Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is a native of Europe and Western and Central Asia and its medicinal properties have been appreciated for centuries. Its flowers, berries, leaves and bark were traditionally used for treating colds, flu, nasal congestion, sore throat, cough, hay fever, wounds, eye infections, muscle pain and many other ailments.

Elderberry boosts the immune system

Elderberry is a powerful herb with strong immune-stimulating properties and it is one of the most potent antiviral remedies known to man.

Both berries and flowers have a long history of use. The flowers are used to promote sweating and thus reducing fever. The berries are rich in vitamin C and a wide range of important flavonoids, including quercetin, anthocyanins and antioxidants.

As many of my clients know, I often prescribe elderberry extract or capsules, especially in the treatment of flu, influenza, sinus infections and other viral infections. Nowadays, the traditional use of elderberry is being supported by clinical studies which demonstrate its effectiveness for the treatment of influenza A and B.

Research indicates that elderberry has antiviral activity and immune enhancing activity. Researchers have found that compounds in elderberry bind to the flu virus, inhibit its replication and prevent the virus from penetrating cell walls.

Israeli scientists have extensively a tested standardised elderberry extract, finding significant improvement in flu symptoms or a complete cure in approximately 90% of cases within two to three days, compared to six days for a control group (1).

In this study people with influenza were given an elderberry extract within the first 48 hours of onset of symptoms. This resulted in a significant improvement in symptoms after 3 to 4 days. This same level of improvement took 7 to 8 days in those receiving placebo.

elderberry flowers

There was also improvement in aches and pains, frequency of coughing, quality of sleep, mucus discharge in the respiratory tract and nasal congestion in those receiving elderberry. According to the researchers “No satisfactory medication to cure influenza type A and B is available”.

Considering the efficacy of the extract in vitro on all strains of influenza virus tested, the clinical results, its low costs and absence of side-effects, this preparation could offer a possibility for safe treatment for influenza A and B” (1).

A 2009 clinical trial found that the H1N1 influenza inhibitory activity of the flavonoids found in elderberry compare positively with Tamiflu and Amantadine anti-influenza activities (2).

The juice of elderberries reduces excessive mucous secretion and some researchers believe that elderberries play a role in reducing the swelling of mucous membranes and thus improving sinus drainage.

In another study designed to examine the effects of a standardised extract elderberry on three Gram-positive bacteria and one Gram-negative bacteria responsible for upper respiratory tract infections, as well as two different strains of influenza virus, the extract was found to possess antimicrobial activity against all of them.

The results of this study suggest that elderberry extract such as the one used in the study may be an effective tool for helping to combat various types of upper respiratory tract infections (4).

It’s known that elderberry juice was used to treat a flu epidemic in Panama in 1995 and led to a reduction in severity and a faster recovery for many cases. 93.3% of the cases treated with elderberry experienced a significant improvement in their symptoms.

Other uses and benefits of elderberry

elderberry jam

Culinary uses are also important sources of elderberry goodness. Elderberry wine is highly prized in many parts of Europe as having an exquisite taste, colour and, of course, medicinal properties. There are jams, jellies and cordials made of it to use throughout winter.

I hope I got you interested in this wonderful herb and you will add it to your home medicine chest to prevent and effectively deal with colds, flu and other troublesome symptoms this winter!

Not all elderberry supplements are what they claim so please get in touch if you would like to use good quality supplements in effective doses.

Please note that the above material is meant as information only. Always consult a qualified herbalist before using herbs in any form.

Good health and blessings

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Joanna Sochan
Wholistic Health and Lifestyle Therapist
Natural and Lifestyle Solutions for Abundant Health and Wellbeing

References:

  1. Zakay-Rones Z, Thom E, Wollan T, Wadstein J. Randomized study of the efficacy and safety of oral elderberry extract in the treatment of influenza A and B virus infections. J Int Med Res. 2004 Mar-Apr;32(2):132-40 (1)
  2. Zakay-Rones Z, Varsano N, Zlotnik M, Manor O, Regev L, Schlesinger M, et al. Inhibition of several strains of influenza virus in vitro and reduction of symptoms by an elderberry extract (Sambucus nigra L.) during an outbreak of influenza B Panama. J Altern Complement Med 1995;1:361-369 (2)
  3. Roschek B Jr, Fink RC, McMichael MD, Li D, Alberte RS.  Elderberry flavonoids bind to and prevent H1N1 infection in vitro.  Phytochemistry. 2009 Jul;70(10):1255-61. Epub 2009 Aug 12 (3)
  4. J International Med Research 32:132–40, 2004; Israeli Medical Assoc Journal 4:919–22, 2002; European Cytokine Network 12:290–6, 2001; J Alternative Complement Medicine 1:361–9, 1995 (4)
  5. Krawitz C, Mraheil MA, et al, Inhibitory activity of a standardized elderberry liquid extract against clinically-relevant human respiratory bacterial pathogens and influenza A and B viruses, BMC Complement Altern Med, 2011 Feb 25; 11-16. Germany

Additional resources

Disclaimer: The above material is for informational and educational purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not a substitute for a medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, prescription or recommendation. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should not make any changes in their health regimen or diet before first consulting a doctor or other qualified health provider with any questions they may have regarding a medical condition or their particular circumstances.

Joanna Sochan is a Natural Therapist and founder of Naturimedica Holistic Health & Wellness. She has a passion for helping her clients transform their lives by becoming healthy and well naturally. Joanna has 10+ years experience in clinical practice and has special interest in solving complex cases, functional medicine, gut health, sleep, fatigue and chronic pain. Joanna guides her clients through her programs and eCourses as well as helping clients individually, mostly online, Australia-wide. View full bio.

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