May improve cold and flu symptoms

It has been demonstrated that black elderberry extracts and flower infusions can help lessen the intensity and duration of influenza. Elderberry commercial products for cold therapy exist in a variety of formats, including drinks, capsules, lozenges, and gummies. In one 2004 trial of 60 persons with influenza, those who took 15 mL of elderberry syrup four times per day improved in 2 to 4 days, whereas the control group improved in 7 to 8 days.

In addition, a study of 312 air travelers who took capsules containing 300 mg of elderberry extract three times per day discovered that those who were ill had a shorter length of sickness and less severe symptoms. More large-scale research is needed to validate these findings and discover whether elderberry can also help prevent influenza. It should be noted that the majority of study has only been conducted on commercial items. There is little information available on the safety and efficacy of home treatments.