Elderberry syrup is a trendy home remedy for colds, flus, and more. Supporters of elderberry syrup claim it contains antioxidants that boost the immune system and reduce the duration of illness.
Today, it’s easy to buy elderberry syrup from Amazon and other major retailers. There are dozens of elderberry syrup products from major, trusted brands.
Meanwhile, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused sales of elderberry syrup to surge. People are searching for natural, home remedies to their common health issues, and elderberry syrup may present a potential solution. However, we urge consumers to remain cognizant that no alternative health solution has been shown to prevent or combat COVID-19. The most effective ways to prevent the spread of this virus is to practice social distancing, frequently wash your hands, and avoid touching your face.
Is there any scientific evidence supporting elderberry syrup? Do doctors recommend elderberry syrup? Or is this yet another natural extract with too much hype and too little evidence? With so many scam immunity supplements available online, it can be difficult to know if elderberry syrup can help you.
Today, we’re listing the best elderberry syrup products you can buy. Our guide will also outline some of the most important facts behind this natural solution, including a list of answers to the most commonly asked questions associated with elderberry syrup.
Ranking the Top 18 Best Elderberry Syrup Supplements
The rankings below represent Advanced Living's top picks for elderberry syrups. The products on our list are chosen based on our staff's opinions, and might not represent the best products for your particular situation. Always consult a medical professional or conduct your own independent research before using any new supplement or alternative health product.
Contents
Mary Ruth’s Organic Liquid Elderberry Immunity
Mary Ruth’s Organic Liquid Elderberry Immunity is one of the most popular elderberry syrup products available today. It’s not as cheap as certain other options on this list, but it provides the power of concentrated elderberry in a convenient serving.
The formula contains just one active ingredient: 150mg of black elderberry. That extract is made with vegan glycerin, purified water, citric acid, and natural raspberry and blueberry flavors, giving you a concoction that’s easy to drink and packed with elderberry extract.
Mary Ruth’s Organic Liquid Elderberry Immunity is one of the best-rated elderberry syrups on Amazon: with 1,200+ ratings to date, the product has an incredible 4.7 stars out of 5.
Price: $20 for 1 fl oz (30mL)
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Gaia Herbs Black Elderberry Syrup
Gaia Herbs makes a popular Black Elderberry Syrup product. The plant-based supplement claims to provide daily immune system using high quality elderberry. Gaia Herbs “super-concentrates” the juice from 14.5g of berries into a single teaspoon, making this “the most concentrated elderberry syrup on the market”.
The formula provides daily immune support with antioxidants, and elderberries are fresh-pressed shortly after harvest to preserve their nutritional value. The Gaia Herbs Black Elderberry Syrup is also available at a surprisingly reasonable price – especially when buying the 5.4 fl oz bottle.
Price: $18 for 3 fl oz (89mL) or $25 for 5.4 fl oz (160mL)
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Nature’s Truth Sambucus Black Elderberry
Some people don’t want a liquid elderberry syrup formula. That’s okay! Nature’s Truth offers similar elderberry dosage in a convenient capsule. Each capsule contains 1,000mg of elderberry syrup extract. That dosage comes from 15,625mg of a 64:1 extract.
The formula is packaged into a gelatin capsule with rice powder, beet root color, magnesium stearate, and silica as fillers and binders. If you want a convenient, affordable, and hassle-free way to take Nature’s Truth Sambucus Black Elderberry, then this may be the right choice.
Price: $10 for 100 Servings (100 Capsules)
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Elderberry Queen Elderberry Syrup
Elderberry Queen Elderberry Syrup claims to support immune health using USDA Organic certified elderberry syrup. The made-in-the-USA supplement contains 457mg of organic elderberry juice concentrate in each 15mL serving. Elderberry Queen has also added 152mg of organic aronia berry juice concentrate for extra antioxidants. The formula has a juice-like consistency.
By taking Elderberry Queen Elderberry Syrup daily, you can purportedly boost your immune system and flood your body with antioxidants. The rich antioxidant value comes at a steep price, however, as Elderberry Queen Elderberry Syrup is priced at $43 for 60 servings.
Price: $43 for 30 fl oz (887mL) or 60 Servings (15mL Per Serving)
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Zarbee’s Naturals Children’s Black Elderberry Syrup
Zarbee’s Naturals makes a black elderberry syrup supplement for children. The formula contains elderberry mixed with vitamin C and zinc for added illness-fighting power. Zarbee’s Naturals describes these three ingredients as “clinically supported” and claims the formula can boost the immune system and support healthy cells.
