Elderberry: Health Benefits, Side Effects, Dosage And More

Overview

Elderberry is one of the world’s most widely used medicinal plants. The shrub is closely linked to the honeysuckle vine and is indigenous to warmer parts of North America and Europe. While the delicate white flowers are lovely in the winter, herbal supplements are made from black, blue, or red berries.

It was traditionally used to treat fever and rheumatism by Indigenous peoples, and ancient Egyptians used it to improve their complexions and heal burns. Elderberry is most commonly used as a supplement to alleviate cold and flu symptoms these days.^[1]

Although there is no one-size-fits-all cure for illness, promoters of elderberry claim that the fruit is one of nature’s most adaptable remedies. The elderberry is now regarded as one of the world’s most therapeutic plants in folk medicine. Elderberry should not be confused with American elder, elderflower, or dwarf elder.

Origin of Elderberry

Gardeners praise the elderberry bush for its capacity to grow swiftly and be easily trained into a specific shape. It grows best in warmer climes. As long as there is plenty of sunlight, the naturally growing elderberry plant can thrive in virtually any soil type. The elderberry plant is mostly found in Europe and North America, but it can also be found in South America and Australia.

Elderberry Benefits

Elderberries are said to have a variety of health benefits. Another name for this beautiful shrub that blooms in the winter is Sambucus. They are healthy, but they may also aid with cold and flu symptoms, heart health, inflammation, and infection prevention, among other things.^[2]

Health Benefits of Elderberry

• 1. Colds and Influenza

Extracts and flower infusions of black elderberry have been found to lessen the severity and duration of influenza.
Elderberry juice syrup has been used as a home cure for colds and flu, both caused by viruses. If taken within 48 hours after the onset of symptoms, elderberry syrup is thought to minimize the severity and duration of the infection.

• 2. Constipation

Constipation may be relieved by drinking elderberry tea. Anthraquinone, a chemical found in elderberries, is responsible for the laxative effect.

• 3. High in antioxidants

The elderberry plant’s flowers, fruits, and leaves are all high in antioxidants.

• 4. It may be good for heart health

Some measures of heart and blood vessel health may respond favourably to elderberry.
Elderberry juice has been found in studies to lower blood fat and cholesterol levels. Furthermore, a diet rich in flavonoids such as anthocyanins has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease.
Elderberry is said to have a slew of other benefits, though most of them are based on shaky scientific evidence: 

• May helps fight cancer.
• May fight harmful bacteria.
• May support the immune system.^[3]
• Could protect against UV radiation
• May increase urination.
• It may have some antidepressant properties.

Elderberry Side Effects

While elderberry offers some interesting potential health advantages, it also has some risks associated with it.

Although most health care professionals agree that taking elderberry supplements has few adverse effects, they warn that eating the stems, leaves, or unripe berries can upset your stomach. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea were the most prevalent adverse effects, which usually went away after a few hours.^[4] If you think you may have inadvertently consumed raw berries, stems, or leaves, contact your health care practitioner right away.

Recommended Dosage and Timing for Elderberry

While many cultures use elderberries to flavour foods and liquors, making it difficult for some people to stick to a regular dosing regimen, many health care specialists recommend taking one tablespoon of the elderberry syrup four times a day for a maximum of five days for treating the flu.

Most people get the best results after three or four days of consistent dosing. Smaller children should be given one tablespoon three times a day, while adults can take up to four elderberry supplements each day for up to 48 hours without experiencing any unpleasant side effects. It’s also a good idea to check with your doctor before taking any natural supplement.

Use of Elderberry in Supplements

Natural berries are widely used as liquid syrups and supplements to treat the flu. Both methods are efficient at treating the symptoms of influenza and can be used for up to two or three days without side effects. While these elderberry supplements are safe for both adults and children, you should always consult your doctor before adding any natural supplement to your daily routine.

Elderberry Interactions

While further research is needed, natural berries can and will interact with drugs that suppress your immune system. Because the berries’ principal role is to improve your ability to fight germs and bacteria that cause the flu, you should avoid taking this natural cure if you’re currently trying to suppress your immune system. You should speak with your health care practitioner if you have any concerns or questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is elderberry used for?

A: Elderberry supplements have been used to cure a variety of ailments, including colds and the flu. Other ailments or conditions include:

• High cholesterol
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Oxidative stress
• Constipation^[5]
• Toothaches
• Hay fever
• Headaches
• Sinus infections
• Upper respiratory infections

Q: Where to buy elderberry?

A: Elderberry products are available in online stores.

Q: What is elderberry?

A: The elderberry is a berry obtained from the elder tree. Cold and flu-like symptoms have been alleviated using the berries. Syrup, tea, and juice are all forms of Elderberry. It’s also available in pill, powder, and extract form.

Q: How to make elderberry syrup?

A: To prepare elderberry syrup:

• Take out the stalks
• Cook elderberries in water and sugar
• Drain
• Boil the liquid to reduce it until it has a syrup-like consistency.

The syrup can then be drizzled over plain yogurt or added to a smoothie.

Q: How should i store fresh elderberries?

A: If not used right away, elderberries should be kept in the refrigerator.

Q: Can i take elderberry while pregnant?

A: Children, pregnant women, and nursing moms should avoid Elderberry.^[6] While there have been no documented adverse events in these groups, there is insufficient data to confirm that it is safe in the long run.

Q: What are the benefits of elderberry?

A: Elderberries and flowers are high in antioxidants and vitamins, which may help enhance your immune system. They may be able to reduce inflammation, reduce stress, and protect your heart.
Elderberry is said to help prevent and relieve cold and flu symptoms, according to some specialists.

Q: What does elderberry taste like?

A: Elderberries that are ripe and fresh taste acidic, sour, or bitter.

Q: What are elderberry gummies?

A: Elderberry gummies are a chewable gummy supplement made from the juice or extract of the elder plant’s berries.

Conclusion

Elderberries are proving to be a safe and efficient natural treatment for flu symptoms. The fast-growing shrub can improve your immune system and treat flu-related fever, aches, and pains. It’s safe for both adults and children, and the dark-colored berries can be utilised to flavour specific recipes all year long to maintain your immune system robust and healthy.