Can You Take Elderberry During Pregnancy?

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Elderberry or elders are dark purple berries indigenous to Europe. Various parts of the Elderberry plant are used in traditional and folk medicine to treat cold, flu, and constipation (1). Although you can take Elderberry when pregnant, you should also exercise caution as consuming raw elderberries can adversely affect your health and that of your unborn baby.

Keep reading as we tell you about the safety of Elderberry for pregnant women, its health benefits and side effects, and the different ways you can consume elderberry when pregnant.

Is Elderberry Safe During Pregnancy?

Yes, elderberries are considered to be safe during pregnancy, since there is no studies/ data collected indicating that they have any adverse side effects, drug interactions, and food or nutrient reactions in pregnant women.

Black elderberries, much like dark purple elders, are acknowledged for their ability to provide an immune system boost and are deemed safe for consumption. There are no studies suggesting they have adverse effects during pregnancy.

However, unripe berries are toxic and should be avoided, while the ripened ones should be consumed in moderation.

Health Benefits Of Eating Elderberry During Pregnancy

Elderberries contain significant amounts of vitamins, amino acids, and flavonoids, all of which help in staying healthy and preventing disease.

1. Promotes respiratory health: Rich in bioflavonoidsⁱXPolyphenolic substances with antioxidant activity found in plants, which add color and flavor to certain vegetables or fruits. such as anthocyanins, elderberries can soothe irritation and inflammation in the respiratory tract. Bioflavonoids also have expectorant properties that clear out phlegmⁱXMucus, comparatively thicker than the usual, released from the respiratory system during coughing, generally during sickness. and promote respiratory health. Therefore, elderberries aid in clearing sore throat, cough, cold, bronchitis and other respiratory ailments (2).

2. Boosts immunity: The immune system receives a boost from elderberries due to their antibacterial and anti-viral properties, as well as their high vitamin C and zinc content, which enable it to fight flu viruses more effectively. Berries also improve the production of cytokines, which is a new class of immune compounds.

3. Strengthens bones: The richness of anthocyanins in elderberries makes it an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant food that alleviates pain and soreness of joints. High mineral content in berries promotes bone strength and reduces bone loss (3).

4. Improves vision: Anthocyanin pigments found in elderberries are nutraceuticals that help maintain vision. Herbal remedies like these offer protection for eyesight and are usually associated with improving night vision (4).

5. Improves cardiovascular health: High fiber content in elderberries helps in eliminating bad cholesterol from the body and promotes good cholesterol levels. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention detailed that 13% of pregnant women are diagnosed with gestational hypertension. However, elderberry is known to minimize blood pressure and gestational hypertension, prevent the progression of atherosclerosisⁱXHardening of the arteries due to accumulation of fats, cholesterol, and other substances. , minimizes blood pressure and gestational hypertension, safeguards the heart, and ameliorates glucose abnormalities to aid in managing gestational diabetes (5).

6. Treats infections: Studies suggest that elderberry may benefit pregnant women and their unborn babies. Elderberry may reduce the risk of bacterial vaginosis, a common vaginal infection. In vitro studies show that elderberry extracts inhibit the growth of bacteria associated with urinary tract infections. Elderberry extract is also effective against Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that causes ulcers and stomach inflammation. Another study suggested that elderberry may help prevent respiratory infections caused by viruses like influenza (8).

Quick fact

Elderberries have proved effective on other viral infections such as shingles and herpes (13). However, consult your doctor for medical treatment if you encounter such infections.

Consuming Different Forms Of Elderberry During Pregnancy

Elderberry can be consumed in different forms, some readily available in the market and the others you can make yourself. Whatever you choose, contact your doctor before trying them.

1. Elderberry syrup:

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Elderberry syrup is known to fight cold and flu. It is a great immunity booster and is effective to use during pregnancy on doctor’s advice, especially for cold, flu and other respiratory issues (9).

You can make a simple elderberry syrup at home by combining berries with water and maple syrup or honey. Store it in the refrigerator, and take a spoonful of it every day to keep the infection away (10).

Michele Swaczyna, a mother of two children who uses several natural products as a part of her preventive and overall wellness care regime, says, “I take homemade elderberry syrup all the time, whether I am pregnant or not. It’s been really helpful for my whole family. I just take a teaspoon of it every single day for immune system support (i).”

2. Elderberry tea:

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You can either use tea bags or one tablespoon of dried berries or flowers in eight ounces of water to make elderberry tea.

Quick fact

Elder flowers can also be used to make fritters by dipping the flower tops in batter and frying them in oil (13).

3. Elderberry juice:

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For elderberry juice, choose freshly made, that is sweet and tangy in taste. Do not consider packaged drinks as they contain too much sugar. According to the American Botanical Council, you can consume eight ounces of expressed elder juice twice a day (for 3 – 5 days) to beat cold and flu symptoms.

4. Elderberry lemonade:

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Here’s a tasty alternative to straight-up elderberry juice. This refreshing drink brings together freshly squeezed lemon juice, organic honey, and elderberry syrup for a delicious and pregnancy-friendly treat.

You will need

• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/3 cup organic honey or any other natural sweetener
• 3 cups water
• 4tbsp elderberry syrup

How to make

1. Blend water, lemon juice, and honey together in a pitcher. Stir the mixture until the sweetener completely dissolves.
2. Mix the elderberry syrup directly into the lemonade base in the pitcher, ensuring thorough stirring.
3. Taste the elderberry lemonade and adjust sweetness by adding more honey or increase the tartness with additional lemon juice, according to your preference.

