Elderberry, from the dark purple berries of the European elder tree (Sambucus nigra), has a long history as a traditional remedy. It is often used during seasonal illnesses to support the body’s natural defenses. Elderberry contains natural compounds believed to contribute to overall well-being.
Common Elderberry Forms and Potency
Elderberry is widely available in several forms, including syrups, gummies, capsules, lozenges, and teas. The potency of these products varies significantly, depending on the concentration of the elderberry extract. Many commercial products standardize their extracts to specific amounts of beneficial compounds, such as anthocyanins, which are considered potent antioxidants.
When selecting an elderberry product, examine the label for concentration details. Labels may specify the percentage of anthocyanins or the equivalent amount of fresh or dried elderberries used. For instance, a 10:1 concentrate means 10 parts of fresh elderberry were used for 1 part of extract. This helps assess the product’s strength.
Recommended Dosages When Sick
When sick, elderberry dosages are generally higher than for daily wellness. There are no official standard dosage recommendations, so always consult individual product labels. These are general guidelines, not medical advice.
For adults, a common recommendation for elderberry syrup when sick is 1 tablespoon (15 mL) taken four times a day for 3 to 5 days. Some suggest taking 1 tablespoon every 3-4 hours, up to 6 times per day, until symptoms improve. For elderberry gummies, adults might take up to 8 gummies daily (equivalent to 400 mg of black elderberry extract) when feeling sick. Capsule dosages for treatment often range from 175 mg to 900 mg per day, administered over periods of 48 hours to four weeks. Elderberry lozenges are typically taken multiple times daily after the onset of cold symptoms.
For children, dosages require greater caution and vary by age and product. Children over 1 year old might take 1 teaspoon of elderberry syrup daily for general immune support, increasing to 1 tablespoon during illness. Product recommendations for intensive use suggest for children aged 2-3 years, 1 teaspoon (5 mL) four times daily, and for children aged 4-12 years, 2 teaspoons (10 mL) four times daily. Always consult a healthcare provider or product label for specific pediatric dosages, especially for children under 5. Regular dosing throughout waking hours is suggested during illness, as effectiveness may last 2-3 hours.
Safety and Important Precautions
Processed elderberry products are generally considered safe for short-term use. However, raw or unripe elderberries, leaves, stems, and bark contain poisonous cyanogenic glycosides, which can cause nausea, vomiting, and severe diarrhea. Proper cooking and processing eliminate these toxins.
Elderberry may interact with certain medications, especially those affecting the immune system. Since it can increase immune activity, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressants, such as those for organ transplants or autoimmune conditions. Individuals with autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis should avoid elderberry, as it could exacerbate symptoms. Elderberry may also have diuretic effects, so caution is advised if taking other diuretic medications, to avoid dehydration or electrolyte imbalance. Additionally, elderberry might affect blood clotting, blood sugar levels, and interact with certain chemotherapy drugs or medications.
Limited reliable information exists regarding elderberry safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so avoidance or healthcare consultation is recommended. Safety data for children under 5 years is also limited. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially when sick or if underlying health conditions exist.