Health Benefits of Elderberry Syrup (2024)

Elderberry syrup is made from berries of the Sambucus tree that’s native to Europe. The sour-tasting berries are commonly used to make jelly, pie, and wine, but they've also been a staple of folk medicine for hundreds if not thousands of years.

Elderberry syrup is known as a powerful cold preventative and remedy. Just one cup of berries contains about 58% of the recommended daily value of vitamin C. It’s also a great source of antioxidants — which may protect your cells from damage and help prevent heart disease and cancer.

Health Benefits

Modern science has corroborated many of the claims made about elderberry syrup in traditional medicine. The fruit is low in calories and full of dietary fiber, which helps digestion, and it’s also a great source of important nutrients for the immune system.

In addition, elderberry syrup can benefit your health in a number of other ways, such as:

Constipation

Elderberry was one of the main ingredients used in a clinical trial of possible treatments for constipation. The treatment that included elderberry proved to be an effective laxative, but more research is needed to see whether elderberry would have the same effect when taken in isolation.

Cold Treatment

Elderberry is much touted in traditional medicine as an effective cold remedy. Various studies have been done on this and have corroborated many of these claims. For example, in a major study of air travelers who experienced cold symptoms during or after their trips, people who used elderberry had marked reductions in both the length and severity of their illnesses.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Elderberry contains anthocyanin — which, in addition to giving elderberry its characteristic dark purple color, acts as a powerful, anti-inflammatory antioxidant. Anthocyanin reduces the damage that oxidative stress can cause when free radicals are metabolized in the body.

Health Risks

Raw elderberry — and also the seeds, leaves, and stem of the tree itself — can be toxic. The berries should be cooked thoroughly before eating or being turned into syrup, and no other part of the tree should be eaten.

Some people experience a range of side effects from consuming raw or cooked elderberry syrup, including:

Diarrhea

Elderberry needs to be properly prepared before you consume it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that in 1983, several people were inadvertently sickened after eating raw elderberry juice at a gathering in California. Though they all recovered quickly, at least one person was hospitalized and many others experienced diarrhea, nausea, and other digestive trouble.

Kidney Health

Elderberry is known to act as a diuretic and may interfere with medications that are used to increase urination. Someone who is already using medication for this reason, or is already taking a diuretic, should consult with a doctor before taking elderberry syrup.

Diabetes

A person who is living with diabetes should also consult with a doctor before using elderberry syrup. If you take antidiabetic drugs, the use of elderberry products could potentially cause interactions with the medications.

Amounts and Dosage

There’s no universally acknowledged recommendation of elderberry syrup that you should consume in a day. Individual elderberry products have their own manufacturer-recommended dosages that should be adhered to. 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.

Health Benefits of Elderberry Syrup (2024)

FAQs

Health Benefits of Elderberry Syrup? ›

Elderberry syrup is known as a powerful cold preventative and remedy. Just one cup of berries contains about 58% of the recommended daily value of vitamin C. It's also a great source of antioxidants — which may protect your cells from damage and help prevent heart disease and cancer.

Is it OK to take elderberry syrup everyday? ›

Elderberry supplements seem to have few risks when used daily for up to five days. The safety of its long-term use is unknown. Risks. Never eat or drink any product made from raw elderberry fruit, flowers, or leaves.

Does elderberry syrup detox your body? ›

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.

Who should not take elderberry? ›

Elderberry appears to have few side effects when used properly for short periods of time (up to 5 days). Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take elderberry. If you have an autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, ask your doctor before taking elderberry, as it may stimulate the immune system.

Should I take elderberry in the morning or at night? ›

Although there is no specific time of day to take elderberry, you'll maximize its benefits by using it consistently on a regular basis. You can choose whether to use it morning, afternoon or evening. It may be best to use elderberry for short periods of time to support healthy immune function, and then take a break.

Is elderberry good for kidneys? ›

Administration of Elderberry is standard folk medicine for difficulties relating to kidney and urine, in addition to cold and cough symptoms caused by inflammation. It also suggested that about 500 milligrams per day of elderberry extract for about 12 weeks is safe and can help with kidney and urinary problems.

How long does it take elderberry to boost immune system? ›

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 ).

Can elderberry lower blood pressure? ›

Elderberries may be beneficial for the heart, as they have been associated with positive effects on blood pressure; the anthocyanin content increases the release of nitric oxide—which helps widen the blood vessels and improves blood flow, leading to a decrease in blood pressure.

Can elderberry overstimulate the immune system? ›

Conclusions. Elderberry may be a safe option for treating viral respiratory illness, and there is no evidence that it overstimulates the immune system.

Does elderberry heal the gut? ›

Incorporating elderberry into your diet can be a valuable strategy for supporting gut health. The combination of elderberry's nutritional profile, antioxidant content, and its impact on gut microbiota and gut inflammation make it a promising ally for maintaining a thriving digestive system.

How many days in a row can you take elderberry syrup? ›

Some of our customers take it year-round, others take it only when they are seeking to support their immune system. An adult serving is approximately one tablespoon and a child serving is approximately one teaspoon. You can take elderberry once a day or up to three times daily if needed.

What does elderberry do for your lungs? ›

“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.

Does elderberry affect the heart? ›

The berries and flowers of elderberry are packed with antioxidants and vitamins that may boost your immune system. They could help tame inflammation, lessen stress, and help protect your heart, too.

Do doctors recommend elderberry? ›

Elderberry is commonly used for the common cold, flu, high cholesterol, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses, with the possible exception of the flu.

Can elderberry help with weight loss? ›

Aid Weight Loss

Since elderberries are rich in fiber, they could improve satiety. Feeling full longer could aid your weight loss goals. In one study, participants that consumed elderberry juice enriched with elderflower saw an improvement in weight regulation.

Can you take elderberry syrup long term? ›

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.

Does taking elderberry everyday help your immune system? ›

The berries and flowers of elderberry are packed with antioxidants and vitamins that may boost your immune system. They could help tame inflammation, lessen stress, and help protect your heart, too. Some experts recommend elderberry to help prevent and ease cold and flu symptoms.

What is the best form of elderberry to take? ›

You can choose from many forms, such as capsules, teas, lozenges, liquids and gummies. If you struggle with swallowing, you may prefer lozenges or gummies, whereas if you prefer to consume your supplement as a warm drink, tea will suit you. For quick consumption, an elderberry extract or pills will be the way to go.

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