Elderberry

Elderberry is a berry from a European or Black elder tree. The berries are used to make medicine.

Elderberry is also known as Arbre de Judas, Baccae, Baises de Sureau, Black-Berried Alder, Black Elder, Boor Tree, Bountry, Elderberries, Ellanwood, Ellhorn, European Alder, Fruit de Sureau, Grand Sureau, Hautbois, Holunderbeeren, Sabugeuiro-negro, Sambequier, Sambu, Sambuc, Sambuci Sambucus, Sambugo, Sauco, Saúco Europeo, Schwarzer Holunder, Seuillet, Seuillon, Sureau, Sureau Noir, Sus, Suseau, or Sussier.

Elderberry should not be confused with American Elder, Elderflower, or Dwarf Elder.

Elderberry has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating constipation. Elderberry is also possibly effective in reducing the symptoms of influenza (the flu).

Other uses that have not been proven with research include heart disease, gum disease, high cholesterol, obesity, or the common cold.

It is not certain whether elderberry is effective in treating any medical condition. The FDA has not approved the medicinal use of this product. Elderberry should not be used instead of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.

Elderberry is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards for many herbal products, and some supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be bought from a trustworthy source to reduce the risk of contamination.

Elderberry may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.

When thinking about using herbal supplements, talk to your doctor. You might also want to consult a practitioner who is knowledgeable about herbal/health supplements.

If you decide to use elderberry, follow the directions on the package or what your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider tells you. Do not use more of this product than what is recommended on the label.

Do not use different forms of elderberry (pills, liquids, and others) at the same time, as this could lead to an overdose.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Sambucol is used to relieve cold & flu symptoms, such as stuffy nose, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough, fever, and chills. Take it at the first sign of cold or flu symptoms.

If you want, you can mix elderberry liquid with water, fruit juice, yogurt, or a smoothie.

Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with elderberry does not get better, or if you have a fever for more than 3 days or cold symptoms for more than 7 days.

Store your elderberry product as directed, away from moisture, heat, and light.

Follow all instructions on the product label and package. Inform each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medications you are taking.

Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have an autoimmune disease such as:

• multiple sclerosis;
• lupus; or
• rheumatoid arthritis.

Ask a doctor before using this product if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Although not all side effects are known, elderberry is thought to be possibly safe when taken as directed for a short period of time.

Elderberry is possibly unsafe when uncooked leaves, stems, or fruit are consumed. The elderberry plant contains a chemical that produces cyanide in the leaves or other plant parts and in the unripe green fruit. This can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, or more serious side effects if consumed in large quantities.

Elderberry may cause serious side effects. Stop using elderberry and call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe or ongoing vomiting or diarrhea;
• numbness; or
• severe weakness, dizziness, or confusion.

Common side effects of elderberry may include:

• nausea, vomiting;
• stomach cramps;
• diarrhea; or
• runny nose.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the regular time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Do not take elderberry without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications:

• medicine to prevent organ transplant rejection;
• medicine to treat multiple sclerosis;
• medicine to treat psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders;
• medicine to treat ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease; or
• steroid medicine.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect elderberry, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and Herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.