Zarbee’s Naturals Children’s Black Elderberry Syrup is designed for children two years and older. The formula contains no artificial flavors, no artificial sweeteners, and no dyes. With 3,600+ reviews and an average rating of 4.7 stars out of 5 on Amazon, this is one of the best-rated elderberry syrup products available today.
Price: $11 for 4 fl oz (118mL) or 11 to 22 servings (5mL to 10mL Per Serving)
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RD Naturals Elderberry Syrup
RD Naturals Elderberry Syrup was formulated by a registered dietitian. In addition to elderberry syrup, the formula contains raw honey, herbs, and spices for extra immune system support.
RD Naturals is a Charleston, South Carolina-based company owned by Registered Dietitian Sara Gail. The RD Naturals Elderberry Syrup is marketed to both children and adults. Each serving contains 1,000mg of elderberry along with a blend of ginger, cinnamon, raw honey, cloves, rosehips, and hibiscus. In fact, these are all of the listed ingredients in the all natural formula (along with water).
Price: $22 for 8 fl oz (237mL) or 48 Servings (5mL Per Serving)
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Nutra Champs Elderberry Liquid
Nutra Champs makes a “Sambucus Immune Support” supplement called Pure Organic Elderberry Liquid. The formula promises to protect against colds and allergies. Each serving contains 200mg of elderberry extract. There are no other listed, active ingredients. In fact, there are just four ingredients in total, including elderberry extract, purified water, vegetable glycerin, and natural flavors.
This is a highly-concentrated elderberry formula – not a juice like other products listed here. Nutra Champs claims their formula has antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune system benefits. The formula has a near-perfect 4.9 star out of 5 rating on Amazon with 550+ reviews.
Price: $24 for 2 fl oz (60mL) or 30 Servings
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Zhou Nutrition Elderberry Syrup
Zhou’s Elderberry Syrup is made with organic elderberry, raw honey, and apple cider vinegar. The ingredients claim to boost the immune system while delivering powerful antioxidants.
Each serving (1 teaspoon or 5mL) contains 6.2g of Zhou’s “Elderberry Apitherapy Formula”, which consists of honey, apple cider vinegar, elderberry concentrate, propolis tincture, and echinacea, all of which are purported to help the body fight illness. The result is a multi-defense formula that attacks illness in several ways.
Price: $17 for 8 fl oz (236mL) or 48 Servings
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NOW Foods Elderberry Liquid
NOW Foods Elderberry Liquid is a concentrated elderberry syrup formula marketed as a free radical scavenger. The 10:1 concentrate formula delivers 500mg of elderberry syrup extract per teaspoon. There are no other active ingredients: it’s just elderberry extract.
NOW Foods combines the extract with vegetable glycerin, de-ionized water, citric acid, and potassium sorbate. That’s the full list of ingredients. You take the formula daily to support your immune system. As with other elderberry formulas on this list, the NOW Foods Elderberry Liquid is can be used by adults and children.
Price: $28 for 8 fl oz (237mL) or 47 Servings
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Nature’s Way Sambucus Standardized Elderberry
Nature’s Way Sambucus Standardized Elderberry is an elderberry syrup formula that claims to deliver a “triple action immune blend” to support a strong immune system.
Each serving of Nature’s Way Sambucus contains 50mg of elderberry extract and 239mg of echinacea extract (from both the flower and root). Together, these ingredients may support your immune system and fight illness. The elderberry dose is lower than other options on this list, although Nature’s Way Sambucus may still be effective due to its high levels of echinacea.
Price: $19 for 8 fl oz (240mL) or 24 Servings
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Just Goodness 333 Organic Elderberry Syrup
Just Goodness isn’t the best-known elderberry brand on this list, but this smaller company produces excellent-quality elderberry syrup. Just Goodness’s 333 Elderberry Syrup is a made-in-the-USA formula that claims to provide daily immune system.
The formula is also built to taste great. There are no artificial sweeteners inside. Instead, the full list of ingredients consists of organic elderberries, water, raw unfiltered organic honey, cinnamon, ginger, and organic cloves. Just Goodness recommends taking one tablespoon 3 to 4 times per day until symptoms disappear.
