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]
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The flu (including swine flu)
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HIV/AIDS
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Enhancing the immune system
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Pain relief
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Chronic fatigue syndrome
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Hay fever
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Inflammation
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Constipation
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Cancer
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Boosting urine output
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Facilitating sweating
Forms
Elderberry lozenge
Forms of elderberry include dried, syrup, lozenge, capsule, and tincture.
Elderberry may work for:
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Viruses (the flu, for example)
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Sinus infection
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Inflammation
There is not enough evidence to recommend elderberry for:
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Hay fever
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Constipation
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Nerve pain
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Chronic fatigue syndrome
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Swine flu
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HIV/AIDS
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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:
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Medications that curb the immune system. Transplant patients should avoid elderberry.
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Water pills (diuretics): Taking elder can increase your risk of becoming dehydrated since the berry also acts as a diuretic.
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Chemotherapy drugs
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Laxatives: Elderberry acts as a laxative. Taking a prescription or over-the-counter laxative could worsen your symptoms.
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Diabetes medication: Elderberry increases the chances of developing hypoglycemia or low blood sugar if taken with medications used for controlling diabetes.
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Asthma medication (particularly Theophylline): Elder may interfere with the ability of your asthma medications working properly.
Safety Concerns
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Limit use of elderberry juice extract to a maximum of five days.
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Do not consume raw or under-ripe elderberry fruit. It may cause vomiting, nausea and major diarrhea.[1]
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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
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Although we don't sell elderberry, you can compare quality, brands, and prices from a variety of manufacturers here at PricePlow.
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"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
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Elderberry Price Alerts
The following price alerts are still active:
- Jul 25, 2024The Vitamin Shoppe Elderberry plus Vitamin C & Zinc 90 Vcaps dropped by 30% to $13.29 at iHerb.com
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- Jul 21, 2024New Chapter Elderberry Syrup 4 Oz. dropped by 17.6% to $16.61 at iHerb.com
- Jul 21, 2024Swanson Sambucus Elderberry Extract 120 Vcaps dropped by 23.5% to $6.78 at iHerb.com
- Jul 21, 2024Nature's Way Sambucus Elderberry Vitamin C 24 Lozenges (only Wild Cherry) dropped by 10.1% to $4.14 at iHerb.com
- Jul 21, 2024Swanson Elderberry & Echinacea 120 Capsules dropped by 16.6% to $8.60 at iHerb.com
- Jul 21, 2024Source Naturals Wellness Elderberry 4 Oz. dropped by 30% to $8.37 at iHerb.com
- Jul 21, 2024Sambucol Black Elderberry Cold & Flu Relief 30 Tablets (only Quick Dissolve) dropped by 11.5% to $8.75 at AllStarHealth
- Jul 18, 2024Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals Black Elderberry 120 Tablets dropped by 9.9% to $11.95 at Walmart
- Jul 14, 2024Sambucol Black Elderberry Sugar-Free 4 Oz. dropped by 36.8% to $6.16 at iHerb.com
- Jul 09, 2024New Chapter Elderberry Force 30 Vcaps dropped by 35% to $12.42 at AllStarHealth
- Jul 07, 2024Source Naturals Wellness Elderberry 60 Gummies dropped by 26.1% to $13.29 at iHerb.com
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- Jul 06, 2024Nature's Way Black Elderberry 100 Vcaps dropped by 11.6% to $9.39 at AllStarHealth
- Jul 01, 2024Zand Elderberry Zinc 60 Gummies (only Immunity Gummies) dropped by 15.2% to $9.69 at AllStarHealth
- Jun 23, 2024Source Naturals Wellness Elderberry 120 Tablets dropped by 30% to $12.48 at iHerb.com
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- Jan 15, 2024Sambucol Black Elderberry For Kids 4 Oz. (only 2 Years & Older - Berry Flavor) dropped by 20.7% to $9.75 at iHerb.com
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