Elderberry, also known as elder and elder flower, is a type of flowering plant. There are several species of elder, but the European -- or black, elder-- is the type used in medicinal therapies, particularly its white flowers and berries.
This elderberry is a shrub or small tree mostly found in Europe, Africa, certain areas of Asia and is now widespread the United States.
Elderberry uses
In traditional folk medicine, elder berries have been used for their antiperspirant, properties and to facilitate evacuation of the bowels and bladder. The flowers were believed to have a variety of purposes, from controlling perspiration to treating coughs, stimulating the circulation system, and for the treatment of topical inflammation.
There is indirect evidence that elderberry has medicinal potential for these conditions:[3]
-
The flu (including swine flu)
-
HIV/AIDS
-
Enhancing the immune system
-
Pain relief
-
Chronic fatigue syndrome
-
Hay fever
-
Inflammation
-
Constipation
-
Cancer
-
Boosting urine output
-
Facilitating sweating
Forms
Elderberry lozenge
Forms of elderberry include dried, syrup, lozenge, capsule, and tincture.
Elderberry may work for:
-
Viruses (the flu, for example)
-
Sinus infection
-
Inflammation
There is not enough evidence to recommend elderberry for:
-
Hay fever
-
Constipation
-
Nerve pain
-
Chronic fatigue syndrome
-
Swine flu
-
HIV/AIDS
-
Cancer
Recommended dose
For treatment of influenza, take 1 tbsp (15mL) four times per day for three to five days. Elderberry lozenges contain 175mg of the active ingredient. It is recommended to take four times a day for two days.
To make elder tea, add 3g to 5g dried elder flower in 1 cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 to 15 minutes then strain.
For the treatment of the flu in children, administer 1 tbsp. (15mL) twice a day for three days. Talk to your pediatrician before giving a child any product contain elder.
Food-based sources
Elderberry jam
Elderberry contains iron, phosphorous, vitamin A, vitamin B6, and vitamin C. Like other berries elderberries are used in jam, salad dressing, sauces, juice, wine, and beer. Dried berries are used in breakfast cereals, ice cream, and yogurt. The flower, while used less often, is used as an ingredient in alcoholic beverages and fritters.
Nutrition Facts
Elderberry nutrition lable
Elderberry is one of the healthiest foods out there for those watching their cholesterol levels. Elder contains nearly 27g of carbohydrates (fiber contains about 10g). One serving of elder has 0.96g of protein, 55.1mg of calcium, 2.32mg of iron, and 406mg potassium. Additionally, a single serving contains 870 IU vitamin A.
Important warning
Note that the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate supplements, including elderberry. Before using this supplement for medicinal or health purposes, talk with your healthcare provider. Always talk to your pediatrician before giving your child a vitamin, supplement, or herb -- especially for medicinal purposes.
Before elderberries can be consumed, they must be cooked. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, "Raw berries contain a chemical similar to cyanide."[2]
Medication interactions
Talk to your doctor before taking elderberry with:
-
Medications that curb the immune system. Transplant patients should avoid elderberry.
-
Water pills (diuretics): Taking elder can increase your risk of becoming dehydrated since the berry also acts as a diuretic.
-
Chemotherapy drugs
-
Laxatives: Elderberry acts as a laxative. Taking a prescription or over-the-counter laxative could worsen your symptoms.
-
Diabetes medication: Elderberry increases the chances of developing hypoglycemia or low blood sugar if taken with medications used for controlling diabetes.
-
Asthma medication (particularly Theophylline): Elder may interfere with the ability of your asthma medications working properly.
Safety Concerns
-
Limit use of elderberry juice extract to a maximum of five days.
-
Do not consume raw or under-ripe elderberry fruit. It may cause vomiting, nausea and major diarrhea.[1]
-
Do not consume elderberry during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.[1]
- Elderberry may boost the immune system and, thus, aggravate symptoms of autoimmune diseases (multiple sclerosis, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, for example).
Considerations
-
Although we don't sell elderberry, you can compare quality, brands, and prices from a variety of manufacturers here at PricePlow.
