Aid in Digestion
While elderberry has become a rock star in the cold and flu-fighting universe, new evidence suggests that that elderberry was not effective in reducing the severity or duration of flu symptoms.
Boost Immunity
- multiple sclerosis;
- lupus; or
- rheumatoid arthritis.
Improve Bone Health
In folk medicine today, the elderberry is considered one of the world’s most healing plants. The berries and flowers of elderberry 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.
Improve Cardiovascular Health
There are positive results from research made on the health benefits of elderberry syrup. So it seems that elderberry syrup really works. Research show that black elderberries are well known as supportive agents against common cold and influenza.
Improve Respiratory Health
Is elderberry really an effective cold and flu cure?
What happens if you take too much elderberry?
What is elderberry and what is it good for?
Does elderberry really work?
Is it OK to take elderberry everyday?
Yes, you can take elderberry supplements daily, even three to four times a day. However, you should not take more than the recommended daily dose. Elderberry is a medicinal plant used widely to treat diseases. Most commonly, elderberry supplements are used to treat colds and the flu.
Who should not take elderberry?
Elderberry is not recommended for children, pregnant women, or nursing mothers. 11 While no adverse events have been reported in these groups, there is not enough data to determine if it is safe over the long term.
How much elderberry should you take daily?
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.
Can elderberry raise blood pressure?
Further studies found that rats that were fed foods containing polyphenols extracted from elderberry had reductions in blood pressure (25). Furthermore, elderberries may reduce levels of uric acid in the blood. Elevated uric acid is linked to increased blood pressure and negative effects on heart health (4, 26 ).
Do elderberry make you poop?
Elderberry was one of the main ingredients used in a clinical trial of possible treatments for constipation. The treatment that included elderberry proved to be an effective laxative, but more research is needed to see whether elderberry would have the same effect when taken in isolation.
Does elderberry grow hair?
Elderberry works great for your hair and can treat split ends, problematic hairlines, and known for encouraging natural hair growth. Black seed oil regulates imbalanced hair growth cycle and activates the hair follicles. It nourishes your hair, increases its shine, and eliminates dry scalp.
Is it better to take elderberry in the morning or at night?
You can take elderberry syrup any time of day, but most choose to use it before bedtime or in the morning as part of a daily routine. The benefit of taking elderberry syrup before bed is it could decrease stuffy noses or sinus pressure.
Can you take elderberry with blood pressure medicine?
Always talk to your doctor first, especially if you're on any prescription medication, such as blood pressure medications (elderberry products may lower blood pressure, compounding the effect of the drug), on chemotherapy (elderberry may increase the risk of side effects), or if you have been diagnosed with diabetes ( ...
What is the most effective way to take elderberry?
There are several elderberry supplement options and preparations, such as gummies, lozenges, syrups and teas, but the most popular and best way to consume elderberry is in syrup form.
Does elderberry make you pee a lot?
They have a type of cyanide called glycoside. People with immune problems might have reactions to elderberry. If you get a rash or have trouble breathing after you have some, you might be allergic to it. Because it's a diuretic, be careful when you take it if you're also using medicines that make you pee more.
Can you take elderberry with other medications?
Elderberry has no known severe, serious, or moderate interactions with other drugs.
Can you take elderberry and Tylenol together?
Interactions between your drugs No interactions were found between elderberry and Tylenol. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
What is elderberry fruit good for?
Eating fruit of elderberry efficacious in improving digestion. Elderberry fruit can be used to cure hemorrhoids, diarrhea, constipation and other digestive disorders. This fruit can also be used to improve the health of the heart, kidneys, eyesight and cure urinary tract infections.
Where are elderberries found?
Elderberry itself is one of the plants with related families with berry plants which are found in Europe and western Asia. Elderberry with an official name Sambucus nigra, is a genus of flowering plants in the family of Adoxaceae.
What is the best vitamin for eyes?
Elderberry fruit contains vitamin A which is well known as a good vitamin for our eye visions & health.
How long does it take for elderberry to affect your body?
According to the research that says, elderberry effects on our body could be felt within 24-48 hours after consumption, and could reduce more than 50% duration of the symptom. Its ability to treat flu has been proved as there were so many infected-free from flu people in Panama on 1995.
