Elderberries and Your Health (2024)

Elderberry supplements are made from the fruit or flowers of elderberry plants, and are often used for colds or flu.

Why do people take elderberry?

Elderberries contain natural substances called flavonoids. They seem to help reduce swelling, fight inflammation, and boost the immune system.

Limited studies have found that elderberry eases flu symptoms 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 symptoms begin. One study found that elderberry could cut the duration of flu symptoms by more than 50%.

Elderberry has also been promoted for COVID-19, but there is no evidence that it works.

A few studies have suggested that elderberry could help with bacterial sinus infections or bronchitis. More research needs to be done.

Some people use elderberry for high cholesterol, HIV, and many other conditions. For now, we don’t have good evidence to support these uses.

How much elderberry should you take?

There is no standard dose of elderberry. For flu, some studies have used 1 tablespoon of an elderberry syrup extract four times a day. Another common form of elderberry is a lozenge, often with zinc, that is taken numerous times daily after a cold begins. Ask your health care provider for advice.

Can you get elderberry naturally from foods?

Cooked elderberries are used as a flavoring in foods and wine. Elderberries are also in foods like jams and pies. No research has found that these foods have any health benefits. Raw elderberries, as well as other parts of the elder tree, are poisonous.

What are the risks of taking elderberry?

  • Side effects. 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. They contain a chemical that produces cyanide. They can cause nausea and vomiting and, at high doses, more serious effects. People who have an allergy to elder pollen might react to elderberry supplements. If you have diabetes, multiple sclerosis, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis, talk to your doctor before taking elderberry.
  • Interactions. If you take any drugs or supplements regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using elderberry supplements. They could interact with chemotherapy for cancer, immunosuppressant drugs, diuretics, and laxatives.

Because of serious potential risks, elderberry is not recommended for children or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Elderberries and Your Health (2024)

FAQs

Elderberries and Your Health? ›

The berries and flowers of elderberry

elderberry
Elderflower is the flower of the elder tree. An extract of the flower is used to make medicine. Elderflower is used for common cold, flu (influenza), swelling (inflammation) of the nasal cavity and sinuses (rhinosinusitis), and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
https://www.webmd.com › ingredientmono-708 › elderflower
are packed with antioxidants and vitamins that may boost your immune system. They could help tame inflammation, lessen stress, and help protect your heart, too. Some experts recommend elderberry to help prevent and ease cold and flu symptoms.

Are there negative side effects of elderberry? ›

The common side effects of taking raw elderberry plant products, such as fruit, flower, leaves, bark, or root include: Stomach problems. Nausea and vomiting. Diarrhea and constipation.

What does elderberry do for the human body? ›

Elderberry is rich in antioxidants, which can help lower inflammation as well as cholesterol and blood pressure. “Elderberry's phytonutrients and fiber content helps to lower the amount of cholesterol circulating [in your blood] by binding to [the cholesterol] and expelling it from the body,” Best said.

Is it safe to take elderberry every day? ›

Yes, you can! You can safely take elderberry daily as long as you follow the recommended dosage instructions. Elderberry is safe to take all year round.

Who shouldn't 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 disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, ask your doctor before taking elderberry, as it may stimulate the immune system.

What medications cannot be taken with elderberry? ›

Do not take elderberry without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications:
  • medicine to prevent organ transplant rejection;
  • medicine to treat multiple sclerosis;
  • medicine to treat psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders;

Is elderberry safe for kidneys? ›

Cardiovascular disease risk biomarkers and liver and kidney function are not altered in postmenopausal women after ingesting an elderberry extract rich in anthocyanins for 12 weeks.

Can elderberry lower blood pressure? ›

Elderberries may be beneficial for the heart, as they have been associated with positive effects on blood pressure; the anthocyanin content increases the release of nitric oxide—which helps widen the blood vessels and improves blood flow, leading to a decrease in blood pressure.

What does elderberry do for your lungs? ›

Elderberry supplementation may reduce the duration and severity of upper respiratory symptoms, according to a meta-analysis published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine.

What is the toxin in elderberries? ›

In addition, the elderberry plant contains substances called cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide in some circ*mstances. This is a toxin also found in apricot seeds and almonds ( 1 , 3 4 ). There are 3 mg of cyanide per 100 grams of fresh berries and 3–17 mg per 100 grams of fresh leaves.

What is the best form of elderberry to take? ›

You can choose from many forms, such as capsules, teas, lozenges, liquids and gummies. If you struggle with swallowing, you may prefer lozenges or gummies, whereas if you prefer to consume your supplement as a warm drink, tea will suit you. For quick consumption, an elderberry extract or pills will be the way to go.

Should I take elderberry in the morning or at night? ›

Although there is no specific time of day to take elderberry, you'll maximize its benefits by using it consistently on a regular basis. You can choose whether to use it morning, afternoon or evening. It may be best to use elderberry for short periods of time to support healthy immune function, and then take a break.

What is the best way to consume elderberry? ›

Do not eat raw elderberries as they can be poisonous.
  1. remove the stalks.
  2. cook the berries in water and sugar.
  3. strain.
  4. boil the liquid to reduce it until it takes on a syrup-like consistency.

Does elderberry have negative effects? ›

Elderberry Risks

Opinions vary on whether elderberry is helpful, but most doctors believe it's safe to have in small doses. But unripe or uncooked berries or flowers from the plant can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Larger amounts can cause even more serious poisoning.

Does elderberry affect the heart? ›

Elderberry extract has also demonstrated beneficial effects related to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), cancer [23], and diabetes, as well as having anti-inflammatory properties [24] and immune-stimulating, anti-depressive, chemo-preventive, and atheroprotective effects [13,20,25].

Why is elderberry not FDA approved? ›

Like elderberry, many other herbal cold remedies are not regulated by the FDA. The few studies conducted on these supplements are not shown to reduce the length of cough and cold symptoms. They also aren't shown to prevent colds or flu.

Which autoimmune diseases should avoid elderberry? ›

People who have autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease should not use elderberry. Elderberry may boost the immune system, which can worsen autoimmune diseases.

Can elderberry overstimulate the immune system? ›

Conclusions. Elderberry may be a safe option for treating viral respiratory illness, and there is no evidence that it overstimulates the immune system.

References

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