Elderberry syrup (2024)

FAQs

Does elderberry syrup actually work? ›

Colds and Flu

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.

Amounts and Dosage

Nevertheless, research has shown that 15 milliliters of elderberry syrup, taken three to five times per day, is sufficient for resolving cold symptoms if taken early enough. SOURCES: Annual Review of Food Science and Technology: “Anthocyanins: natural colorants with health-promoting properties.”

Are There Elderberry Side Effects? There is a downside to consuming too much elderberry, and that is an upset stomach. Just like with any high fiber fruit, eating too much can cause stomach pain, upset stomach, and diarrhea.

The effects of elderberry on the immune system are still being studied, but its antioxidant properties show promise. Elderberry contains a protein called hemagglutinin that may prevent a virus from causing infection and may stop viruses from spreading, which could reduce the duration of the time you feel sick.

Elderberry Risks

Opinions vary on whether elderberry is helpful, but most doctors believe it's safe to have in small doses. But unripe or uncooked berries or flowers from the plant can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Larger amounts can cause even more serious poisoning.

Elderberry can generally be consumed at any time of day—in the morning, at night, or in between. Since it's a food itself, you could take Elderberry on an empty stomach if it seems to work for you. It can also be taken with food.

The most popular way to use fresh elderberries is to cook them into a syrup or extract used to support your immune system. With this step-by-step homemade elderberry syrup recipe, you can make your own tincture whenever you want to give your immune system a little extra TLC.

Elderberry syrup (ES) a herbal extract of the Sambucus tree is used to boost the immunity when treating respiratory illnesses (common cold & influenza). ES activates pro-inflammatory cytokines(such as IL 1b, IL 6, IL 8, & TNF alpha), which provoke toxic liver changes leading to Drug-induced liver injury (DILI).

What is the best elderberry syrup? ›

Nature's Way Standardized Elderberry Syrup is a good option if you're looking for an effective and tasty elderberry product that even kids will love. Elderberry syrup is derived from berries from varieties of the Sambucus tree. The most popular variety used for syrups is Sambucus nigra, which is native to Europe.

Elderberry extract is possibly safe when taken for up to 12 weeks. There isn't enough reliable information to know if it is safe to use for longer than 12 weeks. It is possibly unsafe to consume elder leaves or stems, or unripe or uncooked elderberries.

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.

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 ).

“While studies have yet to show a direct connection between elderberry and chronic lung conditions, elderberry does contain quercetin, which is a flavonoid and antioxidant that's known to support lung function, especially in those who suffer from asthma and chronic obtrusive pulmonary disease (COPD),” Jones explained.

May improve cold and flu symptoms

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 ).

All elderberry products available in the US (most contain black elderberry) are considered herbal supplements; they are not FDA-approved for any indication. As with all herbal supplements, the potency and purity of elderberry products is unknown.

The humble elderberry is considered to be quite the superfood. It was first used by early indigenous people of the Americas to brew up heady concoctions to boost the immune system, detox and cleanse the body, reduce inflammation, and to treat fevers, cold, and flu too.

The most potent form of elderberry is raw elderberry syrup (Dr. Mobley suggests syrup made with organic, fresh-pressed elderberries). The syrup is absorbed most quickly by the body—whereas if you take elderberry gummies, capsules, lozenges, or teas, they're less potent and/or take longer for the body to digest.