Price: $24 for 16 oz or 32 Servings
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Provezza Laboratories Elderberry Syrup
Provezza Laboratories describes its elderberry syrup as a “scientifically tested elderberry blend”. The formula delivers optimal polyphenol levels while supporting your immune system. In addition to elderberry, the formula contains zinc for extra immune support (these are the only two active ingredients).
Provezza Laboratories gets its formula from a proprietary blend of European black elderberry concentrate. The elderberries are extracted using a “precise, multi-step extraction process” for maximum quality.
Price: $19 for 120mL (4 fl oz)
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Dakota Extra Strength Elderberry Gummies
Most elderberry supplements are liquids. However, the Dakota Extra Strength Elderberry Gummies supplement is one of several gummy elderberry formulas on this list. By taking the gummies daily, you can purportedly enjoy healthy immune support.
Dakota uses a 4-in-1 formula to deliver targeted immune benefits. There are actually five ingredients, including elderberry, vitamin C, zinc, echinacea, and bee propolis. Each serving (one gummy) contains 100mg of black elderberry.
Price: $20 for 60 Servings (60 Gummies)
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Havasu Nutrition Premium Elderberry Gummies
The Havasu Nutrition Premium Elderberry Gummies just look tasty. The delicious-looking pink color supports immune system health with no gelatin or high fructose corn syrup. The formula contains 100mg of elderberry extract in each two gummy serving along with zinc and vitamin C for added immune support.
Havasu Nutrition has flavored the gummies with organic tapioca syrup raw cane sugar, coconut oil, and natural flavors. It’s also available in two slightly different versions, including a version for adults and kids.
Price: $18 for 30 Servings (60 Gummies)
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Eniva Health All-In-One Cold Buster
Eniva Health makes an All-In-One Cold Buster formula that contains elderberry, zinc, vitamin C, green tea extract, aronia berry, organic honey, apple, and other ingredients. Each 16oz bottle (priced at $19) contains over 40,000mg of elderberry extract, although the exact dosage-per-serving is not disclosed (there’s 2,500mg of a proprietary “Cold Buster Blend” in each 30mL serving).
Eniva Health has combined the active ingredients with citric acid, natural flavors, and organic stevia leaf extract for flavoring. The formula claims to support daily immune health in a safe and effective way.
Price: $19 for 16 oz (16 Servings)
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GIVOL Elderberry Mist
GIVOL Elderberry Mist is an organic elderberry formula. It’s also the first supplement on this list that comes in the form of a spray – not a capsule, tablet, or gummy. Each bottle comes with nearly 480 sprays, or 240 servings. The manufacturer recommends spraying the formula in your mouth between meals.
Each two spray serving contains 300mg of elderberry extract. Logic Remedy mixes the extract with purified water, vegetable glycerin, organic lemon extract, organic raspberry, and blackberry extract. That’s the full list of ingredients.
Price: $19 for 240 Servings (480 Sprays)
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Bio Schwartz Sambucus Elderberry Syrup
Bio Schwartz Sambucus Elderberry Syrup is an immune support formula that contains 320mg of pure elderberry extract per serving. That extract, according to Bio Schwartz, powers your immune system and supports a healthy immune response.
The made-in-the-USA formula works as a powerful antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals within your body and supporting your immune system. You take one to two teaspoons per day as needed. Elderberry syrup is the only active ingredient, and the formula uses pineapple juice concentrate, raspberry, and other natural flavors for sweetness.
There are two versions of the Bio Schwartz Elderberry Syrup supplement, including a liquid version and capsule version.
Price: $20 for 8 fl oz (48 Servings)
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Garden of Life mykind Organics Elderberry Immune Gummy
Garden of Life makes a popular Elderberry Immune Gummy under its mykind Organics label. The gummy contains organic echinacea, zinc, and vitamin C mixed with elderberry syrup for maximum immune system support.
For flavor, Garden of Lie has added real fruit. The formula is also USDA Organic certified and non-GMO project verified. Each serving contains 355mg of an organic immune blend consisting of elderberry extract, aronia berry, echinacea, rosemary leaf, and other herbal extracts.
Price: $25 for 30 Servings (120 Gummies)
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How We Ranked
Many elderberry syrup supplements make similar promises: they claim to boost your immune system, fight free radicals, and support overall health. But not all elderberry supplements are made alike. Here’s how we ranked the supplements above:
Dosage: You’re taking an elderberry syrup supplement because you want elderberry. Elderberry dosage played a significant role in our rankings.
