Black elderberries (Sambucus canadensis), the fruit of the elder tree, are a natural anti-inflammatory and are particularly high in flavonoids (plant-based antioxidants)—higher than blueberries, cranberries, blackberries and goji berries—and these flavonoids are known to help prevent damage to the body’s cells and boost the immune system. They’re also high in Vitamin A, and with the exception of rose hips and black currants, are thought to have the highest levels of Vitamin C.
Health Benefits
Elderberry is antiviral, antibiotic and antibacterial and has been used for centuries for soothing upper respiratory infections, the common cold, and influenza. Numerous biomedical studies have shown potent antiviral activity against influenza and other respiratory viruses. A virus is a microscopic organism that can replicate itself only inside the cells of a host organism because viruses do not contain ribosomes, which are necessary for replication. A virus is covered with tiny spikes that puncture the cell membrane of healthy host cells. Those spikes contain an enzyme that breaks down the cell’s membrane so the virus can enter, take over the cell and then rapidly multiply. It is hypothesized that active ingredients in black elderberry bind to and cover the spikes, inhibiting them from piercing the cell membrane and thus preventing the infection of healthy cells. The truth is, science cannot always pinpoint the exact reason herbal remedies work as well as they do. There are unknown molecules in nature and botanicals which work in mysterious ways with the body. Elderberry is said to reduce the course of the infection of a cold or flu, and symptoms of influenza. Several studies have shown that an extract/tincture of elderberry demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of both adults and children with either type A or B influenza, reducing both the severity and duration of flu symptoms in otherwise healthy subjects. Elderberry extract was shown in a 2009 study to further support this theory, showing elderberry to surpass the effects of Tamiflu on Influenza A strain H1N1 and Influenza A strain H5N1. Sambucol, a popular over-the-counter cold/flu medicine, contains elderberry extract. In fact, its name is derived from the botanical name for elder, Sambucus nigra. It’s important to note that elderberry should not be considered a substitute for influenza vaccination in high-risk individuals. To learn more, check out this article online, Elderberry Benefits for Colds, Flus, Allergies, and More. Elderberry is also great as an immune tonic to prevent many cold and flu symptoms, as it stimulates the immune system by increasing cytokines, as well as protecting against free radicals that attack healthy cells. It could be beneficial to take daily fall and winter, during the cold-and-flu season, increasing dosage if ill or exposed to a virus. Elderberry can be taken as a tincture, tea, syrup, supplement or whole berry. You can find it dried at health food stores to use in making teas or add to foods.
Elderberry Tincture
I make elderberry tincture with:
fresh black elderberries that I carefully gather myself to ensure top quality. Studies have shown elderberry tincture made with fresh elderberries to be far superior to that made with dried berries, which is the practice of most commercial tincture companies.
100-proof vodka. The medicinal properties of a plant are drawn out primarily by the alcohol portion of the menstruum. Thus, using 100 proof alcohol results in a greater extraction of its medicinal benefits than using 80-proof, as is common with commercial tincture makers.
For general health support during cold-and-flu season, I take 3 drops (not dropperfuls) under my tongue, twice a day. If I become ill or have been exposed to illness, I would increase that to 4-6 drops hourly. I also find it helpful to bathe my throat—the area viruses often attack—by adding several drops of elderberry tincture to my tea or in a water bottle to drink throughout the day.
Elderberry Syrup
Some commercial elderberry syrups may be high in glucose syrup or sugar, as elderberries are naturally quite tart in flavor. Check out my recipe for making your own healthy elderberry syrup.
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