Elderberry for Colds and Flu

I have used and recommended Elderberry extracts for several years. Elderberries are a fruit of the Sambucus tree known as Sambucus Nigra. The Common elderberry grows throughout most of the United States.

It's a really versatile plant that thrives in a variety of conditions, but it loves areas with lots of moisture and nitrogen. The Sambucus tree/bush can be found in most of the United States and other parts of the world. It can grow in a variety of conditions but especially likes moisture so look for it along streambanks, in damp woods, open fields, old homestead sites, and power line cuts. Surprisingly the seeds, stems, leaves and roots of the Black Elder are all poisonous to humans. They contain a cyanide-inducing glycoside. Eating a sufficient quantity of these cyanide-inducing glycosides can cause a toxic buildup of cyanide in the body and make you quite ill. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and even coma. Cooking the berries destroys the glycosides present in the seeds, making the berries with their seeds safe to eat. Interestingly, research indicates that exposing elderberry to heat actually concentrates the polyphenols and anthocyanin's. For this reason, we recommend using a supplement that is made from the extract or juice of the fruit. I typically use Nature’s Way Black Elderberry Capsules, or syrup. I prefer capsules for the cost effectiveness but syrup is also a tasty option.

Elderberry contains potent antioxidants and may help prevent viral illness by promoting the immune system. Multiple systemic reviews and clinical trials have shown that Elderberry extracts may help decrease the duration, and severity of cold and flu symptoms. Elderberry extracts may help manage symptoms of influenza and other respiratory viruses. One study on effects of Elderberry syrup on patients with influenza showed that those taking elderberry supplement had improved symptoms such as fever, body aches, quality of sleep, and congestion. Elderberry syrup also reduced the duration of illness by 3-4 days as compared to placebo. One of those studies can be read here.

It is best to start this within 48 hours of symptom onset. As always, please consult with your doctor.

I have used Elderberry during cold/flu season for many years combined with my usual supplements. There has been some controversy regarding the effect of Elderberry with the Covid-19 virus. Covid-19 can cause the immune system to become too heightened, what we call a cytokine storm. This in thought to be part of the reason why Covid-19 can be very severe in some people. It is still unknown whether Elderberry extract may then induce an increased immune response during Covid infection and potentially exacerbate or cause a cytokine storm. In severe cases, cytokine storm can lead to increase risk of complications during Covid-19 infection including acute respiratory distress syndrome and multi-organ damage. For this reason, we do not recommend use of Elderberry extract in the case of Covid-19 infection.