Pokeberry Vs. Elderberry

Both pokeberry and elderberry have long folk histories as remedies for a variety of ailments. But there are dangers associated with each. Although some people still use the young leaves and well-cooked berries of the pokeberry plant, all parts of the plant are generally considered unsafe. Elderberry appears to be much safer. However, the elderberry is easily confused with another, highly toxic, plant. So amateur herbalists must take great care in collecting it from the wild.

Pokeberry Plant

The pokeberry, or pokeweed, plant is a hearty, shrublike perennial whose small green-white blossoms turn into clusters of dark purple, almost black, berries. It is indigenous to North America and also grows in southern Europe and northern Africa, according to "The American Pharmaceutical Association Practical Guide to Natural Medicines."

Pokeberry Uses

Over the years, herbalists have recommended pokeweed or pokeberry for treatment of a wide range of ailments, including indigestion, rheumatism and painful menstrual periods. Various American Indian nations have reportedly used the berries or the root to treat rheumatism, cancer, skin infections, ulcers, tumors, inflamed joints and hemorrhoids, says "The American Pharmaceutical Association Practical Guide to Natural Medicines."

Pokeberry Cautions

Ingestion or topical use of pokeweed roots, leaves or berries causes significant toxic reactions, according to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, or MSKCC. Adverse reactions may include nausea, diarrhea, protracted vomiting, hypotension, convulsions, dyspnea, and death. Both MSKCC and "The American Pharmaceutical Association Practical Guide to Natural Medicines" recommend against its medicinal use.

Elderberry Plant

The elderberry, whose botanical name is Sambucus canadensis, is a shrub that grows in moist, open places in the southeastern United States and sometimes reaches tree height. Its fruit is used to make jelly, pies and wine. Elderberry is easily confused with a very toxic plant called water hemlock, or Cicuta mexicana, according to the University of Florida.

Elderberry Uses

Use elderberry flowers, prepared as a tea, to treat fever, headache, indigestion, twitching eyes, dropsy, rheumatism, appendix inflammation, bladder and kidney infections, colds, influenza and consumption, says the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Use the flowers as a wash to treat wounds, sprains and bruises. Taken internally, the leaves are slightly laxative. Combine the leaves, flowers, bark and twigs equally with chamomile to make a poultice to relieve soreness, inflammation and joint stiffness, and to treat bee stings. Use the flowers and berries as a diuretic to relieve arthritis and rheumatism.

Elderberry Cautions

Only the blue and purple elderberries are edible; the red berries are from another species and are toxic, according to the USDA. Consumption of raw elderberries may cause nausea and vomiting, but once cooked, they pose no risk, says "The American Pharmaceutical Association Practical Guide to Natural Medicines."