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 are also considered safe for consumption and are known to support immune system as dark purple elders do. 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.
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:
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).
2. Elderberry tea:
You can either use tea bags or one tablespoon of dried berries or flowers in eight ounces of water to make elderberry tea.
3. Elderberry juice:
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 jam:
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
5. Elderberry gummies:
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
What Are The Side Effects Of Taking Elderberry While Pregnant?
Besides its powderful benefits, there are certain side effects that should be kept in mind while its consumption. Ripe and cooked berries are safe to consume. However, you should not eat raw or unripe berries in any form.
Raw elderberries contain bitter alkaloids, 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 lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and multiple sclerosis, taking elderberry stimulates the nervous system, thus intensifying the disease symptoms (12).