How to treat nephritis and beriberi?
Nephritic syndrome and beriberi maybe a serious disease that cause you pain. Instead of using chemical medicine to heal it, then you may use a natural plants to treat it. This is the traditional treatment to treat nephritic syndrome and beriberi. Use a 30-60 grams of the Elderberry fruits, wash firmly.
How tall do elderberry trees grow?
Elderberry shrubs, leafy trees could grow as high as 9 meters. Elderberry leaves grow with opposite pairs and have 5-7 leaves. Outskirts of the elderberry leaves have serrations, while its white flowers grown with maximum five petals.
Why is elderberry purple?
But even so, you should not be careless in processing the fruit of elderberry because it might toxic to be eaten. Toxicity of elderberry fruit can be found, especially on the stem, the leaves and the roots.
What is Elderberry used for?
Bottom Line. Elderberry is one of the most commonly used medicinal plants in the world. Traditionally, Indigenous people used it to treat fever and rheumatism, while the ancient Egyptians used it to improve their complexions and heal burns. It’s still gathered and used in folk medicine across many parts of Europe.
How much fiber is in elderberries?
High in dietary fiber. Elderberries contain 10 grams of fiber per cup of fresh berries, about 36% of the daily value ( 5).
What is the name of the black berry tree?
Elderberry refers to several varieties of the Sambucus tree, which has clusters of white flowers and black or blue-black berries. The most common type is Sambucus nigra, also known as European elderberry or black elderberry.
What are dried berries used for?
In folk medicine, the dried berries or juice are used to treat influenza, infections, sciatica, headaches, dental pain, heart pain, and nerve pain, as well as a laxative and diuretic ( 2 ). Additionally, the berries can be cooked and used to make juice, jams, chutneys, pies, and elderberry wine.
How long does it take for elderberry syrup to work?
One 2004 study of 60 people with influenza found that those who took 15 mL of elderberry syrup four times per day showed symptom improvement in 2 to 4 days, while the control group took 7 to 8 days to improve ( 10 ).
Which berry is the most effective antioxidant?
One study comparing 15 different varieties of berries and another study comparing types of wine found that elderberry is one of the most effective antioxidants ( 18, 19 ).
How many calories are in a cup of berries?
One cup (145 grams) of fresh berries contain 106 calories, 26.7 grams of carbs, and less than 1 gram each of fat and protein ( 3 ).
What is elderberry used for?
In fact, in the olden days, they were often one of the first remedies prescribed by doctors to help treat cold and flu symptoms.
What is the best way to eat elderberries?
Fresh elderberries are a great addition to any meal or just as a snack on their own. They are juicy and delicious and taste a bit like a raisin. For a quick and easy snack, try them in a fruit salad, or a smoothie!
How long does it take to make elderberry syrup?
To make elderberry syrup: simmer a cup of fresh elderberries in one quart of water for about 30 minutes (or until the berries pop and become soft). Allow cooling slightly before straining into a pitcher with enough room to mix two cups of cold water. Add honey if desired.
Why is Sambucus Nigra used?
In fact, it is thought that the first use was to help heal wounds and as an antiseptic due to its antibacterial properties.
How long do elderberries grow?
Elderberries can reach up to two inches in length and are found on the elder tree during summer, their once annual bloom.
How long does elderberry syrup last?
Making elderberry syrup is easy and can be done in about an hour! Also, you'll find that it's possible for your syrup to last up to six months if stored properly
Why is elderberry syrup given to children?
A few hundred years ago elderberry syrup would be given to children from time to time if they showed signs of illness like flu symptoms, or if they needed protection from the common cold.
What is elderberry used for?
The full scientific name of the elderberry that is most popularly used for health is Sambucus nigra. It comes from a tree that’s over 30 feet tall and has off-white flowers and blue to black berries. These berries are often used to make syrups, wines, and jams alongside medicinal concoctions.
What are the benefits of eating berries?
