The Sambucus, commonly also known as Elderberry, is a particularly versatile wild shrub.
Blossoms and fruits of the shrub have played a major role in European folk medicine for many centuries. Out of respect for the beneficial effects, it was even said that you should always take your hat off the elder when passing by.
The berries are particularly rich in vitamins, especially vitamin C. However, the active ingredient sambucyanin is also considered to be important for the effect that is attributed to elderberries.