Why is Everyone Freaking Out About Elderberry?

You should take a minute to thank your immune system. It truly is a magnificent process, protecting you from pathogens and keeping you safe in a bacteria-filled world.

If saying thanks to something as complex and amorphous as your immune system seems like a weird concept, remember that you don’t have to actually utter the words “thank you” to show your gratitude.

You can just take some elderberry.

First of all, what is elderberry?

Elderberry refers to many different types of the Sambucus tree, a flowering plant that is a part of the Adoxaceae family. These trees grow up to 30 feet tall, and they have clusters of small flowers known as elderflowers. They also contain dark black-purple berries that are called – you guessed it – elderberries.

The berries are tart, and unripe elderberries are actually poisonous. As such, if you’re looking to eat some elderberries, make sure to cook them first; it will also significantly improve the flavor.

Perhaps the best way to add elderberry to your diet, though, is with elderberry supplements like these gummies (more on that later).

So what does elderberry have to do with the immune system?

Elderberries are packed with antioxidants, which play a proven role in reducing inflammation. They do this by fighting unstable atoms known as free radicals that can damage cells and cause illness and aging if they aren’t kept in check.

So, just how good of an antioxidant source are elderberries? According to one study that compared 15 different varieties of berries, elderberry was listed as one of the most effective antioxidants. Another found that antioxidant status improved in people one hour after drinking 400 ml of elderberry juice.

And elderberries are more than just good sources of antioxidants. They are loaded with other nutrients like vitamin C and dietary fiber, and they are also relatively low in calories. As a result, they are getting increasingly popular as a health remedy, and many people consume elderberry supplements to treat cold and flu symptoms.

One study looked at 60 people with influenza, and some of the patients received 15 ml of elderberry syrup four times a day for five days. The control group were given a placebo syrup. Ultimately, the patients that took the elderberry syrup showed symptom improvement in two to four days, while the control group took at least seven days to improve.

Another study took aim at a hotbed for contagious illnesses: airplanes. The researchers conducted a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial of 312 economy class passengers on a flight from Australia. Some of the passengers that took capsules containing 300 mg of elderberry extract three times per day, and it found that those who got sick experienced a shorter duration of illness and less severe symptoms than the placebo group.

How to eat elderberry

After reading about all of the benefits of elderberry, you may be tempted to go and find an elderberry tree and pop some of the berries into your mouth.

Don’t do that. As we mentioned earlier, raw elderberries are poisonous.

Sure, you could take them home and cook them, but there is a much easier way to add elderberry to your diet – Elderberry Gummies.

These gummies contain pure, Sambucus elderberry extract enhanced with vitamin C and zinc to provide the maximum immune support without any artificial sweeteners, colors, or preservatives. They are also good for both children and adults. They taste absolutely amazing and are made from all-natural ingredients like coconut oil, raw cane sugar, and plant-based pectin.

By now, hopefully you have a better understanding of elderberry – where it comes from, why people love it, and how to consume it. You may even add yourself to the list of people who are freaking out about elderberry – we certainly wouldn’t judge you if you did.