Respiratory: May not prevent respiratory viral illness but may help in treatment because it slows viral replication (some claim this is as good as Tamiflu), and reportedly shortens the duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms (esp. flu A, B and H1N1, swine flu), sinus pain, hay fever, tonsillitis, ear infections, allergies, and asthma. Reputed to be one of the better antiviral herbs 

Cardiovascular: Heart disease. May decrease blood pressure

Gastrointestinal: Constipation, weight loss, gum inflammation and disease

Musculoskeletal: Back and leg pain (sciatica); rheumatism, muscle pain, inflammation

Neurologic: Nerve pain (neuralgia, sciatica); headaches, chronic fatigue syndrome, epilepsy, stress

Glucose: Helps to decrease blood sugar

Cholesterol: May help decrease cholesterol

Immunity: Helps boost the immune system

Cancer: Support may inhibit tumor growth

Infectious Disease: HIV/AIDS support; HSV

Other: Increases urine flow/kidney problems, increases sweating, mild diuretic, and fever, may help with weight loss.

                                                     *   *   *

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, weakness, dizziness, numbness

CAUTION/CONTRAINDICATIONS: Autoimmune disease, immunosuppressants, including steroids. Unripe and uncooked berries can cause stomach problems. Raw or undercooked berries and other parts of the elderberry plant can be poisonous.

FORMS: Oils, teas, tablets, extract, gummies, capsules, tincture, wine, jelly, jam, wine, ointment, astringent, sprays, infusion, powder. German Commission E recommends elderflower.

RECOMMENDED BRANDS:

Many elderberry products are sold over the counter in retail stores and pharmacies, such as Sambucol, and they fly off the shelves during flu season.

• GNC Elderberry Fruit 550 mg (Amazon Link)

• Nature's Way® Sambucus Standardized Elderberry - 50 mg extract is available in many retail grocery stores and pharmacies 

• New Chapter® Elderberry Force Capsules Order through the Fullscripts link here

• 365® [Whole Foods] Liquid Elderberry 4 oz Whole FoodsMarket  (Amazon Link) 

• Nature's Answer® Sambucus (Amazon Link)

• Sambucol® Black Elderberry Syrup is available in many retail grocery stores and pharmacies.

• Sambucol® Black Elderberry Effervescent Tablets are available in many retail stores and pharmacies

• Garden of Life® Mykind Organics Elderberry Immune Syrup (with echinacea, zinc and vitamin C) (order through Fullscripts link here)

NOTE: Independent labs report inconsistent levels of medicinal compounds in commercially available elderberry products.

NOTE: Do not eat raw elderberries - they often have side effects and can be toxic

Note: I partner only with reputable, high-quality affiliate herbal and supplement brands to bring you products that meet standards for safety, effectiveness, and transparency. I do the research so you can shop with confidence. 

While you can buy these directly from companies, I use Amazon as an affiliate. When you click on the Amazon links to make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — a simple way to support this free website and its mission. Additionally, they have helpful reviews. I often find that they are discounted and have expedited delivery. 

DOSAGES: As directed

Reported doses - often NOT supported by evidence (reported by various sources (WebMD, RxList, Epocrates, German Commission E, NIH publication and others). Read dosages and instructions carefully when available on the label.

• Cold symptoms: Up to 1200 mg daily for two weeks. If taking it for flu, take it as soon as symptoms begin.

• Eye strain: 300 mg of extract by mouth once daily

• Common cold: 600 mg of extract by mouth daily for 8 days

• Constipation: 70 mg of extract by mouth daily (best used with probiotics)

• Flu: 5.7 gm/15 ml take 15 m 3 to 5 times daily OOR 175 mg lozenge 4 times daiy start within 24-48 hours of symptom onset

• Mental health: Use 70 mg extract by mouth daily

*Disclaimer: The material above is for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure a condition. The uses listed above are tentative; some have or are undergoing research trials, but many are not FDA-approved. It is essential that you investigate these supplements further before deciding to use them. Check interactions and contraindications on sites like Drugs.com or WebMD. Do not attempt to treat a serious condition like liver, kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart, cancer, diabetes, or thyroid issues without discussing it with a healthcare provider first. If you are pregnant, do not use supplements without discussing it with your healthcare provider.