Therapeutic Uses
- Flu – Elderberry substantially reduces replication of flu viruses. Studies have shown that elderberry does not attack the flu virus. Instead, it boosts the immune system so the body can fight the flu virus more effectively. Elderberry increases production of an important class of immune compounds called cytokines.
- Prevention of Degenerative Diseases – Elderberry has been shown to contain potent antioxidants called anthocyanins. Antioxidants help prevent and reverse the cell damage at the root of heart disease, cancer, and many other conditions associated with aging.
- Heart Attack and Stroke – Researchers tested elderberry on the cells that line human arteries. Damage to these cells initiates a cascade of reactions that eventually leads to the arterial blockages that trigger heart attack and most strokes. The herb protected the arterial cells from damage. Thus, elderberry reduces risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Gum Disease – Elderberry also boosts the immune system’s ability to combat the bacteria responsible for gum disease. Researchers incubated infection-fighting white blood cells and gum-disease bacteria with and without elderberry extract. The white blood cells exposed to the herb “potently inhibited” the bacteria.
Medicinal Uses: *Asthma * Bronchitis * Christmas * Colds * Congestion * Cough * Eyes/Vision * Influenza * Sinusitis * Sore Throat
Elderberry Side Effects: Side effects include dizziness, headache, convulsions, and rapid heartbeat. Large dosages of elderberry juice can also cause uncontrollable diarrhea. Uncooked or unripe berries can cause nausea and vomiting. Elderberry bark and root are emetic and should not be taken internally; they will cause vomiting. The stem of the plant should be avoided due to its cyanide content. Elderberry should not be used with patients who have diabetes or low blood iron. The herb seems to form a complex with iron, which may become toxic in the blood.
Elderberry Drug Interactions: Elderberry can increase the immune system. Taking elderberry along with some medications that decrease the immune system might decrease the effectiveness of medications that decrease the immune system. Some medications that decrease the immune system include azathioprine (Imuran), basiliximab (Simulect), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), daclizumab (Zenapax), muromonab-CD3 (OKT3, Orthoclone OKT3), mycophenolate (CellCept), tacrolimus (FK506, Prograf), sirolimus (Rapamune), prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone), corticosteroids (glucocorticoids), and others.
