Elderberry is a tall shrub that is native to North America and Europe. The plant grows to about 12 feet tall and is referred to as common elder, sambucus, boor tree, bountry, black elder and sweet elder. The berries and the flowers of the elderberry plant may have medicinal properties and help treat conditions such as the common cold and influenza by increasing the effectiveness of the immune system and decreasing inflammation in the body. Some adverse reactions may occur while taking elderberry and individuals with certain medical conditions should not use the supplement.
Uses
Many people use elderberry for possible antioxidant and antiviral properties. Elderberry may boost your immune system, improve vision, decrease cholesterol levels, and treat viral and bacterial infections such as the flu, a cold and tonsillitis. You may also notice a diuretic and laxative effect, notes Drugs.com.
Availability
Dried flowers from the elderberry shrub may be included in teas, capsules and liquid extracts, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. After cooking the blue or black berries from the elderberry shrub, you may drink the juice made from the berries.
Administration
To help treat a respiratory infection, you may take 1 tbsp. of elderberry juice four times each day for up to five days, and children may use the same dose twice per day for three days, according to RxList.com. Elderberry lozenges may be safe to use four times a day for up to two days.
Side Effects
Possible side effects of elderberry include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, weakness and numbness. A serious adverse reaction that may occur after taking elderberry includes falling into a stupor, which is an unresponsive state, but the person will arouse to external stimulation. Eating the raw elderberry fruit increases the risk of developing side effects. Eating the cooked fruit appears to be safe, according to RxList.com.
Concerns
Pregnant women or women who are breast-feeding an infant should not take elderberry. If you have an autoimmune disease such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis or multiple sclerosis, do not take elderberry because of the strengthening effects on the immune system. Individuals on medications that alter the immune system, such as prednisone, corticosteroids and cyclosporine should use elderberry under the supervision of a physician. Combining elderberry with immunosuppressants may decrease the effectiveness of the medications because of the ability of elderberry to boost the immune system. Because of the possible increase in urine output while taking elderberry, individuals taking diuretics need to use the supplement with caution.
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