What Is Elderberry?

The elder tree produces fragrant white flowers and small purplish black berries, both of which are used for herbal medicine and cooking. Elderberries work well on their own and when combined with other herbs. Elder is native to Europe, Northern Africa, and Western and Central Asia.

How to Use Elderberry (Common Uses)

Taken internally as a tea, decoction, powder, capsules, or extract. Elderberries can be combined with honey, water, and (optionally) other herbs such as wild cherry bark to make a beautiful cough syrup. Elderberry is frequently added to foods such as jams and sauces.

Medicinal Uses and Benefits of Elderberry

Elderberries are a gentle remedy for both adults and children. They are high in vitamins, especially A and C, as well as iron and other minerals. Elderberries are an excellent source of antioxidants.

Elderberries can help to strengthen cytokine production and protect the body against viruses.

As well, elderberries help to increase sweating and reduce coughing. Modern research has shown that they are effective in boosting the immune system and reducing the length of time afflicted by the common cold or flu. Elderberries are specified for colds and acute infections where there is a fever present, and the skin is hot and dry. They are often used in combination with echinacea.

Elderberry can be found as a key ingredient in our Cough and Cold Tea.

Traditionally, elderberries have been used as an ingredient in wines, jellies, and syrups. Elderberry syrup is still a common remedy for treating colds, flus, and assorted bronchial and sinus infections. Elderberry may be effective partly due to its ability to interfere with viral replication.

Active Constituents in Elderberry

Flavonoids, triterpenes, volatile oil, sterols, tannins, mucilage, minerals, vitamins, sambucin, anthocyanocides, linoleic and linolenic fixed oils.