Elderberry-The berries are used to make medicine. Do not confuse elderberry with American Elder, Elderflower, or Dwarf Elder. Elderberry is used for the common cold, “the flu” (influenza), and H1N1 “swine” flu. … Elderberry fruit is also used for making wine and as a food flavoring.
“USED TO HELP FIGHT THE FLU”
Colds and Flu
Elderberry juice syrup has been used for centuries as a home remedy to treat the cold and flu, both of which are caused by a virus. The syrup is believed to reduce the severity and duration of the infection if taken within 48 hours of the first symptoms. Some preliminary evidence from small studies supports this claim.
Constipation
Drinking tea made from dried elderberry may aid in the treatment of constipation. This laxative effect is attributed to a compound in elderberry known as anthraquinone.
Also found in rhubarb and senna, anthraquinone inhibits the absorption of water in the intestines.6 This increases the intestinal pressure, stimulating muscle contractions (peristalsis) to promote clearance of the bowel.
Although there is little medical literature related to elderberry’s laxative properties, it appears to be safe when used for up to five days.
“ELDERBERRY WAS USED BY NATIVE AMERICANS TO HELP FIGHT THE COMMON COLD”
Pain Relief
Anthocyanins are known to reduced inflammation. Those in elderberry do so by inhibiting the production of nitric oxide by the body’s immune cells.8
Nitric oxide serves as a signaling molecule that triggers inflammation in response to injury or disease.9 By tempering this response, pain and swelling may be relieved.
Topical elderberry tinctures and salves have long been used in folk medicine to treat dental pain, cuts, bruises, and burns. There are even some who claim that elderberry syrup can treat sciatica and other forms of neuropathic pain.
Unfortunately, there have been few studies investigating elderberry’s anti-inflammatory or analgesic (pain-relieving) benefits in humans.
Possible Side Effects
Ripe, cooked elderberry fruit is considered safe if consumed in moderation. The overconsumption of elderberries may cause diarrhea, stomach ache, and abdominal cramping due to their laxative effects. If elderberry is used for medicine, only ripe or dried berries should be used.
Certain parts of the elderberry plant (including the leaves, root, bark, and stems) contain a type of poison known as a cyanogenic glycoside. Even unripe berries contain trace amounts of this, which, if chewed, can release cyanide into the body.11 Elderberries must be cooked before consuming, as the raw berries can also make you ill.
Poisoning from elderberries is rarely life-threatening but may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, numbness, abdominal distention, and difficulty breathing. Call your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms after consuming an elderberry extract or unripe fruit.
I
What to Look For
Elderberry-based medications are classified as dietary supplements by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Under this classification, they are not meant to be sold or marketed as a treatment for any medical condition. Because supplements are not required to undergo rigorous research or testing, they can vary significantly in quality.
To ensure quality and safety, only buy supplements that have certified by an independent certifying body, such as the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), NSF International, or ConsumerLab.