Additional Active Ingredients: Some of the top-ranked elderberry supplements contain zinc, vitamin C, echinacea, and other immune-boosting ingredients. Generally, we preferred elderberry supplements that contained pure elderberry and nothing else, although we considered other active ingredients in our rankings.
Transparency: Many elderberry syrup supplements hide ingredient dosages behind proprietary labels, making it difficult to see individual elderberry dosage. We preferred supplements with transparent, accurate labels.
Inactive Ingredients and Additives: Some elderberry supplements contain gelatin. Some contain mysterious flavors. Others contain fillers or binders. We preferred elderberry supplements with as few added ingredients as possible.
Flavor: Most elderberry syrups taste surprisingly good. Elderberry naturally tastes palatable, and many supplements contain added flavors or sweeteners to boost taste further.
Sweeteners and Flavor Additives: Some elderberry syrups contain artificial flavors or sweeteners. Others contain natural sweeteners – like raw honey.
Price and Value: We featured a range of elderberry supplements to accommodate all budgets. However, we wanted to make sure our readers got good value for their money at any price.
Delivery Method: The elderberry supplements listed above include gummies, syrups, tablets, juices, and other delivery methods.
Company Reputation: All of the companies above are reputable, well-known supplement makers. We ignored supplement companies with a problematic or unproven reputation. With trendy ingredients like elderberry, shady supplement companies always try to take advantage of a surging market.
Advertised Benefits: Elderberry syrup is a supplement – not a drug or medicine. However, some elderberry supplement companies go overboard with health benefits, claiming their product cures illness or treats influenza, for example.
Who Should Use Elderberry Syrup?
Elderberry is a multipurpose fruit used widely throughout Europe. As a centuries-old tradition, herbalists have used elderberry to maintain health, treat illness, and improve wellbeing. Today, elderberry supplements cannot claim to offer health benefits, yet many people use elderberry syrup to maintain a strong immune system.
Elderberry syrup is a sweet and tasty way to boost recovery from illnesses. Some evidence suggests that elderberry syrup can speed up your recovery from the common cold and flu.
Some people use elderberry syrup to fight off colds and flus. If a cold or flu is going around, or if it’s cold or flu season, then you might want to boost your immune system with elderberry syrup.
Similarly, some people take elderberry syrup during times of global pandemic – like the Covid-19 coronavirus crisis.
Elderberry syrup is also popular for frequent air travelers. Elderberry has shown some evidence that it can reduce the duration of illness following air travel. Some people take elderberry before or after traveling.
Of course, some people take elderberry syrup for reasons unrelated to colds and flus: they take elderberry to increase overall antioxidant levels. Elderberry syrup is known to have strong antioxidant abilities. Antioxidants may fight disease in the body, neutralizing free radicals. They may also help you look or feel younger.
Benefits of Elderberry Syrup
Elderberry syrup is a dark, purple liquid long used as an herbal remedy for illnesses like the cold or flu. The liquid contains powerful antioxidants. These antioxidants could reduce the duration of illness, helping you recover more quickly from colds and flus. Antioxidants are also prized for their general disease-fighting ability, reducing inflammation throughout the body.
That all sounds good – but are the benefits of elderberry syrup supported by science? Let’s take a closer look.
Elderberry syrup can fight both bacterial and viral infections. Research shows that the antioxidants within elderberry have antibacterial and antiviral properties, which is one reason why elderberry seems effective for fighting off infection.
This study published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine in 2011 analyzed how elderberry juice extract performed against serious bacteria and viruses. Researchers took elderberry juice extract, then exposed it to biologically active cultures of influenza viruses and bacterial agents responsible for upper respiratory tract infections.
Researchers found that the elderberry juice extracts showed strong antimicrobial activity against the viruses and bacteria, supporting the idea that elderberry can fight illness.
In a separate study, researchers repeated this research – but in living cells. The study was published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. It tested how well a standardized extract of elderberry juice inhibited the growth of several different strains of influenza virus.
In the first half of the experiment, researchers used pigs and turkeys and found that elderberry inhibited several different strains of the influenza virus in these animal models.
Then, researchers used human models, testing the effects of elderberry on an outbreak of a serious form of influenza at an agricultural community in Israel. Researchers found that fever and illness symptoms decreased rapidly after taking elderberry syrup. Members of the community were separated into two groups, with one group taking a placebo and another taking elderberry syrup. The placebo group recovered from the flu in six days, while the elderberry group recovered in just two to three days.
