What is Sambucus used for?
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is the dark purple berry from the European elder tree. It has a long history of use for cold and flu. Elderberry is a popular ingredient in supplements. It might affect the immune system, and also seems to have activity against viruses, including the flu. Good for Respiratory and Lung Health Some research suggests elderberry may help prevent and treat respiratory illnesses, but more robust research is needed to confirm this benefit.The berries and flowers of elderberry are packed with antioxidants and vitamins that may boost your immune system. They could help tame inflammation, lessen stress, and help protect your heart, too.Lowering Cholesterol Black elderberries contain sterols. These substances are found in plants, and they help stop your body from absorbing cholesterol. Studies show that adding just 2 grams of sterol to your daily food intake can reduce your LDL cholesterol (or “bad” cholesterol) by 5% to 15%.Elderberries are a low calorie food packed with vitamin C, dietary fiber and antioxidants in the form phenolic acids, flavonols, and anthocyanins.
What is the common name for Sambucus?
Sambucus is a genus of between 20 and 30 species of flowering plants in the family Adoxaceae. The various species are commonly referred to as elder, with the flowers as elderflower, and the fruit as elderberry. L. Sambucus nigra is a species complex of flowering plants in the family Viburnaceae native to most of Europe. Common names include elder, elderberry, black elder, European elder, European elderberry, and European black elderberry.American elderberry ( Sambucus canadensis) is more shrub-like and can grow up to 8 to 10 feet high, while European black elder ( Sambucus nigra) has the makings of a small tree and will reach 20 feet. It is well adapted to a wide range of habitats.
Can you take Sambucus daily?
Yes, you can! You can safely take elderberry daily as long as you follow the recommended dosage instructions. Elderberry is safe to take all year round. If you’re looking for a nutrient rich herb for immune system support that’s easy for the whole family to take, then elderberry is the best option. If you’re looking to support everyday health and provide your body with a source of natural antioxidants, then elderflower is a great option.Also consult your doctor first if you’re on any prescription medication, such as blood pressure medications (elderberry products may lower blood pressure, compounding the effect of the drug), on chemotherapy (elderberry may increase the risk of side effects), or medications for diabetes (elderberry may lower blood .We conclude from this study that, in addition to its antiviral properties, Sambucol Elderberry Extract and its formulations activate the healthy immune system by increasing inflammatory cytokine production.If you have an autoimmune disease, elderberry may cause your immune system to become overactive and increase the symptoms of your disease. To be safe, pregnant and nursing persons and those with autoimmune conditions should avoid drinking elderberry tea.
Are elderberry and Sambucus the same?
Elderberry, genus Sambucus, has two commonly known subspecies—the non-native Sambucus nigra ssp. Sambucus nigra ssp. Both provide edible fruit and have compelling histories of folklore and uses. Although the flowers and cooked berries (pulp and skin) are edible, the uncooked berries and other parts of plants from the genus Sambucus are poisonous.
What are the benefits of Sambucus tea?
The antioxidants in elderberry have suspected benefits such as, reduced risk of tumors, boosted immune function, lower blood pressure levels, and reduced blood sugar levels. Some test tube studies, like one from 2024, suggest elderberry might help lower cholesterol levels without harming your liver. But more research is needed to confirm that it has the same effect in humans.Elderberry supplements are one of the safest ways to boost your health. Can you take elderberry daily? Absolutely — provided you’re generally healthy, and not pregnant or breastfeeding.Indeed, elderberry may cause more damage and inflammation to the thyroid gland by supporting the immune cells that specifically attack your thyroid gland. However, elderberry may help to treat inflammation, curb pain, and ward off depression, which are symptoms that people with Hashimoto’s experience.Also consult your doctor first if you’re on any prescription medication, such as blood pressure medications (elderberry products may lower blood pressure, compounding the effect of the drug), on chemotherapy (elderberry may increase the risk of side effects), or medications for diabetes (elderberry may lower blood .
Is Sambucus good for flu?
Based on in vitro and human clinical trials, elderberry extract is shown to be effective in mitigating the duration and severity of flu symptoms in several strains of influenza viruses (Mumcuoglu et al. Zakay-Rones et al. Elderberries contain polyphenols which are a type of antioxidant. Antioxidants prevent damage to your cells that can lead to diseases. The antioxidants in elderberry have suspected benefits such as, reduced risk of tumors, boosted immune function, lower blood pressure levels, and reduced blood sugar levels.Good for Respiratory and Lung Health Some research suggests elderberry may help prevent and treat respiratory illnesses, but more robust research is needed to confirm this benefit.Elderberry syrup (ES) a herbal extract of the Sambucus tree is used to boost the immunity when treating respiratory illnesses (common cold & influenza). ES activates pro-inflammatory cytokines(such as IL 1b, IL 6, IL 8, & TNF alpha), which provoke toxic liver changes leading to Drug-induced liver injury (DILI).Elderberry is generally well-tolerated when used appropriately. However, it can cause mild side effects like upset stomach, diarrhea, and vomiting. Some people may also experience dizziness or headaches. In rare cases, people can have severe allergic reactions to elderberry.Autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or other conditions: Elderberry might cause the immune system to become more active. This could increase the symptoms of autoimmune diseases.
Who should not take Sambucus elderberry?
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use elderberry. Elderberry may act as a diuretic. If you take medicines that increase urination, talk to your healthcare provider before using elderberry. There are no known food or medicine interactions linked with elderberry. Elderflower is generally recognized as safe by the FDA. However, it can cause allergic reactions in people with grass or honeysuckle allergies and should not be used alongside diabetes and blood pressure medications.Elderflower contains chemicals that have antioxidant effects. It also contains chemicals that might have antidiabetic effects. People use elderflower for common cold, constipation, diabetes, obesity, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking elderflower if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use. Diabetes: There is a concern that elderflower might lower blood sugar levels.