What is elderberry and what is it good for?
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.
Does elderberry really work?
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.
What are the side effects of elderberry?
What are the risks of taking elderberry?
- Side effects. Elderberry supplements seem to have few risks when used daily for up to five days. ...
- Risks. Never eat or drink any product made from raw elderberry fruit, flowers, or leaves. ...
- Interactions. If you take any drugs or supplements regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using elderberry supplements. ...
Is elderberry really an effective cold and flu cure?
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.
Can elderberry be taken daily?
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.
Does elderberry have side effects?
Common side effects of Elderberry include: Nausea/vomiting (consumption of raw berries) Weakness. Dizziness.
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 ).
What is the best time to take elderberry?
The benefits seem to be greatest when started within 24 to 48 hours after the symptoms begin. One study found that elderberry could cut the duration of flu symptoms by more than 50%.
Does elderberry reduce weight?
Researchers found that elderberry juice along with asparagus extract helps to lose weight. They found it also improved blood pressure, mental and physical states. Another study found that eating elderberries was beneficial to obese people. According to the study, it reduces inflammation and improves blood flow.
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 elderberry good for sleep?
Taken when your immune system is challenged and you need a restful night's sleep, our Black Elderberry NightTime Syrup has a great taste and will help you rest easy. It's made with Certified Organic Black Elderberries and Grindelia for immune support, plus Lemon Balm and California Poppy to support restful sleep.
What are the benefits of elderberries?
Not only are they nutritious, but they may also help address cold and flu symptoms, support heart health, and fight inflammation and infections, among other benefits .
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.
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 many calories are in elderberries?
Elderberries are a low calorie food packed with antioxidants. 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. Trusted Source. ).
What is the bark of a flower used for?
Historically, the flowers and leaves have been used for pain relief, swelling, inflammation, stimulating the production of urine, and inducing sweating. The bark was used as a diuretic, a laxative, and to induce vomiting ( 1. Trusted Source. ).
Is elderberry a low calorie food?
Therefore, servings can vary in their nutrition ( 4, 8 ). Summary. Elderberries are a low calorie food packed with vitamin C, dietary fiber and antioxidants in the form phenolic acids, flavonols, and anthocyanins. The flowers are particularly rich in flavonols.
What is elderberry syrup?
1. Provides Cold and Flu Relief. One of the most well-studied elderberry syrup benefits is its powerful immune-boosting properties. The berries contain chemical compounds called anthocyanidins, which are known to have immunostimulant effects.
What is the most common type of elderberry?
In addition to black elderberry, there are several other varieties available as well. Some of the most common include: Black lace elderberry . Red elderberry.
How long does elderberry syrup last?
Travelers using this herb from 10 days before travel until four to five days after arrival overseas experienced, on average, a two-day short er duration of their colds as well as a noticeable reduction in cold symptoms. Several studies have found benefits to support the use of elderberry syrup for flu symptoms as well.
How long does elderberry extract help with flu?
When used within the first 48 hours of onset of symptoms, the extract may even help relieve and shorten the duration of cold and flu symptoms as well. For this reason, the government actually employed the use of elderberry to fight the flu during the 1995 Panama flu epidemic.
What are the different types of elderberries?
In addition to black elderberry, there are several other varieties available as well. Some of the most common include: 1 Black lace elderberry 2 Red elderberry 3 Adams elderberry 4 Lemon lace elderberry 5 Black beauty elderberry 6 Blue elderberry 7 York elderberry
What is the essential oil in York Elderberry?
York elderberry. European elder flowers contain approximately 0.3 percent of an essential oil composed of free fatty acids and alkanes. The triterpenes alpha- and beta-amyrin, ursolic acid, oleanolic acid, betulin, betulinic acid and a variety of other minor components have been identified.
Is elderberry edible?
Despite the many health benefits associated with this medicinal plant, there are several elderberry side effects to consider as well. Ripe, cooked berries from most of the Sambucus species are edible.
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.
What is the effect of elderberry on urine?
Diuretics are drugs that can increase the speed of the process of the formation of urine. Studies have shown that elderberry, or Sambucus had a natural diuretic effect. diuretic is a substance that promotes the production of urine. Doctors prescribe diuretics when the body retains too much fluid, which is a common problem in older adults.
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 the size of an elderberry?
Elderberry has flocking natural fruit color changes ranging from green, red, and then went black when ripe. It has small size of round fruits with a diameter of only 3-5 mm. Raw elderberries consist of 80% water, 18% carbohydrates, and less than 1% of protein and fat.
What Is An Elderberry?
Elderberries, also known as black elderberry, elderberry plant, or Sambucus nigra, are a fruit that is found in temperate regions of the world, including North America, Europe. They are known for their deep purple-black color, which is where they get the name “black elderberry”.
The History of Elderberry Supplementation
Sambucus Nigra has been used for a variety of purposes for centuries, with most originating in Europe. In fact, it is thought that the first use was to help heal wounds and as an antiseptic due to its antibacterial properties.
The Modern Take on Elderberry Health Benefits
Today, modern medicine has discovered that elderberry can help you with anything from a cold to allergies and even ulcers. We'll touch on just a few below.
Why Add Elderberries to Your Diet
Why choose elderberry? After all, what can this tart treat of Sambucus Nigra do for you?
