The safe, steady one
Standardized black elderberry extract or syrup
Prepared safely, with the same strength every time.
Good for: Colds & sore throat
What variations of elderberry exist?
A dark purple berry rich in antioxidants, used to shorten colds and flu when taken early. It comes in 3 forms, and they aren't all the same. Here's how they differ.
For education only. What's right for you depends on your health and your medications, so check with your provider before you start or switch. Book a consult
Our top pick
Every form, in plain words
The safe, steady one
Standardized black elderberry extract or syrup
Prepared safely, with the same strength every time.
Good for: Colds & sore throat
The homemade one
Homemade syrup from cooked berries
Traditional, but strength varies.
Usually skip
- The raw ones (Raw or unripe berries, leaves, or stems)Can cause nausea and vomiting. The berries must be cooked.
Spotting a good one on the shelf
Look for
- Look for 'Standardized black elderberry extract or syrup' on the label (the safe, steady one)
Watch out for
- Syrups with lots of added sugar
- No elderberry amount listed
Check with your provider first if…
- You have an autoimmune condition. It may rev up the immune system, so ask your provider first.
- You take medicines that calm the immune system
- You take diabetes medicine
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.