What Is Elderberry Good For?

Elderberry-based remedies have a host of applications in alternative medicine. Some claims about its effectiveness have no solid evidence to back them up, but scientific research shows elderberry preparations may shorten upper respiratory infections and reduce the severity of their symptoms.

Elderberry is a type of fruit from the European or black elder tree, which grows in the warmer parts of Europe, North America, Asia, and Northern Africa and is widely used in herbal medicine. 

Elderberry is promoted as a dietary supplement for colds, flu, and other conditions. 

Elderberry has:

• Antioxidant properties that may provide protection against free radicals
• Anthocyanin that may provide protection against cellular aging
• Flavonoids that may have therapeutic activity

Studies have shown elderberries to be effective in symptom reduction and prevention of colds, flu, and upper respiratory infections. Studies have been limited on other uses of elderberry.

Elderberry is used medicinally:

• As an immunostimulant
• To reduce the damaging effects of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol (elderberry extract)
• As an antioxidant (elderberry extract)
• For treatment and prevention of:
  • The common cold
  • Cough  
  • Flu symptoms
  • Sinusitis
  • Mouth ulcers
  • Tonsillitis
• Topically, to treat:
  • Bruises
  • Sprains
  • Wounds
  • Burns and chilblains
  • Mouth ulcers (as mouthwash)
• As a tincture, to treat:
  • Rheumatic conditions
• As an oil, to treat:
  • Joint pain

Side effects of elderberry include: 

• Nausea/vomiting (from consumption of raw berries)

It is unknown whether elderberry is safe for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.