Elderberry, known as “the people’s medicine cabinet” in Europe, is a popular herbal plant used by the public to treat colds and fevers. It strengthens cell membranes, preventing viral destruction and infections. As a result, elderberry powder and juice are essential items for households in European countries to prevent winter flu and combat viruses.
Introduction to Elderberry
Elderberry, known as “the people’s medicine cabinet” in Europe, is a commonly used herbal plant in folk medicine for treating colds and fevers.
Elderberry berries have a pleasantly tart and sweet flavor. The deep purple liquid contains abundant antioxidants, including vitamin C, phenolic acids, bioflavonoids, anthocyanins, and more. These components strengthen cell membranes, preventing viral destruction and infections. Consequently, elderberry powder and juice are essential items in European households for preventing winter flu and combating viruses.
Elderberry Benefits
Common benefits of elderberry include improving symptoms of colds and flu, helping to shorten recovery time, providing antioxidant properties, and reducing inflammation. It also supports the immune system to lower the risk of infections.
Furthermore, research has shown that elderberry can help increase insulin secretion, regulate blood sugar, and reduce blood lipid levels, thereby promoting heart health.
Further Reading: 4 Elderberry Benefits and Side Effects (Especially Point #1 is Crucial)
Who Can Take Elderberry?
Elderberry juice and processed elderberry powder are safe health supplements, and their sweet and tangy flavor is well-liked even by children. Therefore, elderberry gummies, lozenges, and powder are commonly found in Europe and are suitable for seasonal supplementation to help adjust the body and enhance immune protection.
Suitable populations for supplementing elderberry:
- Those under high work stress with weak immune systems
- Individuals with respiratory sensitivity or nasal allergies
- Those prone to frequent colds during seasonal changes
- Children who have just started kindergarten or elementary school
- Elderly individuals with frequent susceptibility to colds, chills, and weak constitution
Nutrients to Aid Immune Regulation and Cold Prevention
In addition to elderberry, there are several other nutrients that can help regulate the immune system and enhance resistance. When choosing elderberry products, you can refer to the ingredient list and select complex formulations, which may be more effective.
Licorice Root
Licorice contains glycyrrhizic acid and glycyrrhetic acid, which help regulate the immune system. Licorice also contains triterpenoid compounds that enhance immune cell function in the body, including natural killer cells, lymphocytes, and dendritic cells. Taken early in disease onset, licorice can help enhance immune response, reduce symptoms, and shorten the duration of illness.
Unlike echinacea, which rapidly boosts the immune system, licorice can regulate the immune system to prevent excessive stimulation and immune storms, making it a good immune regulator.
Oats
Oats contain β-glucans, a type of polysaccharide that belongs to dietary fiber. β-glucans assist in regulating allergies and asthma and can awaken immune cells in the body.
Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Zinc
Vitamin C has long been recommended as a supplement during colds. In recent years, vitamin D has also been considered a essential vitamin for enhancing immune function and protection. According to research, both vitamin C and D have the effect of reducing the risk of respiratory infections, as well as providing anti-inflammatory effects and shortening the duration of illness.
Zinc is an essential nutrient for maintaining mucosal and skin health, fortifying the first line of defense, and reducing the chance of viral infections.
Choosing Elderberry: Key Points
Elderberry is Quantified
Many elderberry products have unclear labeling. Without quantification, the intake may consist mostly of juice and sugars, lacking the effective components.
Choose Products with Complex Ingredients
Elderberry products often combine with other ingredients, with bee propolis being common. However, bee propolis extraction involves solvents like alcohol and alcohols, and may have resin residue issues. This is why products containing bee propolis often have a pungent taste. If this is undesirable, select products with other complex ingredients, such as licorice, oats, which are milder and suitable for children.
Choose “Non-Echinacea” Products for Long-Term Maintenance
Echinacea enhances immunity, but its effects are too pronounced. Long-term use can lead to immune imbalance. Therefore, most products containing echinacea have limited recommended supplementation time. If you wish to use elderberry for long-term regulation and maintenance, it’s recommended to select elderberry products without echinacea.
As both elderberry and echinacea products are immune-regulating health supplements, they are not recommended for individuals with autoimmune diseases (such as lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis), pregnant and lactating women.
Comparison of Recommended Elderberry Products in the Market
Here is a summary of the comparison of four popular elderberry products available in the market. The information is sourced from official websites and packaging labels. If there are any updates to the products, please feel free to contact us.
1. Daiken Black Elderberry Powder
- Elderberry: ANTIFLURY®
- Elderberry content: 150 mg
- Functional ingredients: licorice, oat fiber (containing β-glucan)
- Compound Ingredients: Acerola (with Vitamin C), Vitamin D, Zinc
- Long-term conditioning: O
- View Product >
2. Arber Labs Baby Sooth Echinacea & Elderberry Powder
- Elderberry: ANKLAM EXTRAKT
- Elderberry content: no label
- Functional ingredients: EPICORE® yeast ferment (containing β-glucan), echinacea extract
- Compound ingredients: camu camu extract (containing vitamin C)
- Long-term conditioning: X
- View Product >
3. Nutrimate Elderberry & Propolis Essence
- Elderberry: ElderCraft®
- Elderberry content: no label
- Functional ingredients: green propolis extract
- Compound ingredients: Vitamin C
- Long-term conditioning: O
- View Product >
4. CYBiotech Elderberry & Propolis
- Elderberry: IPRONA®
- Elderberry content: no label
- Functional ingredients: propolis powder
- Compound ingredients: –
- Long-term conditioning: O
- View Product >
Comparison Table of 4 Elderberry Products
| Product | Daiken Black Elderberry Powder | Arber Labs Baby Sooth Echinacea & Elderberry Powder | Nutrimate Elderberry & Propolis Essence | CYBiotech Elderberry & Propolis |
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| Elderberry | ANTIFLURY® | ANKLAM EXTRAKT | ElderCraft® | IPRONA® |
| Elderberry content | 150 mg | no label | no label | no label |
| Functional ingredients | licorice, oat fiber (containing β-glucan) | EPICORE® yeast ferment (containing β-glucan), echinacea extract | green propolis extract | propolis powder |
| Compound Ingredients | Acerola (with Vitamin C), Vitamin D, Zinc | camu camu extract (containing vitamin C) | Vitamin C | — |
| Long-term conditioning | Ｏ | Ｘ | Ｏ | Ｏ |
