You may have been hearing about elderberry a lot lately, especially in the last two years during Covid-19. But does elderberry actually help reduce symptoms from viruses and illnesses?
While there's no exact consensus that elderberry helps you fight upper respiratory symptoms caused by viruses, there are several research studies that have proven it is effective if used as soon as you start feeling sick. It also has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-viral properties, so giving your body a little boost of elderberry can only help you keep up your immune fighting powers all year round.
So should you get a powder, gummy, or syrup version of elderberry? And can you give elderberry to kids? We've answered these questions and more below ... plus, we've gathered a list of the best elderberry supplements rated by our Grove members so you know you're getting something that really works. Have a look to see what's best for you and your family.
This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or health related diagnosis or treatment options.
This list of products was determined by ratings and reviews from Grove members.
.svg)
.svg)
Any time is a good time to start focusing on your health. These Zarbee's Naturals Adult Elderberry Immune Support Gummies give your body the boost it needs to stay well all year long. Packed with vitamins and nutrients for immune support, such as vitamin C to help rejuvenate cells and fight free-radical damage, these Zarbee's Naturals elderberry …
Kick those coughs and colds to the curb before they happen (or ease your symptoms when they catch up with you) with help from these New Chapter Organic Elderberry Whole-Food Gummies. These New Chapter elderberry gummies are made with real fruit and no additives like sugar or artificial colors. They’re sustainably sourced, vegan, and offer a daily …
From preschool and fieldtrips to play dates and soccer games, these Zarbee's Naturals Children's Elderberry Immune Support Gummies help prep your child’s immune system before they put themselves in environments where germs could be (and are) lurking. These immune support gummies are gluten-free and made with vitamin A, C, D, and E, as well as zinc. …
When you’re looking for some extra protection from cold season or to naturally boost your immunity any time of the year, turn to this New Chapter Elderberry Force. This elderberry supplement is made with the antioxidant powers of black elderberry and black currant and without added sugars or solvents. Plus, it’s mechanically extracted to capture …
Gaia Herbs Certified Organic Black Elderberry Extra Strength Gummies provide year-round immune support you can feel good about and enjoy taking.* They’re formulated with a potent blend of organic black elderberry fruit juice concentrate and fruit extract, equivalent to 12.3 grams of fresh elderberries.* Made without gelatin, these delicious gummies …
Like many herbal supplements, elderberry can provide nutrients to your body while boosting its immunity powers. The reason why elderberry is so great at helping your body's immunity is because elderberries contain antioxidants called anthocyanins and flavonoids. WebMD explains that flavonoids "seem to help reduce swelling, fight inflammation, and boost the immune system."
Elderberry's specific benefits can include the following:
Note: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
There is no standard amount of elderberry that is advised for you to take each day. Whatever elderberry product you buy will have directions on the label for the correct amount to take for that product and your age. For example, these New Chapter Organic Elderberry Whole-Food Gummies are 64 times more concentrated than black elderberry fruit. You only need to take 1 gummy daily if you are using this product.
Or, this New Chapter Elderberry Syrup instructs people ages 12 and over to only take 1 teaspoon of syrup daily.There are some extra strength elderberry products that have up to 770 mg of elderberry juice and concentrate. These products may help reduce common cold upper respiratory symptoms if you take them within the first 48 hours of a cold, but it's important to test out this higher dosage of elderberry to see if it agrees with you and your body.
If you happen to have too much elderberry, you can possibly have stomach problems. This is because the plant’s bark, unripe berries, and seeds contain small amounts of lectins.
Unfortunately, there isn't enough research to know whether it's safe to take elderberry while pregnant. Elderberry may be popular in a lot of vitamins and supplements, especially those geared toward immunity or cold and flu cures and prevention, but not much is proven about its effects scientifically.
Several studies have been conducted in the 2010s evealuating elderberry and its effects, specficially for upper respiratory symptoms. As recently as 2019, several researchers found that elderberry did signifcantly reduce common cold symptoms. Yet, other researchers saw little effect in those who took elderberry while having upper respiratory problems.
In this case, it's probably best to be safe than sorry when it comes to taking elderberry while pregnant. Instead, try vitamin C or zinc supplements which are a-Okay to use during pregnancy.
At Grove, we take the guesswork out of which products are good for you and your home. Every product meets strict standards for being nontoxic, effective, sustainable, and cruelty-free. Once you find products you love, we ship to your home on a flexible, monthly schedule.
If you're ready to make the transition to natural cleaning, beauty, and household products, shop Grove Collaborative's natural products for the eco-friendly tools to tackle the job.
