American elderberry, or S. Canadensis, is a close relative to European elder, possessing many of the same herbal constituents. Elderberry pies are a summertime treat in areas where the shrub grows wild. Juice from the berries is available in health food stores, sold as a dietary supplement, although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not oversee the production or sale of elderberry health products. Consult your doctor before using herbal remedies to treat medical conditions.
Plant Features
American elderberry is a perennial shrub that reaches approximately 13-feet high. Covered with clusters of white milky blooms in late spring, elderberries ripen in mid-summer to a dark blue/black. The entire plant, including its branches, roots, leaves, flowers and berries, is used in herbal medicine.
Traditional Uses
The Romans used elderberries as a hair dye, according to the website, Botanical.com, but the berries were also valuable for their medicinal properties and in the production of elder wine. Juice extracted from the ripe berries was used in the treatment of rheumatism and syphilis. Other traditional uses include the treatment of colic, diarrhea, piles and epilepsy. Clinical studies confirming these benefits are lacking.
Potential Benefits
MedlinePlus, a division of the National Institutes of Health, mentions several potential benefits from elderberry products, but clinical testing is necessary to determine efficiency and safety. According to MedlinePlus, elderberry juice may reduce the symptoms of influenza and help clear clogged sinus passages. It may also ease bronchitis symptoms and lower blood pressure. Talk to your doctor before using elderberry to treat medical conditions.
Preparations
Elderberry products include bottled juices, liquid elderberry extract, which is a concentrated form of the berries’ constituents and elderberry powder, available in tablets and capsules. Do not exceed the recommended dosages on the package without advice from your doctor.
Warning
Sold as a supplement, elderberry juice and related products may vary in strength and quality from one producer to the next, since no production standard exists. Avoid elderberry products if you are allergic to honeysuckle, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Side effects include stomach upset, diarrhea, abdominal cramping and dehydration. Use elderberry products under the supervision of a medical professional.
References
- Medline Plus: Elderberry and Elder Flower
- Botanical.com: Elder
- Drugs.com: Elderberry
- “Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, Volume 2”; Jacqueline L. Longe; 2005
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