Based on this research, elderberry syrup significantly sped up recovery times from influenza infection, cutting the illness time in half.
Other studies have reinforced the idea that elderberry extract can treat the flu. This study published in The Journal of International Medical Research in 2004 concluded that elderberry extract was “an efficient, safe and cost-effective treatment for influenza”.
To produce these results, researchers took 60 patients (aged 18 to 54 years) suffering from influenza symptoms for 48 hours or less. In the double-blind, placebo-controlled study, researchers asked patients to take either 15mL or elderberry syrup or 15mL of a placebo syrup four times a day for five days. The elderberry group experienced relief from symptoms four days earlier, on average, than the placebo group.
Other studies have found that elderberry syrup can enhance recovery from the cold. The cold is caused by a different type of virus – rhinoviruses – than the flu. Based on their findings, researchers believe that upper respiratory infections, including the one caused by the common cold, can be treated with elderberry syrup.
This paper published in 2016 by researchers in Australia studied the effects of elderberry supplements on 300 airline passengers. Researchers randomly assigned passengers to take either a placebo supplement or an elderberry supplement. Researchers tracked who became ill and how long their illness lasted. Of the passengers who contracted a cold, those taking the elderberry supplement lost significantly fewer days to illness than those taking the placebo.
Based on these results, researchers concluded that elderberry could inhibit the growth of a wide variety of viruses and bacteria.
And, since many elderberry syrups are paired with other popular immune boosters – like zinc and echinacea – these supplements could be even more effective at reducing illness and boosting immunity.
Elderberry extract sales have surged over the last few months in response to the Covid-19 coronavirus. However, there’s no evidence specifically showing that elderberry extract reduces symptoms of the Covid-19 coronavirus, improves recovery times from the coronavirus, or boosts the body’s ability to fight Covid-19. However, elderberry extract has shown some ability to fight influenza A and B, and it’s possible these effects could extend to coronavirus as well – but no research has been done.
Of course, some people take elderberry extract for its antioxidant effects. Elderberry extract is rich with antioxidants, and antioxidants are linked with improved long-term health.
Instead of summarizing individual studies on the antioxidants in elderberry, we’ll look at this review study published in the Journal of Functional Foods in 2015 by researchers in Poland.
Those researchers found that elderberry can reduce oxidative stress and decrease several risk factors for cardiovascular disease – just like other popular antioxidant supplements like resveratrol and astaxanthin.
Researchers believe that antioxidants reduce oxidative stress, which causes measurable damage to arteries (and many other bodily systems).
Much of the antioxidant content in elderberries can be traced to anthocyanins. Elderberries are an excellent, highly bioavailable source of anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are powerful antioxidant agents found in all types of plants, including blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. Researchers believe anthocyanins give many fruits their antioxidant power, and you can find plenty of anthocyanins in elderberries.
One of the most important studies on anthocyanins was published in 2004 in the International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics. The study compared the bioavailability of two of the best sources of anthocyanins: elderberries and blackcurrants.
To test, researchers studied how blood levels of anthocyanins changed after consumption. Researchers were surprised to find that only 0.37% of the administered dose of anthocyanins was released from the body via urine within seven hours of consumption, which means most anthocyanins were absorbed by the body, being processed, or circulating.
Researchers also found that the body absorbs the anthocyanins in elderberry extract significantly better than blackcurrant extract. Specifically, anthocyanin absorption was five to six times higher following elderberry consumption.
Researchers also found that the body absorbs and processes the anthocyanins in elderberries quickly: approximately half the administered dose was processed out of the bloodstream within 1.74 hours.
Because of this quick absorption time, some elderberry supplement manufacturers recommend splitting elderberry extract into multiple doses per day, allowing your body to quickly absorb small dosages of it instead of trying to process a large dose at once.
In 2018, Cleveland Clinic published an article exploring whether elderberry was “a natural way to boost immunity during cold and flu season”.
After interviewing an elderberry expert, the writer concluded that “it likely wouldn’t hurt to include elderberry as part of a healthy diet as flu season approaches”.
All of this research is promising. This research suggests elderberry is a safe and effective natural remedy for cold and flu and a powerful source of antioxidants.
However, there’s a big catch: largescale research on elderberries and humans is limited. Several studies have revealed promising benefits, but more research needs to be done to prove these benefits.
Side Effects of Elderberry Syrup
Elderberry fruit is safe to eat without processing. Most studies suggest that elderberry fruit juice or elderberry syrup is also safe.