Berries are high in calcium, iron, and potassium, which help in strengthening bones and promote an increase in overall bone density. This helps reduce the risk of osteoporosis and other bone-related illnesses. Additionally, the anthocyanins present in berries will also help prevent bone loss .
Is elderberry oil good for hair?
If you want to help reduce inflammation and bruising, elderberry extract can also help do that. In addition, elderberries are also good for your hair. Elderberry oil is used to treat the scalp, repair split ends, and encourage hair growth.
Can you eat elderberry raw?
Most commercial preparations of elderberry are safe for consumption, but eating raw elderberry is not recommended as it can cause diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.
Can elderberries be used for diabetes?
A study in 2017 showed that elderberries may also be a source of bioactive compounds used in the management of diabetes. The research is just starting here, though, so it’s still best to discuss it with your doctor if you have diabetes and want to explore elderberries as an additional treatment option.
Can elderberry be taken with other medications?
It’s also important to discuss with your doctor if you plan on taking elderberry together with any other medications like diabetes medications, cancer medications, or immunosuppressants.
Does elderberry help with inflammatory cytokines?
Elderberry also increases the production of inflammatory cytokines to help treat upper respiratory tract ailments and infections.
Why are elderberries good for you?
Elderberry makes its way into a lot of cosmetic applications, primarily because the bioflavonoids in elderberries can boost your skin health. Elderberry contains polyphenols and vitamin A, which makes it perfect for preventing or lessening wrinkles, helping age spots to fade, and generally improving the glow and tone of our skin native Americans used it to treat skin conditions. It was used as an astringent as well as to treat skin irritations. This could be due to the antioxidants present in elderberries, which have strong anti-inflammatory properties. [11] [12]
Why is elderberry syrup used?
Elderberry was traditionally used to protect people during an influenza outbreak. Research now tells us that elderberry syrup has phytochemical compounds that make it so effective in dealing with an influenza season. A 2019 Australian study, published in the Journal of Functional Foods found that elderberry inhibits the entry and replication of the flu virus in the human body. In other words, it can inhibit the infection in the healthy and prohibit it from worsening in the sick. The immune-boosting compounds were the anthocyanidin, the phytochemical which gives elderberries their color. [6]
Why is elderberry extract used in air travel?
In another 2016 randomized double-blind study, published in the journal Nutrients, intercontinental air travelers were given elderberry extract to deal with common respiratory problems during air travel. Participants who were taking elderberry extract were found less likely to catch a cold when compared to the control group. The severity and duration of their cold were also reduced. [5]
What is the flavor of elderberry?
The berries are black or very dark blue and have a sharp, sweet flavor that makes them highly preferred for desserts, syrups, jams, jellies, spreads, and as the base for various cocktails and beverages. Elderberry is one of the most commonly used medicinal plants in the world. Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Do elderberries help the immune system?
The Australian study showed that its antiviral compounds fortified the immune system in fighting the flu. An animal study where diabetic rats were treated with alternative medicine containing elderberries showed that it could strengthen their immune defenses. In lab studies, the powerful antiviral compounds in the berries have also shown potential in fighting HIV-1 infection. [8] [9]
Do elderberries help with cholesterol?
A study published in Phytotherapy Research revealed that high fiber levels in elderberries help eliminate excess cholesterol from the system and make room for HDL (good) cholesterol that the body needs. This can help eliminate the chances of developing atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular issues. Additionally, a diet rich in flavonoids like anthocyanins has been found to reduce the risk of heart disease. The high level of potassium in the berries also protects the heart by relaxing the tension of blood vessels and arteries. As a vasodilator, potassium can significantly reduce blood pressure and keep your heart healthy! [7]
Is elderberry good for osteoporosis?
One study found that polyphenols in elderberry extract could be effective as a dietary supplement in dealing with diabetic osteoporosis. However, more research is required in this field. [10]
What is elderberry juice?
The elderberry or Sambucus nigra is a traditional folk remedy and is rich in polyphenols. These antioxidants are in part responsible for some of its medicinal and therapeutic benefits. 1 Elderberries, dried or cooked, elderberry extracts, and elderberry juice have been variously used to treat influenza viruses, colds, and even wounds. Here is a detailed list of both its established and potential health benefits you should make the most of.
