What is Elderberry Good For

by Zac Holzapfel

Traditionally, people have used elderberry, a type of fruit, for medicinal purposes. Many believe it offers a number of potential health benefits, including:

  1. Boosting the immune system: Elderberry is high in antioxidants, which may help to boost the immune system and protect against infections. Some studies have suggested that elderberry may be effective in reducing the severity and duration of cold and flu symptoms.
  2. Reducing inflammation: Elderberry may have anti-inflammatory properties, which means it may help to reduce swelling and inflammation in the body.
  3. Improving heart health: Some research suggests that elderberry can lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, potentially improving heart health.
  4. Supporting digestive health: Elderberry can promote regular bowel movements and improve digestive health because of its mild laxative effect.

 

People generally consider elderberries to be safe. It can interact with certain medications and may not be suitable for everyone. It's always a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider before adding any new supplement to your routine.

 

Antioxidants in Elderberry

Elderberry and elderberry extracts contain a number of antioxidants, including flavonoids, anthocyanins, and phenolic acids. These compounds reportedly protect the body against oxidative stress and free radicals. They can damage cells and contribute to the development of chronic diseases.

 

Flavonoids are a type of plant pigment that gives elderberries their deep purple color. They reportedly possess anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

There are many different types of flavonoids, including flavonols, flavones, flavanones, isoflavones, and anthocyanins. These compounds reportedly offer a number of potential health benefits, including:

  1. Antioxidant effects: Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants, which means they can help to protect the body against oxidative stress and free radicals. These are unstable molecules that can damage cells. They can contribute to the development of chronic diseases. Examples such as heart disease and cancer.
  2. Anti-inflammatory effects: Some flavonoids may have anti-inflammatory properties. This means they may help to reduce swelling and inflammation in the body.
  3. Cardiovascular health: Some research suggests that flavonoids may help to lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels. This may in turn help to improve heart health.
  4. Cognitive function: Some studies have suggested that flavonoids may have a protective effect on brain health. It may help to improve cognitive function.

Anthocyanins are another type of flavonoid found in elderberries. They are responsible for the fruit's deep red and purple colors, and may have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral properties.

 

Anthocyanins are a type of flavonoid that are found in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. Berries, grapes, and red, purple, and blue fruits and vegetables are some examples. They are responsible for the deep red and purple colors of these foods. They reportedly offer a number of potential health benefits.

Some of the potential health benefits of anthocyanins include:

  1. Antioxidant effects: Anthocyanins are powerful antioxidants, which means they can help to protect the body against oxidative stress and free radicals. These are unstable molecules that can damage cells. Can also contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
  2. Anti-inflammatory effects: Some studies have suggested that anthocyanins may have anti-inflammatory properties. This means they may help to reduce swelling and inflammation in the body.
  3. Cardiovascular health: Some research suggests that anthocyanins may help to lower blood pressure. It can improve cholesterol levels, which may in turn help to improve heart health. Lowering the risk of heart disease and heart attacks may significantly improve quality of life.
  4. Cognitive function: Some studies have suggested that anthocyanins may have a protective effect on brain health. This may help to improve cognitive function.

 

Phenolic acids are a type of organic compound found in plants. They reportedly have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It may help to protect against chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.

They reportedly offer a range of potential health benefits, including:

  1. Antioxidant effects: Phenolic acids are powerful antioxidants. This means they can help to protect the body against oxidative stress and free radicals. These are unstable molecules that can damage cells. It can contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
  2. Anti-inflammatory effects: Some phenolic acids may have anti-inflammatory properties. Which means they may help to reduce swelling and inflammation in the body.
  3. Cardiovascular health: Some research suggests that phenolic acids may help to lower blood pressure. It might improve cholesterol levels, which may in turn help to improve heart health.
  4. Cancer prevention: Some studies have suggested that phenolic acids may have anticancer properties. It may help to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.

 

Elderberry is also a good source of vitamin C. It is another powerful antioxidant that may help to boost the immune system and protect against oxidative stress.

Vitamin C has a number of important functions in the body, including:

  1. Supporting the immune system: Vitamin C is an important nutrient for the immune system. It may help to protect against infections and illnesses.
  2. Protecting against oxidative stress: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help to protect the body against oxidative stress and free radicals. These are unstable molecules that can damage cells. and contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
  3. Maintaining skin health: Vitamin C is important for the production of collagen. That is a protein that is essential for healthy skin, hair, and nails.
  4. Healing wounds: Vitamin C helps to support the production of collagen, which is important for wound healing.
  5. Absorbing iron: Vitamin C helps the body to absorb iron from the diet. Which is important for maintaining healthy red blood cells and preventing anemia.

 

Elderberry Side Effects

One of the most common side effects of elderberry is an allergic reaction. Elderberry is a member of the Sambucus plant family, also called sambucus nigra. Which also includes pollen-producing plants such as grasses and ragweed.

