March 05, 2021 3 min read

What Are the Health Benefits of Elderberry? Elderberry Syrup for Kids

 Elderberry medicines date back to Ancient Egypt. The Health benefits of elderberry have an unending list that includes sinus issues, nerve pain, inflammation, chronic fatigue, allergies, constipation and even cancer. 

 What is Elderberry?

 Elderberry or elder comes from different species of Sambucus. The berries and flowers of the elder plant make great medicines. Its native land is in Europe, Africa and some other parts of Asia. Its berries are color-shifters – as they change color from green to red to black when ripened. 

 Elderberry fruit contains quercetin, kaempferol, rutin, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. The composition of raw berries is 80 percent water, 18 percent carbohydrates, and less than 1 percent of protein and fat.

 Health Benefits of Elderberry and Uses 

  1. Relief from Cold and Flu

 Elderberry syrup also has powerful immune-boosting properties. Elderberry extract is one of the best remedies for flu symptoms. 

  1. Reduces Sinus Infection Symptoms

The anti-inflammatory as well as antioxidant properties of elderberry give it the strength to diminish sinus symptoms. It is a natural remedy for the inflammation of nasal cavities.

  1. Lowers Blood Sugar 

 As a treatment of diabetes, elderflowers and berries are beneficial. Elderflower extracts instigate glucose metabolism and the secretion of insulin. Hence, it lowers blood sugar level. Therefore, it is a friend of diabetic people. 

  1. Natural Diuretic

 Diuretics promote the production of urine. In older adults, fluid retention is a common problem. Thanks to elderberry for being a natural diuretic, it promotes urination in addition to better bowel movement. 

  1. Promotes Digestion

 Elderberry tea prevents constipation and helps maintain balance and digestive health. Elderberry is also a natural laxative.

  1. Supports Skin Health

 Cosmetic products have also acknowledged the wonders of elderberry. Bioflavonoids, antioxidants, and vitamin A make it a shining star in the world of skincare. It also improves skin structure and enhances skin health.  

  1. Eases Allergies

 Flowers of the elder plant are an effective herbal allergy remedy. This herb also improves the overreaction of the immune system and calm any inflammations. Thus, it provides relief to allergies. It is also very effective for hay fever-like symptoms. 

  1. Cancer-Fighting Effects

 Elderberry extract has anti-carcinogenic properties. It has chemo preventive properties that can help in inhibiting, delaying, or reversing cancer formation. American elder extract showed inhibition of enzymes that promote cancer. 

  1. Improve Heart Health 

 Elderberry can be beneficial for heart health. It may have beneficial effects on high blood pressure. It may also reduce the outcomes of low blood pressure, therefore, improving the overall quality of life. 

 Using Elderberry

 There are multiple options to use this wonderfully natural medicine. For instance, you can go for elderberry gummies, elderberry wine, and elderberry juice. Elderberry syrup for cold is effective for respiratory issues. For symptoms of flu and cold, elderberry tea is another soothing option. Adding some honey, lemon, or mint is beneficial too. Elderberry juice is there for those who are not tea-lovers.

 Potential Risks and Side Effects 

 To sum up,there are some elderberry side effects too that needs consideration. Consuming raw berries is not recommended as it contains a cyanide-inducing chemical that can cause diarrhea and vomiting. Elderberry can also sometimes cause allergic reactions. If that happens, you should discontinue using it. 

 

 Kids should not take elderberry syrup if not prescribed by a physician. Furthermore, people who had an organ transplant should avoid taking elderberry. People using drugs for multiple chronic diseases need to consult their health care provider before using elderberries. Those medicines include diabetes medications, diuretics, chemotherapy, immunosuppressant, laxatives, and theophylline.