Black elderberry has been used medicinally for hundreds of years. Elderberry has an effect on treating the flu, allergies, and boosting overall respiratory health minor diseases such as colds, constipation, and other conditions, often served as a tea. It is also used for sinus pain, back and leg pain, nerve pain, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Some people use elderberry for hay fever (allergic rhinitis), cancer, as a laxative for constipation, to increase urine flow, and to cause sweating.