Many people are turning to elderberry as a flu and cold treatment and natural immunity booster. Interest in elderberry lozenges, syrups and gummies has pushed the fruit to become the top-selling herbal supplement ingredient in mainstream retail outlets in the United States in 2020. Sales more than doubled each year from 2018 to 2020.
Before you head out to buy elderberry remedies at your local pharmacy, it's important to know what the research says about their effectiveness. We've put together this guide to help residents at The Gardens at Barry Road learn more about elderberry and whether it can help fend off viruses during the winter flu season in Missouri.
Elderberry is the fruit of a small flowering tree or shrub commonly known as the European elder or black elder. The shiny, dark purple, blue or black-colored berry grows in clusters and has a tart taste. Elder trees are native to Europe and North America, and also grow in Asia and North Africa.
The elderberry has been used in traditional medicine for centuries for its therapeutic properties. As early as 400 BCE, Hippocrates — credited as the father of modern medicine — considered the elder tree his "medicine chest." Elderberry is believed to help with a variety of ailments including influenza, colds, congestion, sore throat, constipation, diarrhea and upset stomach.
At this time, there's not enough scientific research to confirm that elderberry supplements can help treat flu and colds. A few preliminary studies suggest that elderberry helps reduce the duration of flu symptoms and upper respiratory infections, but these trials are limited in number and scope. For example:
In contrast, a more recent trial focused on patients with moderate to severe flu symptoms, found no evidence that elderberry benefits the severity or duration of influenza. As noted by ConsumerLab.com, without enough clinical research to confirm these different findings, it's difficult to know whether elderberry supplements work, and what amount of the herb is most effective.
While there's limited research into elderberry as a cold and flu treatment, elderberries do rank high in nutritional value. Similar to superfoods such as blueberries and cranberries, they can help fill in vitamin deficiencies in a diet.
Elderberries are packed with vitamins A and C, as well as calcium, potassium, magnesium and antioxidants. They're also rich in phenolics, flavonols and anthocyanins, all of which are known for their antioxidant properties.
Elderberry remedies can be purchased in pharmacies, supermarkets and health food stores in Kansas City, usually in the dietary supplement aisle. You can also purchase elderberry products online from manufacturers and Amazon.
Always consult your doctor before adding any supplements to your diet, and be sure to follow dosage instructions on the package as each product has different concentrations of elderberry juice or extract.
A variety of elderberry supplements are available if you want to keep some on hand in your assisted living apartment:
Elderberries can be used like any other fruit to make jam, pie filling, juice and cordials, but it's important to know they should only be consumed when cooked. Elderberry contains cyanic glucosides, which can cause digestive problems such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea if eaten raw. Heat neutralizes this toxin, also found in the seeds, bark and leaves of the elder tree.
No research indicates elderberry can prevent flu and colds. According to the CDC, the best way to protect yourself against flu is an annual flu vaccine. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water and avoid being near people who are sick.
If you do get sick, ask your health care provider if elderberry supplements are recommended, and seek help if your symptoms worsen.
