Elderberry's therapeutic uses
Elderberry, derived from the plant Sambucus nigra, is recognized for its therapeutic uses, particularly in addressing respiratory illnesses such as colds and influenza. Historically, various cultures, including Indigenous Americans, have utilized elderberry in folk medicine to treat ailments ranging from respiratory infections to wounds. In modern herbal remedies, elderberry is often combined with echinacea and bee propolis to potentially boost the immune system and alleviate viral symptoms, with some studies indicating its effectiveness in reducing the duration and severity of influenza symptoms.
Research into elderberry's properties has suggested potential benefits for other health issues, including herpes and even support for HIV infection, though evidence remains limited. Additionally, elderberry’s high levels of vitamin C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants have led to discussions about its broader health implications, such as anti-inflammatory effects. Despite its popularity, the U.S. FDA has cautioned that claims regarding elderberry’s ability to improve immunity have not been substantiated.
Safety concerns are minimal, although certain parts of the elder plant are toxic if not processed correctly, and caution is advised for specific populations, including young children and pregnant women. Overall, while elderberry is widely embraced as a natural remedy, ongoing research is necessary to fully understand its therapeutic potential and safety profile.
Elderberry's therapeutic uses
- DEFINITION: Natural plant product used to treat specific health conditions.
- PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USES: Colds, influenza
- OTHER PROPOSED USES: Herpes, high cholesterol, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection support, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immune support, constipation, skin health
Overview
The berries of the plant Sambucus nigra are frequently made into beverages, pies, and preserves. Still, they have also been used to treat various afflictions in many different folk medicine traditions. Indigenous Americans used tea made from elderberry flowers to treat respiratory infections. They also used the leaves and flowers in poultices applied to wounds, and they used the bark, suitably aged, as a laxative. In the twenty-first century, elder fruit (elderberry) and elder flowers remain popular as an herbal remedy, though scientific research into its effectiveness is limited.
Therapeutic Dosages
Elderberry-flower tea is made by steeping 3 to 5 grams of dried flowers in 1 cup of boiling water for ten to fifteen minutes. A typical dosage is 1 cup three times daily. Standardized extracts should be taken according to the directions on the product’s label.
Therapeutic Uses
A product containing elderberry, small amounts of echinacea, and bee propolis has been widely marketed as a cold and flu remedy. Weak evidence suggests this mixture may stimulate the immune system and inhibit viral growth. In a preliminary double-blind study, this mixture was found to reduce symptoms and speed recovery from influenza A, the type of influenza for which flu shots are given. A few of the participants in this study had influenza B (a milder form of influenza), and the elderberry mixture also appeared to be helpful for them. Another preliminary double-blind study evaluated people with influenza B and also found benefits. As studies continued in the twenty-first century, they continued to find benefits in supplementing with elderberry during a cold or flu. A 2016 study, for example, found elderberry reduced the cold and flu symptoms of frequent air travelers. Another study in 2019 confirmed elderberry greatly reduced cold and flu symptoms.
Elderberry has also shown some preliminary promise for use in other viral infections, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and herpes. Based on promising results in an uncontrolled study, researchers performed a small, double-blind, placebo-controlled study on the potential benefits of elderberry for improving cholesterol levels. At the dose used, no benefits were evident.
During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, the public became interested in using over-the-counter herbal supplements to relieve respiratory symptoms and boost immunity, which included elderberry. While elderberry has been marketed to boost immunity from respiratory illnesses, the US Federal Drug Administration (FDA) issued warning letters to supplement producers stating that this has not been proven.
Some complementary and alternative medicine proponents suggest that elderberry could have various other health benefits. They point to the fruit's nutritional properties, such as its high vitamin C, dietary fiber, flavonol content, and antioxidant content. Research has suggested that antioxidants can have anti-inflammatory effects and may show promise in preventing or treating many diseases, such as diabetes and cancer. However, no conclusive evidence of such effects has been determined.
Safety Issues
Elderberry flowers are generally regarded as safe. Side effects are rare and consist primarily of occasional mild gastrointestinal distress or allergic reactions. Nonetheless, safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established.
Unlike the flowers, other parts of the elder plant contain a toxic substance similar to cyanide that is known to cause nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. This includes stems, leaves, and raw berries. Ripe berries that have been processed through cooking are considered safe.
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