CircleBumpCheckedFilledMedicalBookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxCheckBoxFilled

Can You Take Elderberry in Pregnancy?

Elderberry is said to have major benefits for your immune system. But is it safe to take while you’re pregnant?
save article
profile picture of Dani Wolfe
By Dani Wolfe, Contributing Writer
Published October 8, 2024
elderberries and elderberry syrup
Image: Madeleine Steinbach | Shutterstock

A lot of people take elderberry to help with symptoms of colds and the flu. In fact, one study shows that the plant compounds in elderberry can actually help prevent the flu virus from entering new host cells. But is elderberry safe during pregnancy? Some experts say you should be cautious about taking elderberry while pregnant—thankfully, there are plenty of alternatives you can try. If you’re pregnant and want to boost your immune system, read on for the details.

What Is Elderberry?

Elderberry is the dark-purple berry of the black elder tree, which grows in the warmer regions of Europe, North America, Asia and North Africa. Its medicinal use dates all the way back to 400 B.C., and it was even used by Hippocrates—also known as the “father of modern medicine.” An herbal medicine textbook from 1754 notes that boiling elderberries into a liquid can produce a remedy for treating colds and sore throats.

Today, many people take elderberries as a liquid, in capsules or pills, as gummies, jams and jellies and even in a hot cup of soothing tea.

Is Elderberry Effective?

Unfortunately, there’s not a straightforward answer to this question. There are many conflicting studies on the effectiveness of elderberries. One study from 2016 showed that travelers who used elderberry 10 days before flying and four days after traveling experienced a two-day shorter duration of a cold with noticeably fewer symptoms.

Another study found that supplementing with elderberry substantially reduced upper respiratory symptoms, making elderberry a potentially safer alternative to prescriptions for the common cold and flu.

On the other hand, one 2020 study showed no evidence that elderberry has benefits on the duration or severity of the flu. In a nutshell? More research is needed to make any conclusive statements about the efficacy of elderberry.

Related Video

Is Elderberry Safe During Pregnancy?

There isn’t enough evidence to know for sure whether elderberry is safe during pregnancy. Supplements like elderberry aren’t required to be regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)—meaning, companies don’t have to prove their products are safe to use or follow strict guidelines before selling them to consumers.

“Short-term ingestion of the ripened fruit in a high-quality product may be okay, but without research, we’re super-cautious in recommending supplements to pregnant patients,” says Melinda Feely, MD, a board-certified ob-gyn at OSF HealthCare in Galesburg, Illinois.

Simply put, if you want to use elderberry during pregnancy, talk to your provider. They’ll weigh the pros and cons of taking elderberry and likely recommend some alternatives for your cold and flu symptoms.

Potential Benefits of Using Elderberry

Elderberries have been used to boost immunity and fight off infections for centuries, according to Cleveland Clinic. Other potential benefits include:

  • Reducing cholesterol
  • Lowering cancer risk
  • Lowering heart disease risk
  • Reducing type 2 diabetes risk
  • Easing inflammation

Cleveland Clinic also mentions that elderberries can treat conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome, constipation, hay fever, headaches, high cholesterol, sinus infections, sciatica, toothaches and upper respiratory infections.

Potential Risks and Side Effects of Taking Elderberry

When it comes to elderberries, cooked is the only way to ingest them. Raw elderberries, unripe or green berries, and elderberry leaves, seeds and stems contain cyanide-producing toxins that aren’t safe [to consume], says Thara Vayali, ND, a licensed naturopathic physician, nutritionist, chief medical officer and co-founder at hey freya. Eating any of these can cause diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, and in large amounts, can be toxic, adds Feely.

On top of that, remember that elderberries are an immune stimulant—which could have unexpected results during pregnancy. “In pregnancy, the immune system is necessarily altered to protect the growing fetus; using a concentrated form or supplement to upregulate the immune response could lead to negative effects on the pregnancy or trigger autoimmune responses in the pregnant person,” says Vayali.

Pregnancy-Safe Alternatives

When it comes to using elderberry during pregnancy, the research on safety is still inconclusive. But if you’re looking for a safe alternative for now, Feely suggests the following options instead:

  • Vitamin C
  • Echinacea
  • Zinc
  • Honey for a cough
  • Gargling salt water for a sore throat
  • Antihistamines
  • Tylenol (as long as you take proper precautions on Tylenol during pregnancy)

Check out our full list of safe medications for pregnancy here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to take elderberry while breastfeeding?

Similar to pregnancy, there isn’t enough evidence to say that it’s safe to take elderberry while breastfeeding. “We don’t know enough about the transfer into breast milk or the effects on infants, so for just that reason, it’s not considered safe while breastfeeding,” says Vayali.

Is elderberry safe for babies and toddlers?

