Dwarf elder (Sambucus ebulus) is a plant native to parts of Europe, Africa, and Asia. Its fruit contains chemicals that can be toxic when consumed.
Dwarf elder leaf contains chemicals that might reduce swelling when applied to the skin.
People use dwarf elder for eczema, skin irritation, wound healing, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don't confuse dwarf elder with elderberry, American elder, or elderflower. These are not the same.
Is It Effective?
There is interest in using dwarf elder for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Is it Safe?
When taken by mouth: Large amounts of any part of the dwarf elder plant are likely unsafe. It can cause loss of consciousness and death. There isn't enough reliable information to know if consuming small amounts of dwarf elder is safe.
When applied to the skin: Dwarf elder leaf extract is possibly safe. Gels, creams, and solutions that contain up to 10% dwarf elder leaf extract have been used for up to 4 weeks without serious side effects.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Consuming large amounts of any part of the dwarf elder plant is likely unsafe while pregnant or breast-feeding. It can cause loss of consciousness and death. Avoid use.
It is not known if Dwarf Elder interacts with any medicines. Before taking Dwarf Elder, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
There are no known interactions with foods.
Dwarf elder has most often been used by adults in topical products such as creams, gels, and solutions. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition. Consuming any part of the dwarf elder plant by mouth can be unsafe.
Blood Elder, Blood Hilder, Danewort, Dwarf Elderberry, Palem, Peilam, Petit Sureau, Sambucus ebulus, Saúco Enano, Sauquillo, Sureau en Herbe, Sureau Hièble, Sureau Nain, Sureau Sauvage, Sureau Yèble, Sureau Yièble, Walewort, Yèble.
Information on this website is for informational use only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While evidence-based, it is not guaranteed to be error-free and is not intended to meet any particular user’s needs or requirements or to cover all possible uses, safety concerns, interactions, outcomes, or adverse effects. Always check with your doctor or other medical professional before making healthcare decisions (including taking any medication) and do not delay or disregard seeking medical advice or treatment based on any information displayed on this website.
© TRC Healthcare 2024. All rights reserved. Use and/or distribution is permitted only pursuant to a valid license or other permission from TRC Healthcare.