Benefits and Uses of Elderberry

If you are reading this, you are probably on a path to transitioning to a more natural and 
holistic lifestyle. No matter where you are in your journey, whether you are brand new to 
discovering what this lifestyle entails, or you have been using natural remedies for a 
while and want to expand it even more, understanding more about herbal remedies like 
elderberry is a great place to start. 


Your Path to a Holistic Lifestyle

During this journey, you will find that there are a lot of healing herbs that have medicinal 
properties, such as being anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and even antiseptic. This allows 
them to help with anxiety and stress, pain, skin conditions, gut issues, and so much 
more.

Then there are herbs that can help with the common cold and flu symptoms, such as 
elderberry. In fact, this is often what elderberry syrup is used for. 

If you are looking to learn more about elderberry, including its health benefits and ways 
it can be used, you have come to the right place.


 




1. About Elderberry

Elderberries are little purplish-black berries that are found in bunches on the vine, 
looking quite similar to blueberries. They have been used in holistic medicine for a long 
time, improving everything from your immune system to helping reduce inflammation 
and joint pain. 

It should be noted that like all natural remedies, it does not provide a cure or offer 100 
percent success. Many people have found improvements by adding elderberries or the 
elderberry syrup to their routine, but it should not replace medical advice from your 
doctor. This is true of all natural and holistic remedies.

With that being said, here are some important things to understand about elderberry. 


Nutrients in Elderberries

The reason elderberries are so good for you in addition to the healing properties, is the 
fact that they contain high levels of nutrients. This makes them good for your physical 
health and general wellness. 

Some of the nutrients you will get with elderberries or elderberry syrup include:

Folate
Calcium
Potassium
Vitamin A
Vitamin C

They are low in calories and have a lot of fiber. With fiber, you get benefits like more 
regular bowel function, reduced blood pressure, cardiovascular protection, and even 
protection against colorectal cancer.














2. Healing Benefits of Elderberry

Moving on to what you really want to know – how can you benefit from using 
elderberry? Keep in mind that one of the most common uses for elderberry syrup is for 
the cold or flu, but it is by no means the only way you can benefit from it. 

In additions to all the vitamins and minerals in elderberry, it is also loaded with 
antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties to help with a wide range of health 
conditions. 


Health Benefits of Elderberry

Here are some of the health benefits you can get from elderberries.

Protection against the cold and flu – While elderberry is not a cure or treatment for 
the cold or flu, and can’t prevent it, it can help protect your body against the severity and 
many of the symptoms. Taking elderberry regularly in cold and flu season can provide 
some comfort for you.

Help with headaches and joint pain – Thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties of 
elderberry, you can reduce pain in your muscles and joints, as well as reduced 
headache pain.

Relief from constipation – If you have digestive or bowel issues, especially with 
constipation or stomach cramps, elderberry is a great way to get treatment for it 
naturally. This is from many of the healing properties, as well as the high amount of 
fiber.

Protection from kidney issues – Everyone’s kidneys need a good boost every once in 
a while, which you can get naturally by consuming elderberries or the syrup on a regular 
basis.

Help with minor skin irritations – You may also find that your skin conditions gets a 
little better because of the antioxidants. This might include less acne and breakouts, a 
pretty skin glow, and help with certain chronic skin conditions.










 


3. Different Ways to Use Elderberry

To expand a little more on elderberry as part of your holistic lifestyle routine, here are 
some different ways you can use elderberry.

Elderberry Syrup

One of the most popular forms of elderberry is with the syrup, which is a thick liquid 
containing elderberries and some other natural ingredients. You can pick this up at most 
drug stores and health food stores. They are often advertised as natural remedies for 
the cold or flu, but have many other health benefits as well. 


Lozenges

Another super easy way to get elderberries and its healing benefits is with the lozenges. 
They work just like other lozenges you have had, where the medicine is administered by 
sucking on them. These can coat your throat if you have a sore throat, but also allow 
you to benefit from the berries, and other nutrients it might contain, like iron, zinc, and 
vitamin C.





Capsules

If you just want something you can take like regular over-the-counter medicine, you 
might prefer getting your elderberries in capsule form. These are often oil capsules filled 
with the concentrated elderberry, and possibly some other natural ingredients mixed in. 


Skincare Products

If you are looking to use elderberries for their skincare benefits, look for natural and 
organic skincare products. You might find some lotions, moisturizers, and other topical 
products that contain elderberry in them. 

Make sure you do not eat elderberries in their raw form, as they may be poisonous and 
make you sick.



4. Why is Elderberry Syrup So Popular?

One thing to know for certain is that people can’t seem to stop talking about elderberry 
syrup! When you find it in stores, elderberry is most often found in liquid syrup form. 
While it is expensive, it can be really convenient for people who don’t want to make it 
themselves. 

Here are some reasons the syrup is so popular. 


It is Potent and Very Concentrated

One of the reasons elderberry syrup is popular and often the first option when it comes 
to elderberries is because it is extremely potent and more concentrated than most other 
forms of elderberry. This means you get more of those nutrients and other health 
benefits than if you chose a lozenge, capsule, or other type of elderberry product.


It is Easy to Find and Use

Since manufacturers know how popular the syrup is, they tend to make it more often 
than other products with elderberry in it. This means it is going to be easier to find, 
whether at drug stores and natural food stores, or just your regular supermarket. You 
can also find more natural versions at farmer’s markets on occasion.




Tips for Choosing Elderberry Syrup

When it comes to buying elderberry syrup, you want to make sure it is a genuine 
products not only with real elderberries, but not a lot of artificial ingredients or sugars. 
The more natural and organic it is, the better it can be for you.

You always want to check the front and back of the label to get as much information as 
possible. This means looking at the ingredients, making sure they use organic 
elderberries and not some kind of concentrate, and that all the ingredients make sense 
for you. 

Make sure elderberry is the main active ingredient, and if it might tell you what part of 
the elderberry plant was actually used to make the syrup.


 












5. Are There Any Risks or Side Effects?

Before you go, it is really important to understand the potential cautions and side effects 
from using elderberry as a natural healing aide. 


Don’t Eat Raw Elderberries

The first risk comes when you try to eat elderberries raw. These can be potentially 
poisonous when eaten in the wrong way. You can’t eat the berries, seeds, or leaves 
raw, but you can eat the elderflowers raw. That is the only exception.

If you experience nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea after eating an elderberry product, it 
was probably in the raw form and you may have consumed a toxic substance.


Not Everyone Should Consume Elderberries

While it is safe for most people, there are some who should caution against taking it. 
This includes children under 18 years of age, women who are pregnant or nursing, 
people with sensitive immune systems, and anyone with chronic health conditions 
leading to breathing problems.

As with all natural remedies, it is best to talk to your doctor first.