Best Ways to Enjoy Elderberries
There are a number of different ways that you can take elderberry, including fresh, as juice, as a jam or an extract, as a syrup, or in tea! We go into our favorites below (with one bonus at the end!).
A Key Part of the New Amla Green Immunity Formula!
Did you know that elderberries are a key part of the new Amla Green Immunity Formula? It's true, and elderberry joins the list of powerful ingredients such as vitamin D, amla, zinc, and green tea extract that are all part of the blend.
1. May Protect Against Colds and Flus
Elderberry is a popular supplement that’s commonly used to fight off colds and flus. Elderberry’s immune-boosting properties have been proven out through a variety of clinical trials.
2. May Have Antiviral Activity
Sambucus nigra has powerful antiviral activity, especially against a wide range of influenza viruses. It works by reducing hemagglutination and thus helps to reduce virus replication.
3. May Have Antibacterial Activity
In vitro research has shown that Elderberry extract has antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive bacteria of Streptococcus pyogenes and group C and G Streptococci, and the Gram-negative bacterium Branhamella catarrhalis.
4. May Have Anti-Inflammatory Activity
Macrophages play a key role in your immune system. They work by engulfing foreign matter (microbes, etc…) and removing them from your system. Macrophages also work to promote inflammation within the body.
5. May Have Antioxidant Properties
Antioxidants are substances that can help to protect the body from free radicals, which have been shown to contribute to a variety of diseases and health conditions.
Elderberry Dosing
There are a variety of different forms for Elderberry, we’ll hit on the main forms along with their best dosage.
Elderberry Safety
No reported side effects. Unripe elderberries or improperly prepared elderberry preparations can cause adverse side effects including diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
What is elderberry used for?
Elderberry is used to make wine, jam, and syrup. Some people also use it as a pie filling. iStock. If you’ve slogged through a cold or flu recently, you’re probably familiar with elderberry. The popular virus fighter grows on a shrub (though you’ll also hear it called an elderberry tree) and is a member of the Adoxaceae family.
What is the origin of elderberry?
While elderberry has prehistoric roots, its reputation as a healer may originate with the “father of medicine,” Hippocrates, who called elderberry his “medicine chest” back in 400 BCE. (3) In the Middle Ages, elderberry was called a Holy Tree, believed to have the ability to preserve health and lengthen one’s life.
How much sugar is in a cup of elderberry wine?
One cup has about 150 calories and 34 grams of sugar (much of this is natural from the fruit). It is a good source of potassium — 15 percent of your daily need in one serving. Elderberry wine is another option to get your fix.
What are edible berries used for?
These edible berries are most famous for their use as an antiviral agent in medicines, and they’re also used to make wine, jam, syrup, and even pie filling. (2) The plant's flowers can be eaten or steeped as tea, and elderflower liqueur has been made for centuries.
What is the best plant to take when you're sick?
There are several antiviral plants you can turn to when you’re looking to stay well. Echinacea is perhaps the best known, and it may be helpful when you’re sick. When taken after you come down with a cold, it may help cut the number of days you’re ill. ( 10)
What are the medicinal uses of berries?
All the parts of the plant were believed to be medicinal, including its leaves and bark, and were used in treatment for pain, as an anti-inflammatory, for toothaches, fevers, and more. (4) The berries were also a prized food source of Native North American groups. (2)
Can elderberry be taken while pregnant?
And while some trials have shown that elderberry is effective against the flu, that data is culled from a small number of people, and more research is needed. As it stands, researchers say, doctors should not tell their pregnant patients to take elderberry for upper respiratory infections. ( 9)
What is elderberry used for?
The berries are used to make medicine. Do not confuse elderberry with American Elder, Elderflower, or Dwarf Elder. Some people take elderberry by mouth for the common cold, flu (influenza), and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Cooked elderberries are used for making wine and tea, and also pies, ...
How long does it take for elderberry to lower cholesterol?
Early research shows that taking capsules containing dried elderberry three times daily for 2 weeks does not reduce cholesterol levels in people with high cholesterol.
How long is elderberry extract safe to take?
When taken by mouth: Elderberry is LIKELY SAFE when used in amounts found in foods. Elderberry extract is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth for up to 12 weeks. There isn't enough reliable information to know if it is safe to use elderberry extract for more than 12 weeks.
How long does elderberry juice help with flu?
Flu (influenza). A specific elderberry juice syrup seems to reduce flu symptoms when taken within 48 hours of the first symptoms. But some research shows that it might not be helpful in some people, such as those with lung conditions or children under 12 years of age.
Does elderberry help with immune system?
Elderberry can increase the immune system. Taking elderberry along with some medications that decrease the immune system might decrease the effectiveness of medications that decrease the immune system.
Is elderberry safe for children?
There isn't enough reliable information to know if it is safe for children younger than 12 years of age to take elderberry. Pregnancy and breast -feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if elderberry is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Can elderberries be used for colds?
Cooked elderberries are used for making wine and tea, and also pies, jellies, and jams. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): While elderberry may have some benefit for the common cold and flu, there is no good evidence to support using it for COVID-19. Follow healthy lifestyle choices and proven prevention methods instead.
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.
