What is elderberry?
Elderberry(Sambucus nigra) is a shrub with medicinal flowers and berries, used since ancient times in phytotherapy and traditional medicine. Rich in antioxidants, flavonoids and vitamins, it is renowned for its immunostimulant, antiviral and detoxifying effects.
Its berries and flowers are mainly used ininfusions, syrups, capsules and liquid extracts to boost immunity, relieve winter infections and support detoxification of the body.
What are the benefits of elderberry?
Elder is a plant with many therapeutic properties:
- Stimulates the immune system → Increases resistance against viruses and seasonal infections.
- Relieves cold and flu symptoms → Promotes elimination of toxins and mucus.
- Antiviral and antibacterial action → Blocks virus replication, reducing the duration of infections.
- Expectorant and anti-inflammatory effect → Soothes coughs, bronchitis and sore throats.
- Promotes digestion and elimination of toxins → Stimulates the liver and kidneys, facilitating detoxification.
- Natural diuretic properties → Helps reduce water retention and promotes renal elimination.
- Rich in antioxidants → Protects cells against aging and oxidative stress.
- Improves blood circulation → Supports cardiovascular health and preventsvenous insufficiency.
How to use elderberry
Elderberry can be consumed in different forms according to need:
In infusion or decoction
- Elderflower → In herbal tea to soothe cold and flu symptoms.
- Dried berries → For a tonic and immunostimulant effect.
Elderberry infusion recipe:
- Infuse 1 tablespoon dried flowers in 250 ml hot water for 10 minutes.
- Drink 2 to 3 cups a day for colds or immune fatigue.
In syrup or liquid extract
- Elderberry syrups → Effective against oily and dry coughs.
- Standardized extracts → Concentrated in antioxidants and flavonoids.
Recommended dosage:
- Adults: 1 to 2 tablespoons per day.
- Children: 1 teaspoon a day in winter.
In capsules or food supplements
- To boost immunity as a preventive treatment before winter.
- To relieve respiratory infections, in association with other plants such asEchinacea.
External use (elderflower macerate, poultice, bath)
- To relieve joint and muscle pain.
- To soothe skin inflammation and irritation.
Is elderberry effective against respiratory infections?
Yes, thanks to its high flavonoid and anthocyanin content, it :
- Reinforces natural defenses, stimulatingimmune cell activity.
- Reduces the duration and intensity of flu symptoms.
- Facilitates expectoration and decongests the respiratory tract.
It is often used to prevent and treat winter ailments.
Does elderberry help detoxify the body?
Yes, elderberry has diuretic and depurative properties that :
- Stimulate liver and kidney activity, promotingtoxin elimination.
- Improve lymphatic circulation, helping to reduce water retention.
- Support digestion, relieving bloating and temporary constipation.
It is often used in liver and kidney drainage treatments.
What's the difference between black elder and red elder?
- Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) → A medicinal species used in phytotherapy for its berries and flowers, which are rich in active ingredients.
- Red elderberry (Sambucus racemosa) → Its berries are toxic, not recommended for medicinal use.
Black elderberry is the only one recommended for therapeutic and dietary use.
Where can I buy quality elderberry?
Elderberry products are available in :
- Pharmacies and parapharmacies → Immunostimulant capsules, extracts and syrups.
- Organic stores and herbalists → Dried flowers and berries for infusions and macerates.
- Specialized grocers and local markets → Artisanal syrups and elderberry jams.
- Specialized phytotherapy sites → Standardized flavonoid supplements.
Choose organic products from environmentally-friendly crops.
Does elderberry have any contraindications?
Although beneficial, elderberry should be consumed with caution:
- Do not eat raw berries, which contain toxic substances that require cooking.
- Not recommended for pregnant and breast-feeding women, due to lack of data on its safety.
- Avoid in case of allergy to plants of the Adoxaceae family.
- Do not combine with diuretic treatments, as it may reinforce their effect.
Appropriate, moderate consumption allows you to enjoy the full benefits of elderberry without risk.