However, you should not eat unripe elderberry fruit, as it could contain toxins. Certain other parts of the elderberry plant may also contain toxins.
Some people experience side effects like nausea and vomiting after consuming elderberry syrup. However, these effects are caused by homemade elderberry syrup made from unripe elderberries.
Processed elderberry syrup – including the elderberry supplements above – will not contain unripe elderberries or toxins. They’re made from ripe, non-toxic elderberry fruit.
Elderberries studies on humans and animals have suggested elderberry syrup is safe.
However, due to the lack of human studies and the lack of knowledge about how elderberry works, most experts recommend that pregnant or nursing women avoid elderberry supplements.
WebMD admits that elderberry is “possibly safe” when taken by mouth for up to 12 weeks. However, they caution against using elderberry for autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and other conditions, as it could cause the immune system to become more active.
As with any supplements, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor before taking elderberry. You should also talk to your doctor if you take any prescription medications, as drug interactions of elderberry are unknown.
Recommended Dose of Elderberry Syrup
Elderberry syrup dosages vary widely due to differences in concentration. 15mL of one elderberry syrup may be less effective than 15mL of a competing elderberry syrup.
It’s best to compare the amount of actual elderberry fruit used in each supplement. Most studies use an equivalent dose of 0.2 to 12g of actual elderberry fruit, with the average dose being about three grams.
Concentrations vary, but most elderberry syrup formulas require 5 to 15mL of syrup to get that equivalent dose.
In terms of timing, most experts recommend taking elderberry syrup at the first onset of symptoms – just like you would take zinc, echinacea, cough drops, and other common remedies. Continue taking elderberry until symptoms stop.
Alternatively, if taking elderberry for antioxidants, take 5 to 15mL per day as needed. Some take three 5mL doses per day, while others take 15mL at once.
Frequently Asked Questions About Elderberry Syrup
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to frighten consumers in all sectors, misinformation and conflicting accounts about products like elderberry soup continue to confuse users. This section should clarify key elements of the natural solution by answering many of the most commonly asked questions about elderberry syrup.
Q: What is an elderberry?
A: Elderberry is the berry of a genus of flowering plants called Sambucus. The berry is a traditional remedy purportedly linked with health benefits. It has been used for decades by alternative health professionals and advocates, although its precise benefits are hotly debated by medical researchers.
Q: What is Sambucus?
A: Sambucus is a genus of flowering plants. Species within this genus are commonly called elder or elderberry. It is these plants that produce the elderberries used in many natural supplements on our ranked list above.
Q: What do elderberries look like?
A: Elderberries have a blue-purple color and are about the size of a currant. The plants have large clusters of small white or cream-colored flowers in late spring, followed by different-colored flowers through the rest of the year.
Q: How do elderberries work?
A: Researchers believe elderberries work because they have high levels of antioxidants. Antioxidants may fight oxidation and inflammation throughout the body, helping your immune system work more effectively. When the immune system is functioning at maximum effectiveness, it can better fend off illnesses that the body might face.
Q: How are elderberries used?
A: Traditionally, elderberries are used to treat the common cold, flu, and other illnesses. Some also use elderberry fruit for wine or food flavoring. Specific application cases depend on the type, quantity, and potency of the elderberry solution being used.
Q: Where do elderberries come from?
A: Elderberries are grown all over the world, although they’re more widespread in the Northern Hemisphere than the Southern Hemisphere. They come from the elder tree. Elderberries have been used as a traditional remedy among European cultures for centuries.
Q: What’s the nutritional value of an elderberry?
A: Raw elderberries contain 80% water, 18% carbohydrates, and less than 1% each of protein and fat. A 100g serving of elderberry contains 73 calories and approximately 45% of your Daily Value (DV) of vitamin C. Elderberries also contain vitamin B6 (18% DV) and iron (12% DV).
Q: What is elderberry syrup?
A: Elderberry syrup is an extract product or liquid made from the elderberry fruit. The syrup can often offer higher concentrations of key antioxidants and nutrients than raw berries can, making them ideal for users looking to access associated benefits.
Q: What are elderberry supplements?
A: Elderberry supplements are syrups, tablets, gummies, or powders containing elderberry fruit extract. They are used because of the high potency of antioxidants inside of them.
Q: What does elderberry syrup taste like?
A: Elderberry has a tart, tangy, or bitter flavor. Elderberry syrup has a similar flavor, although some manufacturers add honey or other sweeteners. Specific flavorings will always depend on the brand and concentration being tasted.