Can elderberry juice help with autoimmune disease?
For those with autoimmune problems like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, the berry or its juice could stimulate the immune system and may not be an appropriate remedy. Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers are advised against having elderberry. 18
Is elderberry juice good for you?
Elderberries beat a lot of other berries in the antioxidant stakes! Its flavonol content is higher than blueberries, goji berries, blackberries, and cranberries, making it a great source of free radical damage-fighting nutrients . 2 As one study found, test subjects who consumed 400 ml of elderberry juice saw an increase in their total phenolics as well as plasma antioxidant capacity just an hour after having the drink. 3
Can elderberries be used to fight viruses?
Elderberry extracts have been found to inhibit viruses from growing and multiplying. They also prevent the adhesion of viruses to host cell receptors. 7 Elderberries could even have potential to battle the dreaded H1N1 virus. Early studies indicate their effectiveness against the swine flu virus in vitro, but further research is needed to see if this will extend to humans as well. 8
Does elderberry juice help the immune system?
Elderberries can help keep your immune system in good shape. As one study found, elderberry extracts increased the activity of Lactobacillus acidophilus, bacteria that boost the immune response. This led researchers to suggest it could have antiviral and immune-enhancing effects. 11 Another study found that concentrated elderberry juice can enhance the production of cytokines, cell signaling proteins that aid the immune response. 12
Do elderberries help with cancer?
Elderberries may also have a role to play in fighting tumors and cancer. The berries, rich in antioxidants, can help inhibit carcinogenesis. They were also found to have chemoprotective effects, showing potential in inhibiting, delaying, and even preventing cancer. 16
Is elderberry poisonous?
Remember that consuming unripe or uncooked elderberries may be poisonous for anyone, so only have ripe or cooked forms.
What is the dark purple berry?
Elderberry is the dark purple berry of the European or black elder tree, which grows in the warmer parts of Europe, North America, Asia, and Northern Africa. Elderberry has been used in folk medicine to treat colds and flu. Elderberry is promoted as a dietary supplement for colds, flu, and other conditions.
Is elderberry poisonous?
Raw unripe elderberries and other parts of the elder tree, such as the leaves and stem, contain toxic substances (e.g., sambunigrin) that can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea; cooking eliminates this toxin. Large quantities of the toxin may cause serious illness.
Does elderberry help with flu?
Some preliminary research suggests that elderberry may relieve symptoms of flu or other upper respiratory infections.
What are the nutrients in elderberries?
They are also rich in dietary fiber and potassium, and provide lots of necessary vitamins and minerals. Elderberries are also a good source of: Vitamin A. Vitamin C. Calcium. Vitamin B6. Iron. Nutrients per Serving. A half-cup serving of black elderberries contains:
What are the antioxidants in black elderberries?
Polyphenols are another type of antioxidants present in black elderberries. These compounds have been found to help control the blood’s glucose level. The polyphenols in black elderberries may also help lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
How to make black elderberry gummies?
Mix dried black elderberries with dark chocolate for a delectable elderberry chocolate torte. Use elderberry syrup and gelatin powder to make black elderberry gummies.
What to do with elderberry gummies?
Use elderberry syrup and gelatin powder to make black elderberry gummies. Start popping them when you feel a cold coming on! Black elderberry pairs well with venison. For a special meal, try topping venison steaks with an elderberry pan sauce. Pagination. 1.
What to do with elderberries in pancakes?
Make elderberry syrup with black elderberries, water, and raw honey, then drizzle over pancakes.
What is the fruit of the black elder?
They’re the fruit of a shrub called the black elder, which goes by the scientific name Sambucus nigra. Native to Europe, the black elder isn’t the same as the American elder, a different species despite many similarities to the black elder. Black elderberries were once thought to ward off evil spirits and prevent or cure certain health problems ...
What is the black elderberry?
In this Article. Black elderberries are shiny, round, dark purple berries that have been used in Europe and northern Africa for a long time. They’re the fruit of a shrub called the black elder, which goes by the scientific name Sambucus nigra. Native to Europe, the black elder isn’t the same as the American elder, ...
