Elderberry Syrup for Colds Treatment

A runny nose, a sore throat, and fatigue are the tell-tale signs that you’re coming down with a cold. While over-the-counter medicines like decongestants and antihistamines are common go-to's, more people are reaching for elderberry syrup as a natural way to help their bodies get over a cold. 

So, does elderberry syrup work for colds? Below, we’ll take a closer look at whether it’s useful for prevention, and if it has the potential also as a natural cold sore remedy. 

What Is Elderberry Syrup?

Elderberry syrup is made from the berries of plants in the genus Sambucus, such as Sambucus canadensis (American elderberry). The berries are cooked down or cold-pressed to create a concentrated juice. They are often blended with ingredients like honey, cinnamon, and ginger to improve their taste and boost their nutrient content. 

Elderberry syrup is widely available in physical and online health food stores. They are also found in American households more and more, especially during the fall and winter months.

Does Elderberry Syrup Work for Colds?

Elderberry syrup is most often used when cold symptoms, such as a sore throat, a runny nose, and cough, first appear. It contains naturally occurring compounds such as anthocyanins, vitamin C, and other polyphenols with antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Some research suggests that elderberry extract may help reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms when taken early. For instance, a 2004 randomized study involving 60 individuals with influenza-like symptoms, which are similar to those of the common cold, found that elderberry syrup significantly reduced symptom duration compared to a placebo. The participants who took elderberry extract reported feeling better four days sooner on average, with fewer reported complications than those who took the placebo.

Additionally, a 2019 meta-analysis published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine reviewed four controlled clinical trials on Sambucus nigra and upper respiratory symptoms. The analysis found that elderberry supplementation was associated with a significant reduction in both symptom severity and duration, especially when taken at the onset of illness. This further strengthens the argument for the use of elderberry syrup for colds.

While most of the current research focuses on Sambucus nigra, the European variety, Sambucus canadensis, which is commonly used in U.S. products, shares many of the same beneficial compounds.

So, does elderberry syrup work for colds? To summarize, potential benefits of elderberry syrup for colds include: 

• Shorter Duration of Cold Symptoms: Elderberry may reduce the length of cold symptoms when taken as the onset of symptoms appear.

• Reduced Upper Respiratory Discomfort: Elderberry’s antioxidant compounds may help reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract, easing congestion, sore throat, and coughing.

• Support for Immune Response: Elderberry is believed to stimulate the body's natural immune response, particularly during early exposure to viruses.

• Rich in Nutrients: It naturally contains vitamin C, dietary fiber, and flavonoids. These nutrients support immune and cellular health.

Elderberry Immune Booster: Can It Be Used for Preventative Care?

This is a common question from those considering taking elderberry syrup. The answer is yes. Many people take elderberry syrup daily throughout the year or during the cold season  to support their immune system.

This use of elderberry is not new. In traditional medicine, elderberry was often used as part of preventative care, especially during colder months when illness tends to circulate.

How to Use Elderberry Syrup

Elderberry syrup is typically taken at the first sign of a cold or used consistently during cold and flu season. Serving sizes can vary by brand, so it is best to follow label instructions.

Heartland Elderberry Farms, for example, recommends a daily serving of 1 tablespoon for adults. Our elderberry immune booster syrup is made from cold-pressed, fresh elderberry juice with no added water. 

Note that if you’re pregnant, nursing, or managing a medical condition, we advise consulting your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.

What to Look for in a Quality Elderberry Syrup

It’s best to choose elderberry syrup made with real berries, minimal added sugar, and no synthetic preservatives or artificial sweeteners. A short, clean ingredient list is a good sign of quality. 

Look for brands that prioritize ethical sourcing and responsible production practices. At Heartland Elderberry Farms, we use American-grown elderberries from trusted U.S. partner farms and produce our syrup in small batches to meet or even exceed quality standards.

Elderberry as a Natural Remedy for a Cold Sore: What We Know So Far

Despite the name, cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), not the rhinovirus or the common cold. However, cold sore outbreaks can sometimes be triggered by a cold or other illness. 

There’s been growing interest in elderberry’s potential role as a natural remedy for a cold sore as well as the common cold. Some lab studies have shown that elderberry extract may inhibit HSV-1. These findings point to antiviral properties that could be helpful in future applications.

However, most of this research is early-stage and based on in vitro (lab-based) testing that is not specific to elderberry syrup or real-world cold sore treatment. For now, elderberry is not considered a treatment, but it remains a low-risk natural cold sore remedy, with some individuals attesting to its effectiveness. 

Add Elderberry Syrup to Your Seasonal Wellness Routine

Elderberry syrup has long been used for seasonal wellness and continues to be part of how people manage colds today. If you're looking for a clean, high-quality product, turn to Heartland Elderberry Farms. We offer elderberry syrup and juice made from U.S.-grown Sambucus canadensis berries.

Our elderberry syrup is formulated with just five wholesome ingredients: cold-pressed juice, raw honey, fresh ginger, star anise, and cinnamon sticks. Meanwhile, our elderberry juice is cold-pressed and undiluted, with no fillers and zero water. 

Explore our products, and shop now to add a trusted natural product to your wellness routine.