Elderberry

October 2, 2020

This article provides general nutrition information only and is not medical advice.

Overview

Elderberry is the dark purple berry from the European elder tree. The berries are used to make medicine. Do not confuse elderberry with American Elder, Elderflower, or Dwarf Elder.

Some people take elderberry by mouth for the common cold, flu (influenza), and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Elderberry fruit is also used for making wine and as a food flavoring.

Coronavirus condition 2019 (COVID-19): While elderberry may have some benefit for the common cold and flu, there is no good evidence to support using it for COVID-19. Follow healthy lifestyle choices and proven prevention methods instead.

Classification

Is a Form of:

Berry

Primary Functions:

Common cold, flu

Also Known As:

Arbre de Judas, Baccae, Baises de Sureau, Black-Berried Alder

How Does It Work?

Elderberry might affect the immune system. Elderberry seems to have activity against viruses including the flu, and might reduce physical strain.

Uses

Constipation. Drinking tea made from elderberry and other ingredients seems to increase the number of stools passed in people who are constipated.
Flu (influenza). A specific elderberry juice syrup seems to relieve flu concerns and reduce the length of time the flu lasts when taken by mouth within 48 hours of the first concerns. Taking elderberry lozenges within 24 hours of the first concerns also seems to reduce flu concerns. Relief seems to occur within 2 to 4 days of nutritional support for most people. Taking a product that contains elderberry juice and echinacea also seems to relieve concerns and reduce the length of time flu lasts. It seems to work similar to the prescription drug oseltamivir (Tamiflu).

Recommended Dosing

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

ADULTS

BY MOUTH:

For constipation: A tea made from elderberry flowers, anise fruit, fennel fruit, and senna flowers (Laboratórios Klein) mixed in 150 mL of boiling water has been taken three times daily for 5 days.
For the flu (influenza): One tablespoon (15 mL) of a specific elderberry juice-containing syrup (Sambucol by Nature's Way) has been taken four times daily for 3-5 days. Also, a specific lozenge (ViraBLOC by HerbalScience) containing 175 mg of elderberry extract has been taken four times daily for 2 days. Also, one teaspoon (5 mL) of a product containing echinacea and elderberry (Echinaforce Hot Drink by A. Vogel Bioforce AG) mixed with 150 mL of hot water has been taken five times daily for 3 days then three times daily for 7 days.

CHILDREN

BY MOUTH:

For the flu (influenza): One tablespoon (15 mL) of a specific elderberry juice-containing syrup (Sambucol by Nature's Way) has been taken twice daily for 3 days. Also, one teaspoon (5 mL) of a product containing echinacea and elderberry (Echinaforce Hot Drink by A. Vogel Bioforce AG) mixed with 150 mL of hot water has been taken five times daily for 3 days then three times daily for 7 days.

Elderberry Supplements Frequently Asked Questions

Can you take elderberry everyday?

If you are interested in adding elderberry to your diet for its immune system boosting properties, a teaspoon of home-made elderberry syrup per day is a conservative recommended daily serving.

What is elderberry capsules good for?

They seem to help reduce swelling, fight physical strain, and boost the immune system. Limited studies have found that elderberry eases flu concerns like fever, headache, sore throat, fatigue, cough, and body aches. The benefits seem to be greatest when started within 24 to 48 hours after the concerns begin.

Do elderberry supplements work?

Proponents believe elderberry-based teas, lozenges and supplements provide needed antioxidants that boost the body's natural immune response. Bottom line: These studies are small, and there's no evidence to suggest that elderberry prevents a cold or flu from taking hold.

Who should not take elderberry?

Elderberry appears to have few side effects when used properly for short periods of time (up to 5 days). Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take elderberry. If you have an autoimmune condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, ask your doctor before taking elderberry, as it may stimulate the immune system.

Does Elderberry have side effects?

Common side effects of Elderberry include: Nausea/vomiting (consumption of raw berries) Weakness. Dizziness.

Can you overdose on Elderberry?

