Is Elderberry Good for You?

 

References to elderberry appear in history books, fairytales and even modern-day fiction–but does it deserve a place in your medicine cabinet? Knowledge of the healthful benefits of this ancient berry has been passed down for centuries. Historians say Hippocrates, the “father of medicine,” always kept it on hand, and records of its use as a health tonic date as far back as ancient Egypt. Researchers have even found evidence that our prehistoric ancestors may have cultivated elderberry. How’s that for earning your name?

 

Elderberries are the fruits of a flowering tree scientifically known as Sambucus, but the plant is more commonly called elder or elderberry. The berries are used throughout Europe for making dyes, elderberry extract, syrups, pies and a variety of beverages. Both the ripe berries and flowers of elderberry plants are used to make elderberry supplements and health tonics, but other parts of the elderberry plant (leaves, roots, seeds and stems) are toxic.

 

Wait, is it Elderberry Tree, or Elderberry Bush?

 

If you are researching the health benefits of elderberry, you will probably see the terms “elderberry tree” and “elderberry bush” used interchangeably. Officially, elderberry is a bush, but it can be pruned and trained into tree form and some European varieties can grow 20 feet tall.

 

There are many varieties of elderberry plants, but the type that is most frequently used in culinary and health applications is Sambucus nigra L. This species of elderberry plant has many common names worldwide, and we know it best as Black Elderberry. There are some species of elderberry plants that should not be consumed because of toxicity, like Sambucus emulous or dwarf elder.

 

Black Elderberry

 

Black elderberry is a time-honored, herbalist tradition for supporting immune health. It’s an excellent tonic for promoting the body’s natural defenses in everyday health and seasonal wellness. Elderberries are a source of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B-6, calcium, potassium and iron. They are also a potent source of carotenoid pigments or flavonoids with antioxidant properties, including quercetin, which help protect cells from oxidative damage. According to the University of Maryland Medical center, “elderberry outranks blueberries, cranberries, goji berries and blackberries in terms of total flavonol content.”

 

Elderberry is a concentrated source of anthocyanins, a particularly powerful class of antioxidant flavonoids that may boost immune health and help protect cells from damage.

 

Elderberry Benefits

 

Elderberry could be considered one of the western world's most essential and enduring herbals for promoting immune health. Numerous, modern studies have shown the immune health benefits of elderberry, and the bioflavonoids, antioxidants and vitamin A in elderberry are great for skin health, too. Compounds in elderberry may also help eliminate excess water from your system.

 

ELDERBERRY BENEFITS QUICK LIST:

 

• Immune Support

 

Many studies have highlighted the potential immune-boosting and health-promoting benefits of elderberry, and bioflavonoids may help strengthen cell membranes.

 

• Healthy Skin

 

The bioflavonoids, antioxidants and vitamin A in elderberry are great for skin health, helping to fight free radical damage which is one of the primary mechanisms of aging.

 

• Fluid Balance

 

Elderberry may also have a diuretic effect, helping to eliminate excess water from your system.

 

• Antioxidant Support

 

Elderberries are packed with antioxidant flavonoids, more so than many other berries that are antioxidant sources like blueberries, cranberries, goji berries and blackberries.

 

Elderberry Supplements

 

You can get the benefits of elderberries from supplements in many forms, including elderberry juice, elderberry tea, black elderberry syrup, elderberry supplement capsules and even elderberry gummies. There are also formulations of elderberry syrup for kids that often have vitamin C and zinc added for immune support as well.

 

Elderberry supplements deliver the beneficial properties of elderberries in a potent form. Most elderberry supplements are derived both from the berries and flower of the black elderberry plant. Some elderberry juices and syrups also include other fruit extracts, like red raspberry.

 

Most elderberry supplements formulated for adults contain other vitamins and minerals, like vitamin C and zinc, for additional immune support and overall wellbeing.

 

Where to Buy Elderberry

 

It’s best to buy elderberry from a company you trust. Ripe, black elderberries and flowers are safe to use in elderberry supplements and elderberry syurps.6 Plus, it’s important to know your elderberry supplement is prepared from a quality manufacturer following good manufacturing practices and testing requirements. 

 

If you are looking for where to buy elderberry, here are a few of our favorites available at Swanson:

 

Elderberry Extract, 100% natural

 

100% natural extract from elderberry (without added sugar). One of the most famous herbs in the Western world. 800 mg of pure elderberry (Black Elderberry) in each teaspoon!

 

Elderberry/Agaricus/Echinacea (Immune Support)

 

Benefits of Elderberries

 

Elderberry may sound like something right out of a fairytale, but it has a long history of supporting health and wellness, and plenty of modern, scientific studies backing its benefits for immune support and antioxidant capacity to protect the body from the effects of oxidative stress.

 

Elderberry may help reinforce your body’s natural defenses and provide a healthy, everyday or seasonal wellness boost.