Elderberry - Side Effects and Benefits

The Berries of Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)
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Botanical Name of Elderberry: Sambucus nigra
Other Common Names:
Black elder, black-berried European elder, European elder, boor tree, bountry, elder, ellanwood, ellhorn, German elder.

Habitat:
Europe and North America.

Plant Description:
Elderberry is a shrub or small tree, between 3-10 Meters (10 - 30 feet) high. The bark is light brown at the bottom of the trunk and becoming gray-white higher up. The leaves are opposite, odd-pinnate, the leaflets ovate, acuminate, finely serrated, and dark green. White to yellow white flowers which develop into the fruit, berries that turn from green through red-brown to shiny black.

Plant Parts Used:
Generally speaking, the entire plant is used either for medicine or food.

Elderberry Supplements

Elderberry Extract (425 mg)
by Vitabase

Therapeutic Uses, Benefits and Claims of Elderberry

Elderberry was used by Native Americans to treat infection.
Elderberry is most commonly used to treat the runny nose and sore throat of the common cold and to help to reduce the fever, muscle pain, and other symptoms of the flu.

The Medicinal Herb Elderberry
(Sambucus nigra)

This herb is an effective detoxifier and is believed to help clear infections such as acne, boils, and skin rashes. Elderberries are employed in lotions as a general astringent for the skin.
A study in humans suggests that an extract of elderberries is an effective treatment for influenza. Elder flowers are classically used for colds, flu, and fevers, as they contain strong diaphoretic and cooling activity. Recently, scientists who tested a standardized extract of the berry found that it caused a significant improvement in symptoms of the flu within two to three days.
It is used as an herbal remedy for constipation. Elderberry is also commonly used in Europe as a mild laxative and diuretic, suggesting that elderberries may also benefit kidney health.
Elderberry has been reported to have beneficial effects when used with antibiotics to treat sinus infection.
For high cholesterol sufferers, an early study reports that Elderberry juice may decrease serum cholesterol concentrations and increase low-density lipoprotein also known as “Bad Cholesterol”.
Anti-aging properties may be in elderberries. Recent research carried out at Tufts University has revealed that elderberry contains four anthocyanins that work to protect endothelial cells, which line artery walls, from oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
It is used as an herbal remedy to boost the immune system. Black elderberries encourage a healthy immune reaction against undesired organisms that induce flu-like symptoms. Black elderberries antioxidant and immune enhancing properties may have a beneficial effect on the body’s normal response to influenza viruses A and B. The berries like most berries from other plants are loaded with antioxidant flavonoids.
Elderberries contain anthocyanin flavonoids which are particularly noted for their free radical quenching activity throughout the cardiovascular system.

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Dosage and Administration

For liquid elderberry extract: The liquid Elderberry extract should be taken in amounts of 5 ml (for children) to 10 ml (for adults) twice per day, and can be mixed with other juices.
Elderberry tea: To make the tea, boil 3-5 grams of the dried flowers in 250 ml (1 cup) boiling water for ten to fifteen minutes. You may drink this tea 3 times per day.
Elderberry bark or root bark: Bark and root bark should be used fresh. Use 1 level tsp. Bark or root bark to 1/2 cup boiling water. Take no more than 1 cup a day, a mouthful at a time.

Elderberry usually comes in tinctures, liquid extracts, lozenges, syrups, standardized extract capsules, and throat sprays. As with any medication or herbal supplement, follow dosage directions on labels.

Potential Side Effects of Elderberry

The fresh elderberry plant is poisonous and should not be ingested without cooking it first. The raw berries are edible but may cause nausea and/or vomiting.

When used properly, there are no known side effects or reactions to the elderberry plant nor have maximum safety levels been officially established.

Some people have reported dizziness and even stupor when taking elderberry as a laxative.

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