Maybe a little, but nobody knows for sure. The NIH's complementary health center (NCCIH) says some preliminary research suggests elderberry may ease cold and flu symptoms, but only a small number of studies have been done. It is not a substitute for a flu shot or for prescription flu antivirals. Never eat raw or unripe berries, leaves or stems, which contain cyanide-producing substances.
What does the research actually show?
NCCIH, part of the National Institutes of Health, says some preliminary research suggests elderberry may relieve symptoms of flu, colds or other upper respiratory infections. It also says only a small number of studies have looked at this.
Preliminary means early and small. It is not the kind of evidence that shows a product reliably shortens your illness or keeps you from getting sick. If you try elderberry, treat it as an extra, not as your plan.
Can elderberry replace a flu shot or Tamiflu?
No. Elderberry has not been shown to prevent flu, and CDC says a yearly flu vaccine is the best way to help reduce your risk of getting flu. CDC recommends it for everyone 6 months and older in the US, with rare exceptions.
If you already have flu, prescription antivirals such as Tamiflu (oseltamivir) can make illness milder and shorter, and may help prevent some complications such as pneumonia. CDC says they work best when started within 2 days of your first symptoms. Waiting to see if elderberry helps can use up that window.
- Call a clinician quickly if you are at higher risk for flu complications, very sick, or worried about your illness.
- Higher risk includes adults 65 and older, children under 5, pregnant people, and people with asthma, diabetes, heart disease or a weakened immune system.
- Most healthy people with mild flu do not need antivirals and can rest at home.
Are raw elderberries poisonous?
Raw or unripe elderberries and other parts of the elder plant, such as the leaves and stems, contain substances that release cyanide. According to NCCIH, they can cause nausea, vomiting and severe diarrhea, and large amounts of the toxin may cause serious illness. Cooking gets rid of this toxin.
This matters most if you pick wild berries or make syrup at home. Use only ripe berries, cook them, and leave out stems and leaves.
Is elderberry safe for kids or during pregnancy?
There is not enough information to say it is safe. NCCIH says little is known about whether elderberry is safe for health purposes during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Its elderberry fact sheet does not address children at all, so there is no NCCIH guidance saying it is safe for kids.
Ask your child's pediatrician before giving elderberry. CDC says children under 5 and pregnant people are at higher risk for flu complications, so a flu shot and an early call about antivirals matter more for them than any supplement.
When should you get care?
In an emergency, call 911Get care the same day if cold symptoms last more than 10 days without getting better, a fever lasts more than 4 days, fever or cough improves then comes back or gets worse, you get dehydrated, or a chronic condition gets worse.
If you have flu symptoms and are 65 or older, pregnant, have a chronic condition, or are caring for a child under 5, call a clinician within the first 2 days to ask about antivirals.
Call 911 or go to an emergency room for trouble breathing, ongoing chest or belly pain or pressure, confusion or trouble waking, seizures, not urinating, or severe weakness.
In a child, call 911 for fast or labored breathing, ribs pulling in with each breath, bluish lips or face, a seizure, or not being alert when awake. Any fever in a baby under 12 weeks needs care right away.
How our AI doctor decides when to send you to care ›Can elderberry interact with my medicines?
It might. NCCIH advises talking with your health care provider before using elderberry if you take any medicine, because some herbs and medicines interact in harmful ways.
Also know that many elderberry products are sold as dietary supplements. NCCIH says the FDA does not approve supplements before they are sold, and the rules for making them are less strict than for drugs. NCCIH also notes the FDA and Federal Trade Commission have acted against companies that marketed elderberry with unsupported COVID-19 claims.
Common questions
Does elderberry work for colds and flu?
It may help a little, but the evidence is thin. NCCIH says some early research suggests elderberry may ease cold and flu symptoms, but only a few studies have been done. It is not a substitute for a flu shot or antivirals.
Can elderberry prevent the flu?
There is no good evidence that it does. The research NCCIH describes is about easing symptoms, not preventing illness. CDC says a yearly flu vaccine is the best way to help reduce your risk of flu and recommends it for everyone 6 months and older, with rare exceptions.
Can I make elderberry syrup at home?
Only with ripe berries that are fully cooked. Raw or unripe berries, leaves and stems contain cyanide-producing substances that can cause vomiting and severe diarrhea. Cooking gets rid of this toxin.
Can I give elderberry to my child?
NCCIH's elderberry fact sheet does not cover children, so its safety for kids is not known. Ask your pediatrician first. If your child has flu symptoms and is under 5, call about antivirals early instead of waiting.
Can I take elderberry while pregnant or breastfeeding?
NCCIH says little is known about whether it is safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Pregnant people are at higher risk for flu complications, so a flu shot and a fast call to a clinician if you get sick matter most.
Does elderberry help with COVID-19?
No good evidence shows it does. NCCIH says elderberry has been promoted for COVID-19 but there is no good evidence to support that use, and the FDA and FTC have acted against companies making those claims.
Pymander is not a replacement for a physician and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with questions about a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911.