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Respect Your Elders: The (Possible) Benefits of Elderberry

Elderberry isn’t a cure-all. Before you go rushing out to find the nearest elderberry tree, bear in mind that there’s limited research championing this plant. You’re unlikely to increase your antioxidant levels significantly by adding elderberry to your diet.

Plus, processing elderberries with heat or juicing them can reduce their antioxidant activity. Adding elderberry tea to your routine is unlikely to mirror the results seen in laboratory studies, many of which happened a while ago and involved rats and mice.

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 Can Elderberry Treat the Flu?

Some limited evidence suggests it might help reduce symptoms and duration, but it should never replace the flu vaccine or medical advice from your doctor. The available evidence on how elderberry might fight the flu is “spotty at best,” said Dr. Eric Ball, M.D., a pediatrician with C.H.O.C. Children’s at Mission Hospital in Orange County, Calif.

 People are drinking elderberry to treat cold and flu. Experts say think twice

Elderberry supplements — marketed for boosting the immune system — have become one of the most popular herbal supplements in the country.

Articles of Interest

A Plausible Association Between the Use of Elderberry and Autoimmune Hepatitis

Hepatic injury due to dietary and herbal supplements can often share similar clinical characteristics with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Sambucus species, commonly known as elderberry, have been used in traditional medicine for centuries to prevent and treat respiratory problems. Although there are no clear reports on the association of elderberry with AIH or drug-induced hepatitis, there have been concerns about negative health manifestations linked to elderberry and the overproduction of inflammatory cytokines.

Elderberry: Benefits and Dangers

Elderberry is one of the most commonly used medicinal plants in the world. It is most often taken as a supplement to treat cold and flu symptoms. However, the raw berries, bark, and leaves are poisonous.

Is Elderberry Really an Effective Cold and Flu Cure?

While past studies have shown promising results, the latest data says otherwise. 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.

The Most Delicious Way to Get Your Dose of Elderberry

Whether or not it actually aids immunity, elderberry certainly boosts the color and flavor of drinks. Infusing a gin with this vivid violet berry is an easy way to give your cocktails more charisma.

Why the market for elderberries is booming

Elderberries are pea-sized, a little sweet and a little tart. They're also packed with antioxidants and have become popular as a nutritional supplement touted as a way to minimize cold and flu symptoms.

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7 herbs that may help fight cold and flu

Ripe elderberries are loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants. Studies have found that elderberry syrup can help decrease the duration of cold and flu symptoms. Elderberry preparations can also reduce swelling in mucous membranes—and so relieve nasal and sinus congestion—and lessen sneezing, itchiness, and other symptoms of allergies. Use as a syrup or lozenge. Precaution: Unripe berries or products made from other plant parts should not be consumed. All contain dangerous compounds that may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, or confusion.

The Best Elderberry Supplements to Help Strengthen Your Immune System

Experts recommend elderberry supplements to strengthen your immune system. Here’s a look at the best elderberry vitamins, gummies and capsules.

NCCIH

Some preliminary research suggests that elderberry may relieve symptoms of flu or other upper respiratory infections.