The berries are juicy and edible when mature. ... The religious center staff has been advised that, while elderberries may be safe to consume, particularly if cooked (uncooked berries may produce nausea), leaves and stems should not be crushed in when making juice.

What happens if you eat raw elderberries?

People can eat elderflowers raw or cooked. However, raw elderberries, as well as the seeds, leaves, and bark of the tree, contain a toxic substance. Eating or drinking raw elderberries or another toxic part of the plant can lead to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Are elderberries poisonous to humans?

The American Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L. ... The seeds, stems, leaves and roots of the Black Elder are all poisonous to humans. They contain a cyanide-inducing glycoside. Eating a sufficient quantity of these cyanide-inducing glycosides can cause a toxic buildup of cyanide in the body and make you quite ill.