Helps Fight the Flu
You know you need to wash your hands constantly, especially in flu season. But there is some nonhuman research that suggests elderberry can act as another defense against illness.
Prevents the Common Cold
For traveling by air, you may want to stock up on elderberry.
Guards Against Other Infections
Improves Metabolic Health
This research was done in animals, so elderberry should not be considered a substitute for current treatments for these conditions.
Side effects of uncooked berries include nausea or vomiting. Always talk to your doctor first, especially if you’re on any prescription medication, such as blood pressure medications (elderberry products may lower blood pressure, compounding the effect of the drug), on chemotherapy (elderberry may increase the risk of side effects), or if you have been diagnosed with diabetes (they may alter insulin secretion). These are just a few of the conditions that elderberry may interact with, so it’s critical that your doctor knows everything you’re taking, including natural supplements. If you’re pregnant, you may consider turning to elderberry extracts, juice, or supplements rather than conventional medications, but it’s not known yet if it’s safe. When researchers reviewed the literature on elderberry, they found that there weren’t enough clinical trials on the safety of elderberry in pregnancy. You can also buy elderberry jelly, jam, and wine online and in some stores. The taste is sweet and tart and, overall, enjoyable.
Elderberry Supplements
Elderberry gummies are tasty, but they do have added sugar. When you’re buying elderberry, you’ll frequently find supplements that include a mix of elderberry and the potential immune boosters zinc and vitamin C (Nature’s Way Sambucus is one example). Other supplements may include only elderberry as the active ingredient. Choose the formula that suits your needs the best, and read the ingredients label to know what active and inactive components each contains. Like other vitamins, these should be stored in a cool, dry place. (Just remember: There’s no proof that elderberry supplements are safe and beneficial.)
Elderberry Jam
Certain country stores and online outlets sell elderberry jelly and jam; use and store it as you would other jellies and jams. You can also buy elderberry concentrate that can be added to water. (Wyldewood Cellars and Vitacost are two online sellers.)
Elderberry Juice
You can find elderberry juice online — Biotta Naturals has one. Note that for elderberry juice to be tasty and not too tart, sugar is added to the mix. One cup has about 150 calories and 34 grams (g) of sugar (much of this is natural sugar from the fruit).
Elderberry Wine
While it’s unclear whether wine offers the same potential benefits of elderberry extract, elderberry in this form also exists. You can find elderberry wine at some wineries and their associated online stores, where the winemakers may feature wine made from only elderberries or blends with other berries. Elderberry wine is vibrantly fruity and sips like a port. If you’re really into getting your hands dirty, you can make elderberry wine at home; there are several YouTube how-to videos available.
