Elderberry has been used in popular natural medicine (Sambucus nigra) for treat infections and elderberry syrup is a well-known traditional remedy against flu and colds, but throughout history it has been given many other applications. For example, the Egyptians used it to heal burns and as a strengthening tonic.

science has tried many of the therapeutic indications, especially in relation to the treatment of flu and colds.

However, despite its benefits, raw berries, leaves and bark of elderberry contain toxic compounds. That is why it is advisable to take standardized commercial preparations and Follow the consumption instructions.

In this video you will discover how to use elderflowers in the kitchen.

As a general rule, the berries must be cooked during the preparation of syrups and jellies to deactivate these toxic compounds, while the flowers can be consumed raw or cooked.

The 6 main indications of elderberry

A good number of indications for elderflower flowers, berries, leaves or bark can be found in medical literature.

If you want to know how each part of the elderberry is used, you can read this article: Elderberry, the plant that has no waste

1. Elderberry fights colds and flu

The elderflower infusion and berry extract (300 mg, three times a day) reduce the intensity and duration of symptoms of flu and colds, according to a study carried out at the Queensland Technical University and published in the journal Nutrients.

In other works, other presentations and doses have been administered. For example, in one study participants were given 175 mg and an improvement in symptoms was achieved within 24 hours. And in another investigation it is taken 15 ml elderberry syrup four times a day.

Research has proven that taking one tablespoon (15 ml) elderberry syrup four times a day for five days shortens the duration of flu symptoms by an average of 4 days.

According to Dr. Zichria Zakay-Rones, from the department of virology at Hadassah Hebrew University, «elderberry extract is an efficient, safe and cost-effective treatment against influenza.»

Another investigation, published in the Journal of Functional Foods, has determined what is the mechanism by which elderberry (Sambucus nigra) inhibits the multiplication of the influenza virus.

Dr. Fariba Deghani, professor at the University of Sydney (Australia), explains that the compounds present in elderberries They block the enzymes that the flu virus uses to penetrate cells and inhibit their multiplication. That is, elderberry syrup is effective in both preventing and curing the flu.

Specifically, the elderberry components that lead this effect are the antioxidant anthocyanins, especially the cyanidin 3-glucoside. In addition, berries are rich in zinc, an essential mineral with antiviral properties and that stimulates the immune system.

A third study, a review of research conducted by Dr. Jessie Hawkins and published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine, concluded that «supplementation with elderberry substantially reduces symptoms that affect the upper respiratory tract.

Therefore, elderberry is a natural and safe alternative. By preventing infection and improving the immune response, elderberry reduces the chances of complications from colds and flu with bacterial infections that require the consumption of antibiotics.

2. To strengthen the heart

Several studies indicate that it acts positively on several risk factors for the heart: hypertension, high levels of sugar and uric acid in the blood.

He high anthocynanin content –the pigments that give them the purple color–of the berries explain the beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system, according to studies published in Phytotherapy Research and in British Journal of Nutrition.

3. To overcome discouragement

A study from Mandazaran University (Iran) shows that the extract has an antidepressant effect.

A dose of 1,200 mg of berry extract per kilogram of body weight was used. It can be useful if you suffer mild symptoms.

4. Stimulates defenses

The high content of antioxidant compounds Collaborates with immunity in the fight against the harmful effects of free radicals generated by energy metabolism or coming from outside.

In this sense, the anthocyanins and phenolic compounds, that delay tissue aging and prevent a long list of diseases, including cancer.

Elderberry extract is also capable of increase the number of white blood cells that fight viruses and bacteria, according to a trial carried out at the University of Bucharest.

5. Prevents stomach and duodenal ulcers

A study carried out by doctors Porter and Bode, from the universities of Washington and Saint Martin respectively, has proven that elderberry extract inhibits the multiplication of bacteria Helicobacter pylori, which causes digestive ulcers and increases the risk of developing colon cancer. The study has been published in Phytotherapy Research.

6. Promotes purification of the body

The hydroalcoholic extract of elderberry increases urinary frequency (diuresis) and the excretion of salts, a study published in Phytotherapy Research.

This property, in addition to promoting the elimination of toxins, prevents the formation of kidney stones.