Once cold and flu season rolls around, you might notice an uptick in ads for elderberry syrups. Elderberry has long been lauded for its medicinal properties, ranging from easing flu symptoms to relieving respiratory illnesses.
If you’re interested in trying elderberry syrup, consider how and when you would like to use it as well as the potential side effects. Nature’s Way Standardized Elderberry Syrup is a good option if you’re looking for an effective and tasty elderberry product that even kids will love.
What to know before you buy an elderberry syrup
Elderberry syrup basics
Elderberry syrup is derived from berries from varieties of the Sambucus tree. The most popular variety used for syrups is Sambucus nigra, which is native to Europe. The berries on these trees are typically dark purple and tart in taste. The berries are poisonous in raw form, so they must be cooked before consumption. Historically, indigenous populations have used elderberries to treat fevers and abrasions.
Elderberry syrup is becoming popular because it’s easily palatable for adults and children alike. You can also consume elderberries in pill or capsule form, as a gummy or as a tincture. Unlike syrup, tinctures don’t have any added sweetener.
Illness
In the Western world, elderberries have gained popularity for treating cold and flu symptoms. That’s because elderberries are packed with a number of nutrients. They’re high in Vitamin C, which some consider beneficial for cold and flu relief. Research has also linked elderberry extract to antiviral and antimicrobial properties, both of which are beneficial to preventing and relieving illness.
Elderberry syrups are high in antioxidants as well, which are known to fight free radicals. Free radicals damage the body’s cells and can cause a number of illnesses, including cancer. Combined with elderberry’s anti-inflammatory properties, it’s no wonder why some people use elderberry syrups regularly for conditions like chronic fatigue, lowering blood pressure and relieving headaches.
Sweetness
Because elderberries are tart in nature, consuming them as a syrup makes them more palatable. However, that also means that there’s added sugar, often in the form of honey or agave syrup. In excess, sugar can contribute to heart disease, stroke and tooth decay over time. Sugar levels are an important consideration for diabetics as well. Those watching their sugar levels may want to consider elderberry capsules, tinctures or sugar-free syrup.
Side effects
Many of elderberry’s negative side effects stem from eating the raw berries. Raw elderberries contain lectins as well as small amounts of cyanide. Eating uncooked berries can cause stomach upset, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
All elderberry syrups are made from cooked elderberries, so berry poisoning won’t pose a risk. If you have any autoimmune conditions that require medication, check with your doctor to make sure the syrup won’t impact your medication’s effects. It’s also recommended that pregnant women consult with an OB-GYN before starting an elderberry supplement.
Elderberry syrup features
Kid-friendly
Due to its sweetness, elderberry syrup is one of the more child-friendly supplements. Elderberry syrup is safe for kids to take, generally recommended for ages 3 and up. It can serve as an alternative to cold medicine for mild illnesses. There are even elderberry syrups for kids specifically; the kids’ variety may have a slightly different taste to appeal more to their palates. The main difference between adult and children’s elderberry syrup is in dosage.
Safe for dietary restrictions
The typical ingredients list for elderberry syrup tends to include elderberries, glycerin or other thickeners, water, some preservatives and potentially added flower extracts. All ingredients are naturally vegan and gluten-free, making elderberry syrup a safe choice for those with dietary restrictions. Most bottles will have gluten-freeand veganon the label, but double-check the ingredients to be sure.
Organic elderberries
With any substance you ingest, it’s important to vet for safety. Like all vitamins and supplements, elderberry syrups aren’t approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. If you are worried about extra chemicals involved in the syrup-making process, you can check for syrup with a USDA Organiclabel — meaning all ingredients are grown in organic soil without synthetic fertilizers.
Elderberry syrup cost
Expect to pay between $10-$30 for a bottle of elderberry syrup. Prices will depend on syrup quantity and quality.
Elderberry syrup FAQ
Can I take elderberry syrup every day?
A. Yes. Elderberry syrup is safe to take daily. Some people do so specifically during cold and flu season.
How much elderberry syrup should I take?
A. The syrup bottle will include directions and dosage. To relieve cold and flu symptoms, adults can expect to take 10-15 milliliters of syrup four times daily.
Which elderberry syrup should I get?
Best of the best elderberry syrup
Nature’s Way Standardized Elderberry Organic Syrup: available at iHerb
Our take: A tasty, effective syrup that’s great for the whole family.
What we like: Children and adults alike are fans of the taste. Many report using it for sore throats and cold symptoms, noting results rather quickly. It’s USDA Organic and includes a dosage cup for convenience.
What we dislike: Some find the taste too sweet for their liking.
Best bang for your buck elderberry syrup
Honey Gardens Elderberry Syrup with Apitherapy Raw Honey: available at iHerb and Amazon
Our take: With Honey Gardens, you can save a few dollars while maintaining high quality.
What we like: This natural formula is chemical-free with added apple cider vinegar and raw honey, both with their own health benefits. It has a pleasant taste and soothes coughs, as well.
What we dislike: Some dislike the aftertaste from the vinegar.
Honorable mention elderberry syrup
Nature’s Way Sambucus Sugar-Free Elderberry Syrup: available at iHerb and Amazon
Our take: A solid option for diabetics.
What we like: This Nature’s Way syrup uses sorbitol, which is already naturally occuring in berries. Luckily, neither taste nor effectiveness is sacrificed in the process.
What we dislike: Some are surprised by the sweetness, despite being sugar-free.
Ola Faletiis a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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