-
"Natural" doesn't always mean safe. Play it smart. Follow directions and consult a qualified healthcare professional for more information before using natural products, including elderberry.
References
- WebMD; "Elderberry"
- Ehrlich, SD; University of Maryland Medical Center; "Elderberry;" 2012
- Charlebois D.; Issues in new crops and new uses; ASHS Press; "Elderberry as a Medicinal Plant;" 2007
Elderberry News on PricePlow
-
Aug 28, 2022 ![]()
Product News
Alacer Emergen-C Elderberry - Immune+ has new variations: Categories: Cold and Flu Remedies, Elderberry, Immune System Supplements -
Aug 14, 2022 Product News
EVLution Nutrition Elderberry Gummies was created.
Categories: Cold and Flu Remedies, Elderberry, Immune System Supplements -
Aug 06, 2022 ![]()
Product News
DAS Labs Elderberry Gummies has new variations: Categories: Cold and Flu Remedies, Elderberry, Immune System Supplements -
Jul 24, 2022 Product News
Garden of Life mykind Organics - Elderberry & Sleep was created.
Categories: Cold and Flu Remedies, Elderberry, Immune System Supplements, Sleep Aids -
Jul 17, 2022 ![]()
Product News
Garden of Life mykind Organics - Elderberry Immune Syrup was created.
Categories: Cold and Flu Remedies, Elderberry, Immune System Supplements -
Jul 17, 2022 ![]()
Product News
Garden of Life mykind Organics - Elderberry Immune Gummy was created.
Categories: Cold and Flu Remedies, Elderberry, Immune System Supplements -
Jul 17, 2022 ![]()
Product News
Garden of Life kids organic elderberry immune syrup was created.
Categories: Cold and Flu Remedies, Elderberry, Immune System Supplements, Vitamins for Kids -
Jun 14, 2022 ![]()
Product News
Life Extension Black Elderberry Plus Vitamin C was created.
Categories: Cold and Flu Remedies, Elderberry, Immune System Supplements, Vitamin C -
Jun 06, 2022 ![]()
Product News
Gaia Herbs Black Elderberry Syrup has new variations: Categories: Cold and Flu Remedies, Elderberry, Immune System Supplements -
May 01, 2022 ![]()
Product News
GNC Sambucus Elderberry was created.
Categories: Cold and Flu Remedies, Elderberry, Immune System Supplements -
Apr 24, 2022 ![]()
Product News
Nature's Way Sambucus Cough Syrup For Kids has new variations: Categories: Cold and Flu Remedies, Cough Remedies, Elderberry, Immune System Supplements -
Apr 06, 2022 ![]()
Product News
Nature's Way Sambucus Elderberry Immune Support for Kids was created.
Categories: Cold and Flu Remedies, Elderberry, Immune System Supplements -
Mar 28, 2022 ![]()
Product News
Nature's Way Sambucus Original Syrup for Kids was created.
Categories: Cold and Flu Remedies, Cough Remedies, Elderberry, Immune System Supplements -
Mar 28, 2022 ![]()
Product News
Nature's Way Sambucus Cough Syrup For Kids was created.
Categories: Cold and Flu Remedies, Cough Remedies, Elderberry, Immune System Supplements -
Mar 28, 2022 ![]()
Product News
Nature's Way Sambucus Original Lozenges has new variations: Categories: Cold and Flu Remedies, Elderberry, Immune System Supplements -
Mar 28, 2022 ![]()
Product News
Nature's Way Sambucus Drops Ultra-Strength was created.
Categories: Cold and Flu Remedies, Elderberry, Immune System Supplements -
Mar 28, 2022 ![]()
Product News
Nature's Way Sambucus Gummies has new variations: Categories: Cold and Flu Remedies, Elderberry, Immune System Supplements -
Mar 28, 2022 ![]()
Product News
Nature's Way Sambucus Sleep + Immune Gummies was created.
Categories: Cold and Flu Remedies, Elderberry, Immune System Supplements -
Mar 28, 2022 ![]()
Product News
Nature's Way Sambucus Relief for Kids was created.
