Elderberry

In 400 BCE Hippocrates referred to the elder tree as his "medicine chest." Other noted classical healers, including Theophrastus, Dioscorides and Galen, regarded the elder as one of nature's greatest healing plants. Native Americans believed that elderberry would promote a long life, giving reason to the name elder. Maud Grieve dedicated the largest section of her classic 1930s book A Modern Herbal, the first comprehensive encyclopaedia of herbs to appear since the days of Culpeper (1600s), to elder. This book is considered to still be relevant today. In modern times elderberries are most frequently used for supporting immune system health, and symptoms of upper respiratory infections, however historically they were commonly used for pain and inflammation such as in rheumatism.

This centuries-old remedy moved into the mainstream consciousness during the height of the pandemic as the population rushed to fortify their immune health and fight infection. There was a huge surge in demand for elderberry, and it became the poster child for immunity, with solid clinical research showing benefits in fighting the viruses that cause colds and flu. With the shockwaves of COVID-19 subsiding the overall concerns about immune system health are still strong and immunity is seen as a key element of good health. Although elderberry is used by many as a year-round supplement for immune support its time to shine is for seasonal immune support during the winter cold and flu season which is now upon us. Elderberry’s deliciously tart and sweet flavour makes it easy to enjoy. This makes elderberry liquid extract a mainstay in many herbalists’ dispensaries as the go-to herb at the initial signs of a cold or the flu.

Elderberry studies validate the hype. Meta-analyses of clinical trials can help add a level of credibility and confirmation to elderberry studies. An article about elderberry research says meta-analyses “can cut through the noise of improperly structured studies or biases to arrive at conclusions with true clinical relevance and consistency.” One 2019 meta-analysis of four clinical trials, involving a total of 180 people, found that elderberry supplementation substantially reduced the severity and duration of upper respiratory symptoms in cold and flu patients. The researchers concluded that “these findings present an alternative to antibiotic misuse for upper respiratory symptoms due to viral infections, and a potentially safer alternative to prescription drugs for routine cases of the common cold and influenza.”

References

HEC Elderberry monograph

Blatman J. Elderberry sales are declining, but experts aren’t worried. Here’s why. Nutritional Outlook 2023 May 20;26:4

Hawkins J, Baker C, Cherry L, Dunne E. Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) supplementation effectively treats upper respiratory symptoms: A meta-analysis of randomized, controlled clinical trials.

Complement Ther Med. 2019 Feb;42:361-365. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2018.12.004. Epub 2018 Dec 18. PMID: 30670267.

Straus M. Elders & betters: Elderberry research is validating the hype. Nutritional Outlook 2022 March 5