Elderberries…Where’s the Research?

By Jenny Watson

While I am SO glad the heat of summer has left our part of the country (southern Indiana to be specific), the colder weather reminds us that cold and flu season is pretty much making itself at home, and a few weeks ago, my blissful morning coffee reading was interrupted by this NPR article stating that this winter could be a rough cold and flu season for us all. Yikes! So I wanted to take this opportunity to give our customers access to the research that has been conducted on elderberries and how it could be an effective way for your family to stay healthy with strong immune systems this winter.

Elderberry, a variety of the Sambucus tree, is one of the most commonly used plants for effective immune system support. While there are different varieties, the most common form of elderberry is referred to as Sambucus nigra, also known as the European elderberry or black elder. This tree is native to Europe, though it is widely grown in many other parts of the world as well. It has been used throughout history and ancient civilizations as a natural remedy to many ailments.

Here’s the research:

• Elderberries are high in antioxidants. Research suggests that diets high in antioxidants can prevent chronic illness. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15462130/
• One 2004 study of 60 people with influenza found that those who took 15 mL of elderberry syrup four times per day showed symptom improvement in 2 to 4 days, while the control group took 7 to 8 days to improve. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15080016/ 

• A study of 312 air travelers taking capsules containing 300 mg of elderberry extract three times per day found that those who got sick experienced a shorter duration of illness and less severe symptoms. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4848651/
• Elderberry has been found to inhibit the growth of bacteria like Helicobacter pylori and may improve symptoms of sinusitis and bronchitis. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28198157/

This isn't the entirety of all research conducted on elderberries, but the articles above have been helpful in my journey of using elderberries as a natural way to keep my family healthy and out of the doctor’s office. I hope it can give you confidence to seek out how elderberries can do the same for your family!

We offer dried elderberries by the pound, as well as incorporate elderberries into many of our other products, including Elderberry Syrup, Elderberry Syrup Kits, Elderberry Immunity Gummies, Lemon Ginger Tea and Apple Hibiscus Tea! How do you incorporate the power of elderberries into your health routine? Comment below and let us know!