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Elderberry

Elderberry is a plant whose berries are used to make medicine. Elderberry should not be confused with American elderberry or dwarf elderberry. Elderberry is used for influenza, H1N1 swine flu and HIV/AIDS and to improve immune function. It is also used for sinus pain, sciatica, nerve pain and chronic fatigue syndrome. Some people use elderberry for hay fever, cancer, as a laxative for constipation, to increase urine flow and to promote sweating. Elderberries are also used to make wine and juice and as a food coloring.

The elderflower is the blossom of the elder bush. An extract made from this blossom is used to produce medicine. Elderflower products are used to treat swollen sinuses, colds, flu, bronchitis, diabetes and constipation. These products are also used to increase urine production, stimulate sweating and stop bleeding. Furthermore, elderflower products are used as a gargle and mouthwash for colds, coughs, hoarseness, flu and shortness of breath. They are also applied to the skin for rheumatic joint pain and inflammatory pain and swelling.

Some people apply elderflower to their eyes to treat red eyes. In combination with other medicinal herbs such as sorrel, cowslip, verbena and gentian root, elderflower is used to maintain healthy sinuses and to treat sinusitis. Elderflower is used as a flavoring component in foods and beverages. In industrial production, elderflower extracts are used in perfume. Elderflower water is used in eye and skin lotions.

What is elderberry used for?

Elderberries contain natural substances known as flavonoids. These flavonoids appear to help reduce swelling, fight inflammation and improve the function of the immune system. Studies have found that elderberry can relieve flu symptoms such as fever, headache, sore throat, fatigue, cough and aching limbs. The benefits appear to be greatest when taken within the first 24 to 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. One study found that elderberry could reduce the duration of flu symptoms by more than 50%.

Laboratory studies have found that elderberry may also be effective against the H1N1 flu known as swine flu. Some studies suggest that elderberry may help with bacterial sinus infections and bronchitis. However, more scientific research is needed in this area. People use elderberry for high cholesterol, HIV and many other conditions. However, at the moment there is no scientific evidence to support such use.

How does elderberry work?

Elderberry may have an effect on the immune system. Elderberry appears to have activity against viruses including influenza viruses and may reduce inflammation. Elderberry blossoms could act like insulin and lower blood sugar levels.

How effective is elderberry?

Elderberry may be effective in the treatment of influenza. A specific syrup containing elderberry (Sambucol), when taken orally, appears to reduce the symptoms and duration of flu when taken within the first 24 to 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. Some studies also show that elderberry lozenges (ViraBLOCK) can also reduce flu symptoms. Symptom relief seems to occur in most people after 2 to 4 days of treatment. Elderflower may be effective in combination with sorrel, cowslip, verbena and gentian root for the treatment of sinusitis. Taking a specific combination product containing these ingredients (Sinupret) appears to help treat swollen sinuses.

There is insufficient scientific research on the efficacy of elderberry for cancer, constipation, nerve pain, chronic fatigue syndrome, H1N1 swine flu, hay fever, HIV/AIDS and other conditions. Further research is needed to make a conclusive statement about the effectiveness of elderberry. There is not enough scientific data to make a statement about the effectiveness of elderflower for bronchitis, colds, flu, coughs, hoarseness, diabetes, arthritis pain, constipation and inflammatory swellings. Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of elderflower in these applications.

Safety and side effects

Elderberry juice is probably safe and harmless when used for up to 5 days. It is not known whether longer-term use of elderberry juice is safe. Cooked elderberry appears to be safe and harmless, but raw elderberries may cause nausea, vomiting or severe diarrhea.

Elderberry flowers are probably safe and harmless when used in food-grade quantities. Elderflower appears to be safe and safe for most people when used in small amounts as part of a combination product containing sorrel, cowslip, verbena, gentian root and elderflower (Sinupret). There is not enough information to say whether elderflower is safe and harmless when used in medicinal quantities. The combination product mentioned can cause digestive problems and occasionally allergic skin rashes. Not enough is known about the safety of elderflower applied to the skin.

Precautions and warnings

You should never consume a product made from raw elderberry berries, flowers or leaves. These plant components contain a chemical that produces cyanide. This can lead to nausea and vomiting and, at higher doses, to more serious side effects. People who are allergic to elderberry pollen may also be allergic to elderberry products.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Not enough is known about the safety of using elderberry products during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid elderberry products to be on the safe side.

Autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and other diseases: Elderberry can increase the activity of the immune system, which could exacerbate the symptoms of autoimmune diseases. If you suffer from one of these diseases, you should talk to your doctor before taking elderberry products.

Diabetes: Elderflower could lower blood sugar levels and taking elderflower products in conjunction with diabetes medication could lower blood sugar levels too much, so diabetics should carefully monitor their blood sugar levels when using elderflower products. It is possible that the dosage of diabetes medication may need to be adjusted.

Surgeries: Elderflower could lower blood sugar levels and there are therefore concerns that they could affect blood sugar control during and after surgery. For this reason, you should stop taking elderflower products two weeks before upcoming operations.

Interactions

Care should be taken when using elderberry in conjunction with the following medications:

Medications that reduce the function of the immune system

Elderberry can increase the activity of the immune system. Taking elderberry products in conjunction with medications that reduce the function of the immune system may reduce the effectiveness of these medications.

Diabetes medication

Elderflower can lower blood sugar. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar levels. Taking elderflower products in combination with diabetes medication could result in an excessive drop in blood sugar levels. For this reason, blood sugar levels should be carefully monitored. It is possible that the dosage of diabetes medication may need to be adjusted.

Dosage

There is no standard dosage for elderberry products. The following dosages have been used in scientific studies:

Flu:

  • One tablespoon (15 ml) of a specific elderberry syrup (Sambucol) four times a day for a duration of 3 to 5 days. A dosage of 15 ml twice daily for 3 days was used in children.
  • A specific lozenge product (ViraBLOC) at a dosage of 175 mg four times a day for 2 days.

For acute or chronic swelling in the sinus area:

  • A specific combination product (Sinupret) containing 36 mg elderflower, 12 mg gentian root and 36 mg each of sorrel, cowslip and verbena, three times daily.