Elderberry: Uses, Benefits and Side Effects

Are There Risks Associated With Elderberry?

Dr. Hall notes that any substance that affects the body raises a certain level of concern and could complicate existing medical conditions; elderberry is no exception.

Exercise caution when preparing

Leave elderberry preparation to the experts. While the flowers and berries can be safely consumed (preferably ripe and cooked), you should take caution, especially with homemade preparations, as some parts of the plant can be toxic. The safety and efficacy of home remedies are yet undetermined.

Elderberry bark, leaves, stems, and roots contain sambunigrin, a potentially toxic compound which is known to release cyanide. This substance is likely responsible for a few cases of elderberry juice poisonings on record. Any serious side effects are more likely to occur with homemade elderberry juice where little care was taken to exclude leaves and stems from the mixture.

It is rare for elderberry to cause an allergic reaction. However, poorly prepared or under-ripe elderberries can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, so it’s important to purchase your elderberry supplements from a reputable retailer.

Ask your doctor before supplementing

Hall recommends looking to dark berries, like elderberry, to supplement a healthy diet, with a few caveats. She suggests consulting a medical professional before introducing any new dietary supplement to your routine.

“It’s important to get additional information about how a particular supplement could interact with anything you are already taking,” she says.

Pregnant women and children should avoid eating elderberry or taking elderberry supplements until more research on its safety is conducted, or unless approved by a healthcare provider.

Where Can You Find Elderberry

Fresh, raw elderberries may be challenging to find at your everyday grocery store, but you may be able to find them at smaller stores that specialize in organic produce. Dried elderberries, teas, and supplements are more common and are available at brick and mortar retailers as well as Amazon.

Elderberry is also common as part of a larger blend of ingredients in supplements. For example, FIRST THING contains elderberry, along with beta-glucan, vitamin C, and zinc, to help maintain a healthy immune system.*

Here are a few popular elderberry items available on Amazon:

The Republic of Tea Organic Elderberry Herbal Tea

MaryRuth Organics Elderberry Syrup

Nature’s Way Sambucus Elderberry Gummies

*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.

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