Elderberry (2024)

FAQs

What is elderberry good for? ›

Elderberry may help treat cold and flu symptoms by reducing congestion and possibly making you sweat more. One study suggested that using a standardized elderberry extract, Sambucol, could shorten the duration of flu by about 3 days.

When uncooked, elderberries contain a toxic substance that can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, so any preparation of elderberries you use should be cooked. Commercial preparations of elderberry such as syrups and lozenges don't contain this substance and are generally recognized as safe for that reason.

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.

May improve cold and flu symptoms

Black elderberry extracts and flower infusions have been shown to help reduce the severity and length of influenza ( 9 ). Commercial preparations of elderberry for the treatment of colds come in various forms, including liquids, capsules, lozenges, and gummies.

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.

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.

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.

To neutralize toxins, specifically cyanide-inducing glycosides, heat treatment is a must. Boiling elderberries for at least 30 minutes is the go-to method. This ensures the destruction of harmful compounds.

Can I eat elderberries? Yes, but they should be cooked first to safely remove the lectin and cyanide (toxins). Eaten raw, elderberries have a bitter, tart flavour, but eaten cooked they taste quite different. Raw berries are also mildly poisonous and can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Another thing to keep in mind? Elderberry is not FDA-approved because it's regulated as a supplement, not a drug. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) isn't required to approve a supplement prior to sale and companies manufacturing them are responsible for their safety and labeling them properly.

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. J Nutr. 2009 Dec;139(12):2266-71. doi: 10.3945/jn.

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.

Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first. Elderberry has no known severe, serious, or moderate interactions with other drugs. Elderberry has mild interactions with at least 28 different drugs.

Rest, drinking fluids, and medicines can help you recover from a cold. Other remedies, such as vitamin C, zinc, and probiotic drinks, may also help relieve symptoms earlier.