--- title: Is Elderberry Good for the Immune System? description: Elderberry can offer benefits for kids and adults alike. It is available in kid-friendly forms like syrups, tinctures. 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Feb 25, 2021 5:53:24 PM ![](https://blog.davincilabs.com/hubfs/dr%20matt%20hand.png) Written By: Dr. Matt Hand ![ELDER-BERRY-AND-IMMUNE-SYSTEM](https://blog.davincilabs.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ELDER-BERRY-AND-IMMUNE-SYSTEM.jpg?width=750&name=ELDER-BERRY-AND-IMMUNE-SYSTEM.jpg) The elderberry plant has long been revered for its medicinal properties and was even considered a magic plant across cultures. Packed full of antioxidants, vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, folate, and other key nutrients, elderberry is most commonly used today to defend the immune system.* Often paired with [zinc for additional immune support](https://blog.davincilabs.com/blog/zinc-is-hidden-gem-for-child-nutrition), you can find elderberry in extracts, syrups, lozenges, and teas for both kids and adults.* It’s important to reap this medicinal plant’s benefits from a professional-grade source to ensure quality and purity.  ## What are Elderberries? Elderberries are the fruit of the [*Sambucus *tree](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sambucus#:~:text=Sambucus%20is%20a%20genus%20of,plants%20in%20the%20genus%20Adoxa.), which is a flowering plant of the *Adoxaceae *family. The small black or blueberries come in bunches, and in their raw form, can be poisonous, potentially causing severe stomach upset. For this reason, elderberry must be prepared by a knowledgeable herbalist or professional laboratory, and with DIY formulations, extreme caution must be taken. [![Learn to thrive when you are not feeling your best. Our immune support protocol will show you how.](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4087538/c38b215f-734e-438e-8b0d-7f58844c3300.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4087538/c38b215f-734e-438e-8b0d-7f58844c3300) ## Does Elderberry Boost the Immune System? Elderberry has historically been used to support a robust immune response and upper respiratory tract defense.* Studies suggest that elderberry’s unique nutritive content might offer certain immune health benefits that defend against common signs of a depleted immune system.*[[1]](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ptr.2729) Elderberry extract may also help with the onset of seasonal discomforts and lessen their duration.*[[2]](https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8040182) The primary nutrients that work to support immune health include vitamin C, phenolic acids, flavonols, and anthocyanins.* These vitamins and phytonutrients have been shown to modulate the body’s immune and inflammatory response, and immune immune susceptibility in both children and adults.* Polyphenols are naturally-occurring plant compounds high in antioxidants, and the specific polyphenol make-up of elderberry might increase white blood cell count.[[3]](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464614002400) Experts believe that elderberry works to fight free radicals and modulate inflammation by inhibiting the cellular load of foreign invaders by blocking their entrance into cells.[[4]](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19682714/) ## What are Other Benefits of Elderberry? Respiratory support is always important. Elderberry has been studied for its lung-supportive properties, and integrative doctors are learning more about the gut-lung axis, which refers to certain strains of gut bacteria in the microbiome that directly impact lung health.* The anthocyanins in elderberry are thought to support strong and healthy lungs. Similarly, due to its high antioxidant and flavonoid content, many people have relied on elderberry for clear skin.* Due to its relatively high levels of vitamin A, elderberry might also help with the appearance of wrinkles and age spots.* Anecdotally, elderberry has been used for centuries to induce sweating, promote bowel movements, support immune and inflammatory response, and stimulate urine production.*[[5]](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24409980/) ## Who Should Take Elderberry? [Elderberry supplements can offer benefits for kids](https://blog.davincilabs.com/blog/elderberry-supplements-can-kids-take-them-and-why) and adults alike. It is available in kid-friendly forms like syrups, tinctures, and dissolvable tablets, and is shown to be suitable for children on a short-term and as-needed basis. Adults can take elderberry for its immune-boosting properties and other health benefits, but must be sure to avoid raw berries.* While elderflowers can be eaten raw or cooked, raw elderberries and seeds contain the toxins cyanide and lectin, which can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea. ### RELATED CONTENT: [Maitake Mushroom Benefits for the Immune System](https://blog.davincilabs.com/blog/maitake-mushroom-benefits-to-the-immune-system) ## How to Use Elderberry For maximum benefits and safety, choose professional grade elderberry syrups, lozenges, capsules, or extracts. Liposomal elderberry in particular can provide superior absorption and effectiveness as an immune support product.* As with any supplement, it’s always recommended to check with your integrative doctor for appropriate dosage and any safety concerns or questions you have. ## Final Thoughts Elderberry might be a powerful[ immune support supplement](https://www.davincilabs.com/shop-supplements/immune-support.html) to have on-hand for the entire family.* In addition, this plant is thought to promote a healthy respiratory tract, keep sinuses comfortable, maintain health during cold winter months and possibly lessen duration of immune-related discomforts should they occur.* [![Support Immune Health](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4087538/a253538e-eafc-413b-8456-2a3b41f7bbd9.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4087538/a253538e-eafc-413b-8456-2a3b41f7bbd9) --- [1] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ptr.2729 [2] Tiralongo, E., Wee, S. S., & Lea, R. A. (2016). Elderberry Supplementation Reduces ... in Air-Travellers: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. *Nutrients*, *8*(4), 182. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8040182 [3] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464614002400 [4] Roschek B Jr, Fink RC, McMichael MD, Li D, Alberte RS. Elderberry flavonoids bind to and prevent ... in vitro. Phytochemistry. 2009 Jul;70(10):1255-61. doi: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2009.06.003. Epub 2009 Aug 12. PMID: 19682714. [5] Ulbricht C, Basch E, Cheung L, Goldberg H, Hammerness P, Isaac R, Khalsa KP, Romm A, Rychlik I, Varghese M, Weissner W, Windsor RC, Wortley J. An evidence-based systematic review of elderberry and elderflower (Sambucus nigra) by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration. J Diet Suppl. 2014 Mar;11(1):80-120. doi: 10.3109/19390211.2013.859852. Epub 2014 Jan 10. PMID: 24409980. 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For some people, they can significantly impact enjoying time outside and carrying out daily routines. While seasonal discomforts can cause... [Read More](https://blog.davincilabs.com/blog/addressing-spring-health-challenges-in-kids) [![](https://blog.davincilabs.com/hubfs/how-boost-kids-immune-system-1.jpg)](https://blog.davincilabs.com/blog/elderberry-supplements-can-kids-take-them-and-why) ** [ kid's health ](https://blog.davincilabs.com/blog/tag/kids-health) ### Elderberry Supplements: Can Kids Take Them? Elderberry use dates back to early history. Long revered for its impressive list of health benefits, some ancient cultures thought of elderberry as a magic plant.* It’s easy to understand why.... [Read More](https://blog.davincilabs.com/blog/elderberry-supplements-can-kids-take-them-and-why) [![](https://blog.davincilabs.com/hubfs/healthy%20kids.png)](https://blog.davincilabs.com/blog/benefits-of-elderberry-for-kids) ** [ Immune Support ](https://blog.davincilabs.com/blog/tag/immune-support) ### Benefits of Elderberry for Kids Elderberry syrups and tinctures have been used around the world for centuries, by adults and children alike. What is so special about this popular remedy? When properly sourced and prepared, the... [Read More](https://blog.davincilabs.com/blog/benefits-of-elderberry-for-kids) *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. 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