Updated: 12/6/23
Are you looking for a natural way to boost your immunity and reduce your risk of heart disease? Then elderberry is the answer! This nutrient-rich superfood has been in use for centuries as an immune booster, but only recently have researchers identify its potential health benefits – from fighting off viruses to preventing inflammation that can lead to cardiovascular diseases. With such immense potential, it’s no wonder why more and more people are turning to this old remedy in order to maintain their overall wellness. In this blog post, we’ll explore how elderberry works, what makes it so good for our health, and what steps we can take starting today towards better heart health.
What is Elderberry?
Elderberry is a type of fruit that comes from the elder tree, also known as Sambucus. The berry itself is small, dark purple, and packed with antioxidants and other immune-boosting compounds. It has been in use for centuries as a natural remedy for colds, flu, and other respiratory infections. Plus, it shows to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
It grows wild in many parts of the world, including Europe, North America, and Asia. It is also commercially cultivates, with many farmers now specializing in elderberry production. In the United States, the largest concentration of elderberry farms are in the Midwest and Pacific Northwest regions.
Elderberry is typically grown as a shrub, with multiple stems and leaves. It prefers moist, fertile soil and plenty of sunshine. The plants usually start from cuttings or transplants, and can take several years to mature and start producing fruit. Once the berries ripen, they harvest by hand and in use fresh, frozen, or dry for tea and other medicinal purposes.
How is Elderberry Extract Made?
Elderberry extract is from the berries of the elderberry plant. The berries go through handpicking when they’re fully ripe and have a deep purple color. It’s important to note that elderberries should never be eaten raw, as they contain naturally occurring toxins that can cause gastrointestinal issues. Therefore, they go through a rigorous process to ensure the end product is safe to consume.
Once the elderberries have been through picking, they’re go through cleaning thoroughly and the stems and leaves experience removal. The berries boil in water for anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, often with the addition of other ingredients such as ginger or cinnamon. This helps to extract the beneficial compounds from the berries into the water.
The resulting mixture then strains through a cheesecloth to remove any remaining solids. The liquid that is remaining cooks down to concentrate the beneficial compounds. Finally, the concentrates as liquid mixes with other ingredients such as honey or glycerin to create the final product – elderberry extract!
Elderberry Extract Benefits
The many benefits reported from using elderberry extract include the prevention of cold and flu, the alleviation of flu symptoms, heart health support, and anti-inflammatory and anti-infection properties. They are also high in nutrition and contain natural antioxidants.
Boosts Immunity
One of the primary benefits of elderberry extract is that it can help boost immunity. This is especially important during cold and flu season, when our bodies are more susceptible to illness. Elderberry extract contains a variety of antioxidants and immune-stimulating compounds that can help strengthen our immune system and fight off infection. Several studies have shown that taking elderberry extract can reduce the severity and duration of cold and flu symptoms.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
The anti-inflammatory effects of elderberry extract make it a popular remedy for many inflammatory conditions. It contains flavonoids that help to reduce swelling and relieve pain and discomfort caused by inflammation.
Alleviate Joint Pain
If you suffer from joint pain or arthritis, elderberry extract may be a great natural alternative to traditional treatments. Elderberry contains anti-inflammatory compounds that help reduce inflammation in the body. This can lead to a reduction in joint pain and stiffness, providing relief for those who suffer from chronic joint pain.
Promotes Heart Health
Another benefit of elderberry extract is that it can promote heart health. Elderberry contains a compound anthocyanin, which shows to help lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation in the body. In addition, elderberry extract shows to improve artery function and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Skin Health
Elderberry extract has anti-aging properties that promote healthy skin. It contains vitamins and antioxidants that fight free radical damage and keep your skin looking young and vibrant. The extract can also help to reduce inflammation and treat various skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
Helps Relieve Allergies
Elderberry extract has also been shown to be effective in relieving allergy symptoms. This is because elderberry contains quercetin, a natural antihistamine that can help reduce inflammation and relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and congestion.
Supports Digestive Health
Elderberry extract has a number of benefits for digestive health as well. For one, it can help reduce inflammation in the gut and promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. In addition, elderberry has been shown to help alleviate constipation and diarrhea, and can even help protect against ulcers and other digestive disorders.
May Help Fight Cancer
There is some evidence to suggest that elderberry extract may have anti-cancer properties. Elderberry contains a variety of phytonutrients that show to have cancer-fighting properties, including flavonoids, anthocyanins, and quercetin. While more research is necessary to fully understand the potential anti-cancer benefits of elderberry extract, it is certainly an area worth exploring.
