Elderberry is an herbal supplement that has been used medicinally for centuries. Its popularity continues today. If you’ve ever searched the drugstore aisles for vitamins or natural remedies during cold and flu season, you’ve probably noticed how common elderberry appears as a key ingredient.
Elderberry can be found in everything from throat lozenges and cough syrups to teas and juice shots to gummies, capsules and more.
But what is elderberry good for? Here’s what you need to know about the benefits and uses of elderberry.
What is elderberry good for?
Elderberries, the dark purple or black fruits of the black elderberry (from the Sambucus tree family), have a long history of use in folk and natural medicine. Elderberry contains high levels of antioxidants, vitamin A and vitamin C and is touted as a natural way to support immune health, fight infections and relieve cold and flu symptoms.
What Symptoms Does Elderberry Treat?
Fighting infections, improving immune health and relieving cold or flu symptoms has long been the main focus of elderberry supplementation. However, people have turned to elderberry supplements as a natural way to treat a range of other symptoms or conditions, including:
- Sinus infections
- Headache and toothache
- Chronic fatigue
- Hay fever
- Constipation
- High cholesterol
While there is no scientific evidence to date to support all of these uses, there is research to support some of the potential benefits of elderberry.
A Study from 2004 found that elderberry syrup helped reduce flu symptoms in patients with influenza A and B by about four days. a Study from 2016 found that elderberry supplementation reduced the duration and severity of colds and upper respiratory symptoms in international air travelers. And a 2018 meta-analysis found that research appears to support elderberry as an effective method to help treat the symptoms of upper respiratory infections
What are the benefits of taking elderberry?
Research appears to support elderberry supplementation as a way to help reduce symptoms of colds, flu, and upper respiratory infections. However, doctors warn that this should not be a substitute for preventive measures such as flu vaccines.
But as part of a holistic approach to immune health, elderberry has a number of health benefits. Studies have suggested that this may be due to elderberry’s apparent immunity-supporting properties and compounds.
The flavonoids in elderberries can support improved immune system function and help prevent infections. These include anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid with powerful antioxidant properties. Anthocyanins have several health benefits, including helping regulate the body’s immune system, lowering blood pressure, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, preventing neurological disorders and slowing the growth of cancer.
Elderberries have antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce swelling, pain and inflammation associated with various diseases and infections and support overall immune function. Elderberry supplementation may help reduce the inflammatory symptoms associated with several autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Their anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce inflammation in the airways, clearing congestion and mucus buildup.
In general, elderberry supplements are considered safe and side effects are relatively rare, but it is always best to consult a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement regimen. But for many, elderberry supplementation can be a natural way to support immune health during cold and flu season, and all year round.
Learn more about the best elderberry supplementand see if it’s something for you!