Unfortunately, there’s a lack of data when it comes to using elderberry for babies and toddlers. “There’s not an established dose for anyone other than adults, so it’s not recommended in babies or toddlers,” says Feely. Eating whole, thoroughly cooked elderberries is likely safe for babies over 6 months, but supplementation in concentrated forms isn’t safe, adds Vayali.

Who shouldn’t take elderberry?

To play it safe, Brooke Sobh, RD, a registered dietitian and certified lactation consultant at Fay with over 12 years of experience, advises that the following people avoid taking elderberry:

  • Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, as mentioned above
  • Young children
  • People with autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or multiple sclerosis
  • Those with allergies related to plants in the Caprifoliaceae family
  • People on certain medications like immunosuppressants, diuretics, laxatives and diabetic prescriptions
  • People with gastrointestinal issues

While elderberry pills, gummies and teas are a common relief to reach for when dealing with a pesky winter cold or virus, it’s best to be cautious with elderberry while pregnant—there’s just not enough data on safety out there. Check in with your healthcare provider about specific products if you’re unsure.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

Sources

Melinda Feely, MD, is a board-certified ob-gyn at OSF HealthCare in Galesburg, Illinois. She received her medical degree from the University of Arizona College of Medicine in 2010 and specializes in family medicine and obstetrician-gynecologist services.

Brooke Sobh, RD, is a registered dietitian and certified lactation consultant at Fay with over 12 years of experience. She specializes in several areas, such as sports dietetics, women, infants and children, and she’s an ICU dietitian for critically ill patients.

Thara Vayali, ND, is a licensed naturopathic physician, nutritionist, chief medical officer and co-founder at hey freya. She received her degree from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine and has particular expertise in women’s health, having supported women in a clinical setting for decades.

Plants (Basel), Elderberries—A Source of Bioactive Compounds with Antiviral Action, March 2022

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, Elderberry, August 2020

Boulder Medical Center, The Benefits of Elderberry and Zinc on Fighting Viruses

JSTOR Daily, Plant of the Month: Elderberry, November 2021

Nutrients, Elderberry Supplementation Reduces Cold Duration and Symptoms in Air-Travellers: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial, April 2016

Complementary Therapies in Medicine, Black Elderberry (Sambucus Nigra) Supplementation Effectively Treats Upper Respiratory Symptoms: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trials, February 2019

Journal of General Internal Medicine, Elderberry Extract Outpatient Influenza Treatment for Emergency Room Patients Ages 5 and Above: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial, September 2020

Cleveland Clinic, Is Elderberry Really an Effective Cold and Flu Cure?, October 2021

Learn how we ensure the accuracy of our content through our editorial and medical review process.

save article
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

pregnant woman and air pollution
Air Pollution in Pregnancy Linked to Higher Postpartum Depression Risk
By Wyndi Kappes
pregnant woman applying sunscreen on the beach
Best Pregnancy-Safe Sunscreens, Tested by Moms-to-Be
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman looking at first trimester ultrasound photo
12 Things to Avoid in Early Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
can-i-use-nail-polish-while-pregnant-HERO
The Best Pregnancy-Safe Nail Polishes, Tested and Reviewed
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
The Travis County 459th District Court House; texas abortion laws
Texas Abortion Ban Linked to Rise in Infant Mortality, Study Shows
By Wyndi Kappes
close up of hot tub outside
Can You Soak in a Hot Tub During Pregnancy?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman taking a bath
Can You Take a Bath While Pregnant?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
pregnant woman drinking from mug
10 Things You Actually Don’t Need to Give Up During Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman getting a prenatal massage
How to Safely Enjoy a Prenatal Massage
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
woman pouring honey onto spoon
Can You Have Honey While Pregnant?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
pregnant woman wearing a sweater and holding a cup of tea
5 Ways to Survive a Winter Pregnancy
By Elena Donovan Mauer
pregnant woman getting hair done at hair salon
Can You Color Your Hair While Pregnant?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pink benadryl antihistamine pills in plastic packaging
Can You Take Benadryl While Pregnant?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
large concert crowd in arena
Is Loud Noise During Pregnancy Safe for Baby’s Hearing?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
woman using a heating pad on her stomach while laying in bed
Is It Safe to Use a Heating Pad While Pregnant?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman with tattoos on arm
The Lowdown on Getting a Tattoo While Pregnant
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
woman putting out a cigarette in ashtray
The Dangers of Smoking and Vaping While Pregnant
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
glasses of rose wine outside on table
The Real Deal With Drinking During Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
woman relaxing in the bath
Is CBD Oil Safe During Pregnancy?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant holding a glass of water while looking at phone
Mom's Exposure to PFAS Linked to Obesity in Kids
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List