Elderberry

Also called: Black elder, Sambucus nigra

A dark purple berry rich in antioxidants, used to shorten colds and flu when taken early.

Supplements can interact with medications and aren't right for everyone, especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or with a chronic condition. Ask your provider before you start.

Studied for

Colds and flu, taken early
Short-term immune support

Found naturally in

Cooked elderberries, in jams and syrups

What variations of elderberry exist?Our top pick, what to skip, and how to read the label

Label red flags

Syrups high in added sugar
No elderberry amount listed

Check with a provider

Autoimmune conditions. It may stimulate the immune system, so ask your provider first.
Taking immune-suppressing medicines
Taking diabetes medicine

Usually found in immune support formulas, cold and flu syrups. Browse Dr. Lesher's dispensary

Parts of the body it affects

Explore what each area does and the conditions that can affect it.

Illustration of blood cells: red blood cells, four kinds of white blood cell, and platelets

Blood & immune system

Blood carries oxygen and nutrients, and white blood cells defend you from infection. In autoimmune disease, that defense system targets your own tissues.

Illustrations: Servier Medical Art, CC BY 4.0

Ready to find the root cause?

Dr. Lesher is a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on autoimmune and chronic conditions in women. Since 2020, she's helped hundreds of patients stop managing symptoms and start healing.

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