Q: Can you eat raw elderberries?
A: Cooked ripe elderberries are perfectly edible. Unripe elderberries, however, are poisonous. Be sure to verify that you have an edible version of the elderberry before consuming it.
Q: Is elderberry syrup safe for children?
A: Research shows that elderberries are generally safe to take. However, we recommend speaking with your pediatrician before giving your child elderberry syrup, or any other supplement.
Q: Why is elderberry syrup so thick?
A: Many elderberry syrups are surprisingly thick. That’s why they’re called syrups and not juices. If you don’t like thick elderberry syrup, then buy an elderberry juice. Some elderberry syrups specifically advertise themselves as ‘juice-like'. These might be best for consumers who want the benefits of elderberry syrup without thickness.
Q: How do you make elderberry syrup?
A: You can make elderberry syrup at home by combining two cups of dried elderberries with four cups of water. Some consumers add herbs or sweeteners for added benefits to taste. You can find plenty of elderberry syrup recipes online to make the process easier.
Q: Can you take elderberry syrup every day?
A: Studies have shown that most people can safely take elderberry syrup daily for 8 to 12 weeks without side effects.
Q: Is elderberry syrup good for colds?
A: Elderberry syrup has shown some evidence it can treat the common cold. In studies, elderberry syrup has reduced cold infection time by half. However, more large-scale human studies need to be performed. We advise consumers to be cautious about using elderberry syrup to treat the common cold.
Q: Is elderberry syrup good for the flu?
A: Some evidence suggests that elderberry syrup can treat influenza (the flu). Some studies have shown that elderberry syrup reduces flu infection times by half, speeding up recovery time. However, extensive studies have yet to be performed.
Q: Can you give elderberry syrup to my kids?
A: Elderberry syrup is generally safe for children to take, but you should talk to your pediatrician before giving children any type of supplement, including elderberry syrup.
Q: Does elderberry syrup expire?
A: Most elderberry syrup expires, and all reputable elderberry syrup supplements have an expiry date printed on the packaging. Be sure to use the syrup before this expiration date comes to pass.
Q: How long does elderberry syrup last?
A: Elderberry syrup should last for one year after opening, assuming you keep it refrigerated. Most elderberry syrup manufacturers recommend consuming the bottle within six months of opening for maximum flavor and freshness. Some elderberry syrups will only last 30 to 45 days after opening, so check the label to be sure.
Q: Do elderberries come from elder trees?
A: Yes, the ‘elder tree' in folklore is the same elder plant that grows elderberries. In some cultures, elder trees are thought to ward away evil. Cutting down an elder tree brings bad luck. The elder tree also made an appearance in Harry Potter, where the Elder Wand (made from a branch of the elder tree), played a pivotal role in the final book.
Q: How else can elderberries be used?
A: Some people add elderberry syrup to juices, smoothies, yogurts, or alcoholic beverages (like vodka or brandy). Others mix elderberry syrup with club soda or ginger ale. There are a number of recipes available online to help you decide how to use and prepare your elderberries.
Q: What is Sambucol?
A: Sambucol is a registered trademark elderberry formula owned by Sambucol USA, a partner of PharmaCare US. It’s a black elderberry supplement launched 20 years ago, long before most elderberry supplements above hit the market. Sambucol claims to be the original black elderberry extract.
Q: Is elderberry extract vegan?
A: Elderberry extract is generally vegan, but check the label to verify. Some elderberry extract capsules use gelatin, and gelatin is not vegan (it’s a pork product). Always check the ingredient list before consuming to ensure that the supplement will not break your diet.
Q: How do you store elderberry syrup?
A: Most elderberry syrups have no artificial preservatives, and you should keep elderberry syrup in your refrigerator for up to a year after opening.
A: There’s no evidence that elderberry syrup specifically treats the Covid-19 coronavirus. However, some studies have shown that elderberry syrup improves recovery times for influenza A and B. If you have COVID-19 symptoms, always consult a medical professional first.
Final Thoughts
Elderberry syrup is an herbal remedy used for centuries to treat the cold, flu, and other illnesses. Today, elderberry syrup supplements can be purchased through Amazon, Walmart, CVS, and other major retailers.
Some evidence shows that elderberry syrup improves cold and flu recovery times. Elderberries are also rich with antioxidants.
For all of these reasons, elderberry syrup supplements are popular around the world.