Boost Your Energy Levels
Last but not least, elderberry extract has been shown to boost energy levels and improve vitality. The extract contains a variety of vitamins and minerals that help support overall health and wellness. This can lead to increased energy levels, better mental clarity, and improved focus.
Elderberry Extract Side Effects
Digestive Issues
The most common side effect of elderberry extract is digestive issues such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, and nausea. This is usually when too much elderberry extract is experiencing consumption.
Allergic Reactions
Elderberry extract can cause allergic reactions in some people. Symptoms may include itchy skin, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, and hives. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop using the supplement immediately, and seek medical attention.
Medication Interactions
Elderberry extract can interact with certain medications such as chemotherapy drugs, immunosuppressants, and antiviral medications. It is important to speak with your healthcare provider before taking elderberry extract if you are taking any medications.
Elderberries also have unknown effects if in use for long periods, so long-term use is not a recommendation until more studies can confirm its safety.
Can Elderberry Raise Blood Pressure?
Some studies have suggested that elderberry may also raise blood pressure, particularly in people with hypertension. Hypertension is a condition in which the blood vessels in the body narrow, making it difficult for blood to flow freely through them. This can cause the heart to work harder, leading to high blood pressure.
It is important to note that most of the available evidence on elderberry and blood pressure is based on animal studies, and there is little research on the effects of elderberry on human blood pressure. Furthermore, the studies that have been conducted have inconsistent results, with some showing that elderberry can lower blood pressure while others have shown the opposite effect.
Can Elderberry Make You Sleepy?
First off, it’s important to note that there isn’t a lot of research on the potential side effects of elderberry, including whether or not it can make you feel drowsy. However, some people have reported feeling sleepy after taking elderberry supplements or syrups. It’s possible that this is due to the fact that elderberry contains compounds that help to reduce inflammation in the body. This may lead to a feeling of relaxation and drowsiness, similar to the way you might feel after taking an anti-inflammatory medication.
Although there isn’t enough research to say for certain whether or not elderberry can make you drowsy, it’s important to take it at the right time of day. If you take it in the morning or early afternoon, you may be less likely to feel sleepy. However, if you take it at night, it could affect your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. It’s also possible that taking too much elderberry could lead to a feeling of fatigue, so it’s important to follow the dosing instructions on the label or speak with a healthcare provider if you’re unsure.
How to Use Elderberry Extract
Elderberry extract comes in many shapes and sizes — powder, gummies, capsules, syrup and liquid form. They are also a common cooking ingredient.
Elderberry Dosage
There is currently no standard dosage for supplementation with elderberries due to a lack of clinical evidence. Clinical trials have shown that 15ml, four times daily for five days, is a sufficient dosage to treat flu symptoms. Travelers who want to reduce the risk of getting the flu may benefit from taking 600mg daily for ten days before airplane travel, and then 900mg daily from the day you travel to four to five days after your flight.
Where to Buy Elderberry Extract
Get your Elderberry Extract at BulkSupplements.com today! They’re the go-to for top-quality dietary supplements. With their industry-leading expertise, BulkSupplements.com offers pure, reliable products. Not only do they create their own top-notch supplements, but they also supply high-quality ingredients to other leading brands. You can trust that all products are made and go through testing with the utmost care. Experience the benefits of Elderberry Extract as a dietary capsule supplement and place your order now at BulkSupplements.com.
The Bottom Line
Research suggests that elderberry extract may reduce your risk of flu, aid in the reduction of flu symptoms, reduce the risk of heart and cardiovascular disease, and serve as a powerful antioxidant. Elderberry extract has very few side effects, and unless you take more than the recommended dosage, there is no harm to use. So, if you are traveling and want to prevent your risk of flu or have the flu and are looking to shorten its duration and the symptoms of it, elderberry just might help.
It is a natural remedy that should not be ignored when it comes to improving your health. From boosting your immune system to improving digestion and energy levels, incorporating elderberry into your daily routine could be a game-changer for your overall health. With so many incredible benefits, it’s no wonder why elderberry extract is quickly gaining recognition throughout the world of natural remedies. So, if you’re looking for a simple and effective way to improve your health, consider giving elderberry extract a try. You’ll reap the numerous benefits that this natural remedy has to offer.
Elderberry extract is a powerful natural remedy that can provide many benefits to your overall health and wellness. While negative side effects are possible, they can be avoided or managed with the proper dosage and precautions. As with any supplement, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider before adding elderberry extract to your routine, especially if you have any pre-existing conditions or are taking medication. With the right approach, elderberry extract can be a safe and effective way to support your immune system and feel your best.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease