Elder Bark vs Menyanthes trifoliata

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Elder Bark

Sambucus nigra cortex

Digestive

Digestive

Elder Bark

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Menyanthes trifoliata

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Elder tree bark with strong purgative and diuretic properties; much stronger than flowers or berries.

Aquatic plant of boggy areas in northern hemisphere; traditional bitter tonic and rheumatic remedy.

Active Compounds

cyanogenic glycosides, tannins, flavonoids, resin, sambunigrin

menyanthine, foliamenthin, loganin, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, rutin

Traditional Uses

Strong purgative in European folk medicine, Edema treatment, Rheumatism, Ancient bone-setting herb

rheumatism, digestive bitters, liver support, fever, skin conditions

Modern Uses

Purgative, Diuretic, Anti-inflammatory

anti-inflammatory, bitter tonic, antioxidant, diuretic

Adult Dosage

Small doses only under professional guidance

1-3g dried leaf or 1-2ml tincture daily

Contraindications

Pregnancy contraindicated, Professional use only, Nausea risk

pregnancy, acute GI inflammation, diarrhea

Side Effects

Nausea, Vomiting, Strong purgative effect

nausea at high doses, diarrhea

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E