Elderberry Guide

Elderberry is a traditional herbal ingredient used to help relieve symptoms of colds and upper respiratory tract infections. Learn about its uses, forms, and what to consider when choosing a supplement.¹

✅ Reviewed by Jamieson's Science Team

Quick Answers

What is elderberry?

Elderberry comes from plants in the Sambucus family, including black elder (Sambucus nigra).¹

What is elderberry used for?

Health Canada recognizes elderberry for traditional use in relieving cold and flu symptoms such as coughs, sore throat, and mucus buildup.¹

Does elderberry provide antioxidants?

Yes. Health Canada recognizes elder fruit as a source of antioxidants that help protect cells from free-radical damage.¹

Can children take elderberry?

Some elderberry preparations are authorized for children, but age ranges and formats vary by product. Always follow the label.¹

What is elderberry?

Elderberry is the fruit of plants in the Sambucus family. Black elder, or Sambucus nigra, is commonly used in natural health products.¹ 

Health Canada recognizes both elder fruit and flower for traditional herbal uses, including relief of cold and flu symptoms.¹

How is elderberry used?

Elderberry has traditionally been used in herbal medicine to help relieve symptoms of colds and flus, including coughs, sore throat, and mucus buildup in the upper respiratory tract.¹ 

Elder fruit can also provide antioxidants that help protect cells against oxidative damage caused by free radicals.¹ 

Which health goals can elderberry support?

Immune Support

Elderberry is traditionally used to help relieve symptoms associated with colds and upper respiratory tract infections.¹

Everyday Wellness

Elder fruit provides antioxidants that help protect cells against oxidative damage caused by free radicals.¹

Cold & Flu Symptom Relief

Elderberry is traditionally used to help relieve symptoms such as coughs, sore throat, and mucus buildup.¹

How can elderberry fit into your routine?

Elderberry is commonly used when cold and upper respiratory symptoms are the main concern. 

  • During cold season: It may be used to help relieve symptoms such as coughs and sore throat.¹ 
  • Antioxidant support: Elder fruit also provides antioxidants.¹ 
  • Support recovery: Rest, fluids, and regular meals still play an important role when you’re sick. 
  • For families: Some products may be suitable for children, depending on age and directions.¹ 

*It is important to consult your trusted healthcare practitioner before adding any new natural health supplement to your routine. 

What should you look for in an elderberry supplement?

Start with what you need, then choose a product that fits your life.

  • Check the source: Look for the Sambucus species and plant part used. 
  • Compare extracts: Concentrations and equivalent fruit amounts can differ. 
  • Check the intended use: Some formulas focus on cold symptom relief, while combinations may add other benefits. 
  • Choose your format: Jamieson offers elderberry in capsule and gummy formats. 
  • Read the cautions: Pregnancy, breastfeeding, allergies, and persistent symptoms may require healthcare guidance.¹ 
  • Look for an NPN: Choose a licensed natural health product with an eight-digit NPN. 

For more than 100 years, Jamieson has combined scientific expertise with rigorous quality testing. Every product is backed by the Jamieson 360 Quality Promise.

*It is important to consult your trusted healthcare practitioner before adding any new natural health supplement to your routine. 

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FAQs
Does elderberry help with cold and flu symptoms?

Yes. Health Canada recognizes elderberry for traditional use in helping relieve symptoms such as coughs, sore throat, and mucus buildup associated with colds and flus.¹

Is black elderberry the same as elderberry?

Black elderberry refers to Sambucus nigra, one of the elder species recognized by Health Canada for use in natural health products.¹

Does elderberry support immune health?

Elderberry itself is traditionally used for cold and upper respiratory tract symptom relief. Some Jamieson elderberry formulas also contain ingredients such as vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, or echinacea that have their own immune-support roles.

Sources

1. Health Canada. Elder — Sambucus Monograph. Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate. Updated December 19, 2025.[Text Wrapping Break]https://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/atReq?atid=elder.sureau2 

2. Health Canada. Licensed Natural Health Products Database.[Text Wrapping Break]https://health-products.canada.ca/lnhpd-bdpsnh/