If you have allergies to these types of plants, you may be more likely to have an allergic reaction to elderberry. Allergic reactions to elderberry can include hives, rash, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. If you experience any of these symptoms after taking elderberry, stop using the supplement immediately and seek medical attention.

Elderberry may also cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea in some people. The natural laxative effect of elderberry is reportedly the cause. You may experience stomach upset or diarrhea after taking elderberry. You may want to reduce your dosage or stop using the supplement.

Elderberry may interact with certain medications, including blood thinners and immunosuppressants. Before using elderberry or any other supplement, check with your healthcare provider, especially if you're on prescription medications.

In rare cases, elderberries may cause cyanide poisoning. The presence of cyanogenic glycosides in the seeds and bark of the elderberry plant is believed to be the cause.

The seeds and bark of the elderberry plant contain a type of compound called cyanogenic glycosides. Ingesting these compounds can cause them to break down into hydrogen cyanide, a toxic substance that can lead to cyanide poisoning. Typically, this concern arises only if someone ingests the seeds or bark; the fruit itself is generally safe.

If you are concerned about cyanide poisoning from elderberry, there are a few steps you can take to reduce your risk:

  1. Avoid consuming the seeds or bark of the elderberry plant. The presence of cyanogenic glycosides in the seeds and bark of the elderberry plant likely causes this.
  2. You need to choose ripe elderberries. Ripe elderberries have a lower concentration of cyanogenic glycosides than unripe berries.
  3. Cook elderberries before consuming them. Cooking or boiling elderberries can help to reduce the levels of cyanogenic glycosides in the fruit.
  4. Use caution when using elderberry supplements. Some supplements may contain extracts from the seeds or bark of the elderberry plant. Which can contain higher levels of cyanogenic glycosides. Choose supplements made from the elderberry plant's fruit.
  1. People generally consider elderberries safe when taken in recommended doses. It is always a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider before taking any new supplement. Particularly if you have allergies or are taking prescription medications.

How to Make Elderberry Tea

Elderberry tea is a popular herbal tea that is made from the dried flowers and berries of the elderberry plant. 

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon dried elderberry flowers or berries
  • Honey or other sweetener (optional)

Elderberry Tea Recipe:

  1. Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a small saucepan.
  2. Add 1 tablespoon of dried elderberry flowers or berries to the pan.
  3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
  4. Strain the tea through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the elderberry flowers or berries.
  5. Add honey or other sweetener to taste, if desired.
  6. Enjoy your elderberry tea hot or chilled.

Elderberry Syrup Recipe

People make popular natural remedy elderberry syrup from the fruit of the elderberry plant. People believe it offers numerous potential health benefits. This includes boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation, and improving heart health. Here is a simple recipe for making elderberry syrup at home:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup dried elderberries
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
  • 1/2 cup honey

Instructions:

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the elderberries, water, cinnamon stick, and ginger (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes.
  2. Strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the elderberries, cinnamon stick, and ginger. Discard the solids.
  3. Return the syrup to the saucepan and add the honey. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
  4. Allow the syrup to cool, then transfer it to a clean jar or bottle. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

How to use the syrup, take 1-2 teaspoons per day as needed. You can add it to hot tea or water for a soothing drink.

 

Kid Friendly Elderberry Gummy Recipe

Elderberry gummies are a convenient and tasty way to get the potential health benefits of elderberry. Here is a simple recipe for making elderberry gummies at home:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup elderberry syrup
  • 2 tablespoons grass-fed gelatin
  • 1/4 cup water
  • Silicone gummy bear mold

Instructions:

  1. In a small saucepan, combine the elderberry syrup and gelatin. Stir to combine.
  2. Add the water and stir frequently over low heat until the gelatin fully dissolves.
  3. Pour the mixture into a silicone gummy bear mold and refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.
  4. Pop the gummies out of the mold and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

To use the gummies, take 1-2 gummies per day as needed. You can also adjust the recipe to make larger or smaller batches, depending on your needs.

Note that consuming elderberry in recommended amounts is generally considered safe. It can interact with certain medications and may not be suitable for everyone. It's always a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider before adding any new supplement to your routine.

Note that consuming elderberry in recommended amounts is generally considered safe. It can interact with certain medications and may not be suitable for everyone. It's always a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider before adding any new supplement to your routine.

References:

  • "Elderberry." Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 21 Dec. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-elderberry/art-20362763.
  • "Flavonoids." Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/phytochemicals/flavonoids.
  • "Anthocyanins." Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/phytochemicals/anthocyanins.
  • "Phenolic Acids." Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/phytochemicals/phenolic-acids.
  • "Vitamin C." Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 29 Mar. 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-vitamin-c/art-20363959.
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