Categories: Cold and Flu Remedies, Elderberry, Immune System Supplements -
Mar 28, 2022 ![]()
Product News
Nature's Way Sambucus Elderberry Organic Syrup for Kids was created.
Categories: Cold and Flu Remedies, Elderberry, Immune System Supplements -
Mar 28, 2022 ![]()
Product News
Nature's Way Sambucus NightTime has new variations: Categories: Cold and Flu Remedies, Elderberry, Immune System Supplements -
Mar 28, 2022 ![]()
Product News
Nature's Way Sambucus Relief was created.
Categories: Cold and Flu Remedies, Cough Remedies, Elderberry, Immune System Supplements -
Mar 28, 2022 ![]()
Product News
Nature's Way Sambucus Standardized Elderberry Gummies was created.
Categories: Cold and Flu Remedies, Elderberry, Immune System Supplements -
Mar 21, 2022 ![]()
Product News
DAS Labs Elderberry Gummies was created.
Categories: Cold and Flu Remedies, Elderberry, Immune System Supplements -
Mar 10, 2022 ![]()
Product News
Solaray Black Elderberry was created.
Categories: Cold and Flu Remedies, Elderberry, Immune System Supplements -
Mar 10, 2022 ![]()
Product News
Solaray SambuActin Black Elderberry Extract was created.
Categories: Cold and Flu Remedies, Elderberry, Immune System Supplements -
Dec 24, 2021 ![]()
Product News
Gaia Herbs Black Elderberry Syrup has new variations: Categories: Cold and Flu Remedies, Elderberry, Immune System Supplements -
Dec 22, 2021 ![]()
Product News
Gaia Herbs Black Elderberry Tonic was created.
Categories: Cold and Flu Remedies, Elderberry, Immune System Supplements -
Dec 22, 2021 ![]()
Product News
Gaia Herbs Black Elderberry Syrup has new variations: Categories: Cold and Flu Remedies, Elderberry, Immune System Supplements -
Dec 22, 2021 ![]()
Product News
Gaia Herbs Black Elderberry was created.
Categories: Cold and Flu Remedies, Elderberry, Immune System Supplements -
Dec 22, 2021 ![]()
Product News
Gaia Herbs Kids Black Elderberry Syrup was created.
Categories: Cold and Flu Remedies, Elderberry, Immune System Supplements -
Dec 14, 2021 ![]()
Product News
Doctor's Best Doc's Kids Elderberry Gummies was created.
Categories: Cold and Flu Remedies, Elderberry, Immune System Supplements, Vitamins for Kids -
Sep 22, 2021 ![]()
Product News
Sambucol Black Elderberry Infant Drops was created.
Categories: Cold and Flu Remedies, Elderberry, Immune System Supplements -
Aug 02, 2021 ![]()
Product News
DAS Labs Bucked Up Elderberry Plus was created.
Categories: Cold and Flu Remedies, Elderberry, Immune System Supplements -
Apr 14, 2021 ![]()
Product News
Sheer Strength Labs Sambucus Elderberry was created.
Categories: Cold and Flu Remedies, Elderberry, Immune System Supplements -
Apr 14, 2021 ![]()
Product News
Sheer Strength Labs Elderberry Gummies was created.
Categories: Cold and Flu Remedies, Elderberry, Immune System Supplements -
Dec 22, 2020 ![]()
Product News
InnovaPharm Elderberry Extract was created.
Categories: Cold and Flu Remedies, Elderberry, Immune System Supplements -
Nov 14, 2020 ![]()
Product News
ForestLeaf Advanced Sambucus Elderberry was created.
Categories: Cold and Flu Remedies, Elderberry, Immune System Supplements -
Oct 03, 2020 ![]()
Product News
InnovaPharm Elderberry Immunity Gummies was created.
Categories: Cold and Flu Remedies, Elderberry, Immune System Supplements
Sign up for future Elderberry news!
Click the button below to sign up for future Elderberry news, deals, coupons, and reviews!
