Elderberries are rich in Iron, Phosphorus, Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin C (Janick, 2007) among other nutrients and antioxidants. Various elderberry extracts have been shown to inhibit influenza A and B viral binding to cells, decrease sickness duration due to influenza (Zakay-Rones, 1995), and decrease Cold symptom severity and duration (Tiralongo, 2016).
We aren’t doctors, but do think this information is worth knowing!
Janick. J. and A. Whipkey. 2007. Issues in new crops and new uses. ASHS Press, Alexandria, VA.
Tiralongo, E., S.S. Wee, and R.A. Lea. 2016. Elderberry Supplementation Reduces Cold Duration and Symptoms in Air-Travellers: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Nutrients. 8:182.
Zakay-Rones, Z., N. Varsano, M. Zlotnik, O. Manor, L. Regev, M. Schlesinger, and M. Mumcuoglu. 1995. 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. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 1:4. 361-369.