In autumn, masses of tiny elderberries turn deep purple and weigh down the branches of the elder, or Sambucus nigra, plant. A traditional country ingredient in jams and jellies, herbalists harvest the berries for making cold and flu remedies, including syrups. You may purchase elderberry syrup from health food stores, or make your own from ripe berries. The healing benefits of elderberries in the treatment of colds and flu are anecdotal, and the FDA does not oversee the production of elderberry syrup or recommend it for the treatment of any medical condition.
Elderberry Syrup
Elderberries contain flavonoids, including rutin, quercitrin and nocotoflorin, reports the "PDR for Herbal Medicines." Because the berries are flavorful, children may prefer elderberry syrup to other cold and flu preparations. Commercially available syrups may include sugar and other herbs, and it's advisable to check with your doctor before using these herbal remedies to treat any medical condition.
Potential Benefits
Elderberry syrup may increase sweating, according to the "PDR," which may be beneficial in treating fevers that accompany a cold or the flu. The berries may also increase bronchial secretions, making the syrup useful for soothing irritated throats and sinuses. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that elderberries may reduce the swelling of mucus membranes and act as an antiviral agent. Clinical studies confirming these benefits are nonexistent.
Preparation and Dosage
James Wong, author of "Grow Your Own Drugs," and host of the British television show by the same name, offers a recipe for making elderberry syrup at home. Wong, an ethnobotanist, combines three heads of elderberries, stripped from their stems, with 1/4 cup dried marshmallow root, 2 tbsp. of dried licorice root, a sprig of fresh eucalyptus and a teaspoon of cloves with 2 cups of water in a small saucepan. Add 1/2 cup of honey to sweeten, and bring the liquid to slow boil, letting it simmer until the liquid is reduced by a fifth. Strain, add 5 tbsp. of glycerin and pour it into a clean glass jar for storage in the refrigerator.
Wong recommends taking 2 tbsp. of the syrup, up to three times a day to reduce coughing and sore throats.
Considerations
Do not eat fresh elderberries, and do not use unripe elderberries to make syrup. Cooking destroys potential toxins. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should not use elderberry products unless directed to do so by their doctors. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, elderberry may interfere with some medications, including diuretics, diabetes medicines, laxatives and immunosuppressants. The berries may also interact with medications used in the treatment of asthma and cancer.
References
- "PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd Edition"; Joerg Gruenwald, PhD, 2000
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Elderberry
- "Grow Your Own Drugs"; James Wong, 2009