5. Elderberry jam:

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It is an excellent addition to fresh bread and butter, oatcakes, warm crumpets, rice pudding or Greek yogurt. You may also add it to muffins, pancakes, fruit salads and crumbles.

Simple recipe to make homemade elderberry jam

You will need

• 700 grams elderberries
• ½ a lemon’s juice
• 700 grams caster sugar
• 600ml jar

How to make

1. Combine elderberries and lemon juice in a pan and cook over a medium heat.
2. Once the juice starts to run and boil, simmer the heat and keep for 20 minutes. Take away the layer that forms on the surface.
3. Add sugar and stir until it dissolves. Boil until it reaches a set point, which is 105° C. You can check the temperature using a sugar thermometer.
4. Another alternative is to keep a couple of saucers in the freezer for 10 minutes and slice a spoon of jam to add into the cold saucers. Leave for 10 to 15 seconds and push with your finger. If it forms wrinkles, it has reached the setting point.
5. Store the jam in a warm, sterilized jar, and close it tightly. Keep the jar in a dark and cool place.

6. Elderberry gummies:

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Gummies are a delicious way to consume the flu-busting antioxidants with the gut-healing properties of the fruit. To make them at home,

You will need

1 cup elderberry syrup
4tbsp unflavored gelatin

How to make

1. Combine gelatin and syrup in a saucepan, and put over low heat. Whisk it frequently, heat until the gelatin dissolves.
2. With the use of an eye dropper, transfer the mixture into molds made of silicone. Refrigerate, and allow it to solidify for about 30 minutes.
3. Remove gummies from the molds, and store them in an airtight jar.

What Are The Side Effects Of Taking Elderberry While Pregnant?

Besides its powerful benefits, there are certain side effects that should be kept in mind while consuming it. Ripe and cooked berries are safe to consume. However, you should not eat raw or unripe berries in any form.

• Raw elderberries contain bitter alkaloidsⁱX A group of organic nitrogen occurring naturally within the bio-process as the defense system. , sambucine, and hydrocyanic acid, which will cause nausea and vomiting. These alkaloids are less in ripe berries, and are destroyed when cooked (11).

• Another safety concern involves autoimmune diseases. If you are already experiencing lupusⁱXA condition in which the immune system attacks its tissues, causing inflammation. , rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s diseaseⁱXA chronic inflammatory condition that affects the digestive system, causing abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss. , and multiple sclerosisⁱXA disorder of the central nervous system that causes problems of speech, coordination, and vision, numbness, and walking difficulties. , taking elderberry stimulates the nervous system, thus intensifying the disease symptoms (12).

Katie Salmon, a prenatal dietitian from Springfield, New Jersey, recommends, “Anyone taking steroid medication or medications to treat multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn’s during pregnancy should consult their doctors before taking elderberry.”

• Some studies have shown that elderberry could cause a harmful reaction called a cytokine storm. But the current research that has been done outside of the body (ex vivo) is not enough to fully understand this.

• Research evidence suggests that elderberry may cause an allergy, therefore it should be consumed with caution.

Caution

Based on theoretical assumptions, there is a speculation that elderberries may have laxative and diuretic effects that can interact with laxative and diuretic drugs if taken together (12).

Infographic: Health Benefits Of Eating Elderberry During Pregnancy

Before you include anything in your pregnancy diet, it is important that you know about its benefits and possible side effects. In the following infographic, we have included a list of benefits of elderberry that you could reap with its consumption. Do give it a read and share it with family and friends.

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Elderberry is a storehouse of nutrients. Learn how to make delicious elderberry syrup with these easy steps.

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Reda ElmardiRD

Reda Elmardi is a registered dietician, certified nutritionist, and certified strength and conditioning specialist trainer. The 32-year-old is a certified nutritionist from the UNC's Online MPH with Nutrition concentration, and has around ten years of experience. Reda has been an NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Trainer since 2015 and owns thegymgoat.com. He shares sports nutrition tips and gives guidance...more

• Katie SalmonMS, RDN, LDN, CDN

  Katie is a prenatal registered dietitian who takes a food-first non-diet approach in her virtual 1-on-1 practice. She is the owner of The Pregnancy RD, an online diet consultancy service.
  
  Katie is a prenatal registered dietitian who takes a food-first non-diet approach in her virtual 1-on-1 practice. She is the owner of The Pregnancy RD, an online diet consultancy service.

Swati PatwalM.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA

Swati Patwal is a clinical nutritionist, a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) and a toddler mom with more than a decade of experience in diverse fields of nutrition. She started her career as a CSR project coordinator for a healthy eating and active lifestyle project catering to school children. Then she worked as a nutrition faculty and clinical nutrition coach in...more

Rebecca MalachiBSc

Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotechnology and Genetics from Loyola Academy, Osmania University and obtained a certification in ‘Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy’ from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU). She has been into health and...more

Reshmi DasMSc

Reshmi Das has over four years of experience as a clinical coordinator, medical content writer and medical conference coordinator. Her continuous interest in medical journals and writing makes her write well-researched articles for MomJunction. She writes health and wellness articles for children and pregnant and lactating women. Reshmi has completed her post graduation in Biotechnology from MITS School of Biotechnology,...more