Israeli scientists about 40 years ago, elderberry extracts and syrups are widely available in dietary supplement products to prevent or reduce upper respiratory tract infections during the cold and flu season.



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