30/07/2025
Elderberry syrup kits are now available from the Atherton Herbal Dispensary, 4 Jack Street, Atheron for $15.90. They include:
• Dried Elderberries
• Muslin cloth
• Cinnamon bark
• Recipe sheet
• One glass amber 200ml bottle and label
• 500ml amber bottles available for free (old herb bottles)
One kit makes approximately 500ml of elderberry syrup. You will also need honey, not included.
Elderberry shrubs or trees grow 6 – 10 metres in height. They are native to the United Kingdom, Europe and North Africa and have been introduced to many parts of the world, including Australia, where they can become invasive and are considered a w**d.
Elderberries have a strong traditional use in Europe and the UK, being used for 100s of years to treat colds, flu and upper respiratory conditions (Ref 7). Galen, the ancient and renowned Greek doctor, philosopher and scientist considered elderberry to be ‘hot and dry’ using it for damp conditions, such as excessive mucous. The elderberry plant was considered to be ‘the medicine chest’ of country England, due also to the use of other parts of the plant including the bark and flowers (Ref 6).
Elderberries are rich in anthocyanins and flavonoids, both thought to be responsible for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immune-stimulatory properties (Ref 1,2,3). They also contain a many nutrients such as vitamin A,C,E and B vitamins as well as minerals, including: copper, zinc, iron, potassium, calcium and magnesium (Ref 3).
Several randomised, placebo controlled, double blind studies have shown it can reduce the duration of cold and flu symptoms such as fever, aches/pains, coughing, nasal congestion and sleep, by up to 4 days (Ref 3, 4, 5). That is substantial if you or your family are missing days of work and school.
Elderberries should not be consumed raw as they can cause nausea and vomiting. They are most commonly cooked and used to make elderberry syrup used for colds and flu.
Atherton Herbal Dispensary is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for walk in over the counter advice and Tuesdays and Thursdays for appointments.
References:
1. Verberic R, Jakopic J, Stampar F, Schmitzer V. European elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) rich in sugars, organic acids, anthocyanins and selected polyphenols. Food Chem. 2009;114:511-515.
2. Murkovic M, Toplak H, Adam J, Pfannhauser W. Analysis of anthocyanins in plasma for determination of their bioavailability. J Food Comp Analysis. 2000 Aug;13(4):291-296.
3. Tiralongo E, Wee S, Lea R. Elderberry supplementation reduces cold duration and symptoms in air-travellers: a randomized, double-blinded placebo-controlled clinical trial. Nutrients. 2016 Mar;8(182):1-15.
4. Zakay-Rones Z, Thom E, Wollan T, Wadstein J. Randomized study of the efficacy and safety of oral elderberry extract in the treatment of influenza A and B virus infections. J Int Med Res. 2004 Apr;32(2):132-40.
5. Zakay-Rones Z, Varsano N, Zlotnik M, Manor O, Regev L, Schlesinger M, et al: Inhibition of several strains of influenza virus in vitro and reduction of symptoms by an elderberry extract (Sambucus nigra L.) during an outbreak of influenza B Panama. J Altern Complement Med. 1995;1:361-369.
6. Braun L, Cohen M. Herbs & natural supplements – an evidenced-based guide. 4th ed. Volume 2. Sydney (AU): Elsevier/Churchill Livingstone; 2015. p. 298-302
7. Charlebois D, Byers PI, Finn CE, Thomas AI. Elderberry: botany, horticulture, potential. In: Janick J, editor. Horticultural Review. Vol 37. New Jersey: Wiley-Blackwell; 2010. p. 249-259.
