Overview

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.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

We currently have no information for DWARF ELDER overview.

Side Effects

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 and Warnings

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.

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.

Interactions ?

We currently have no information for DWARF ELDER overview.

Dosing

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.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.