Health Risks and Side Effects. While elderberry has some promising potential benefits, there are also some dangers associated with its consumption. The bark, unripe berries and seeds contain small amounts substances known as lectins, which can cause stomach problems if too much is eaten.

Can you take elderberry long term?

For these reasons, you should take elderberry only under the supervision of your health care provider. It is only recommended to use Elderberry for about 5 days because studies of long term use have not been done and it's unknown if taking elderberry supplements are safe when used for long periods of time.

What is the best elderberry to take?

The European elder (black elderberry, Sambucus nigra) is the species most often used in supplements, although other elder species also produce anthocyanin-rich berries. There are several elderberry supplement options and preparations, such as gummies, lozenges, syrups, teas, and more.

Is elderberry as good as Tamiflu?

“In at least one study, elderberry extract compared favorably to Tamiflu,” said Greenfield, noting that Tamiflu has been studied much more extensively. Greenfield said patients suffering flu concerns should contact their doctor before trying elderberry extract products to support concerns.

Is it safe to take elderberry gummies daily?

Elderberry supplements seem to have few risks when used daily for up to five days. The safety of its long-term use is unknown. Risks. Never eat or drink any product made from raw elderberry fruit, flowers, or leaves.

Why is elderberry bad for autoimmune?

Patients with autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, celiac, hashimoto's, and lupus need to consult a physician before taking elderberry because it will stimulate their immune system. Elderberry interferes with medications that suppress the immune system and medications used to support autoimmune conditions.

Is Elderberry joint comfort?

Elderberries (Sambuci fructus) have been shown in a number of studies to have significant joint comfort and antioxidant effects. Multiple human and animal studies have supported the joint comfort and antioxidant effects of elderberry preparations and it has been used in natural medicine for hundreds of years.

How much elderberry gummies should I take?

As a general rule, an elderberry product manufacturer's recommended dosage should not be exceeded. Many commercial syrup manufacturers recommend 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of elderberry syrup taken four times daily to support cold or flu concerns. Elderberry lozenges (175 mg) can be taken twice daily.

Is Elderberry good for thyroid?

Indeed, elderberry may cause more damage and physical strain to the thyroid gland by supporting the immune cells that specifically attack your thyroid gland. ... There is no scientific evidence stating that elderberry use is or is not recommended for people with Hashimoto's.

Is Elderberry an immune booster?

The berries and flowers of elderberry are packed with antioxidants and vitamins that may boost your immune system. They can help tame physical strain, lessen stress, and help protect your heart, too. Some experts recommend elderberry to help prevent and ease cold and flu concerns.

How poisonous are elderberries?

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.

Is Elderberry bad for asthma?

Elderberry may reduce levels of theophylline, a drug taken for asthma and other respiratory conditions. That could make the drug not work as well. Drugs that suppress the immune system. People with organ transplants should also avoid elderberry.

Is Elderberry a diuretic?

In general, diuretics help the body get rid of excess fluid and increase the amount of urine a person produces. Elderberry can also act as a diuretic, so patients on a diuretic while taking elderberry run the risk of dehydration.

Can people with lupus take elderberry?

Does Elderberry raise cardiovascular health?

Elderberry may have positive effects on some markers of heart and blood vessel health. Studies have shown elderberry juice may reduce the level of fat in the blood and decrease lipid balance. Elevated uric acid is linked to increased cardiovascular health and negative effects on heart health (4, 27 ).

Is Elderberry good for sinus immune challenge?

“Elderberry can help clear sinus immune challenges, it's also a natural diuretic and laxative and can ease concerns of allergies,” Stafford says. A small study showed concerns lasted half as long as they normally do with consuming elderberries.

Does Elderberry kill flu virus?

Compounds from elderberries can directly inhibit the virus's entry and replication in human cells, and can help strengthen a person's immune response to the virus. "What our study has shown is that the common elderberry has a potent direct plant compounds effect against the flu virus," said Dr Golnoosh Torabian.