Can You Take Elderberry While You're Pregnant?
Elderberry has long been used as an immune booster to combat colds and the flu, but research on this herbal remedy during pregnancy hasn't quite caught up. Here's what you need to know.
Many people have touted the benefits of elderberry, or Sambucus nigra, which is a dark purple berry from a tree. This natural herb can be prepared in several ways—including pills, lozenges, syrups, and gummies—and is featured on grocery store and pharmacy shelves as an alternative to harsher medicines.
Elderberry is widely considered a gentle yet effective remedy, but when you're pregnant, you can't simply try something new without understanding the potential health effects. Below, we take a look at whether elderberry is safe during pregnancy, as well as its effectiveness.
Related: Is Elderberry Really Good for Kids? Here's What Parents Need to Know
What Is Elderberry?
Elderberry is a dark purple berry found on the black elder tree, which grows in the warmer areas of North America, Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa. This berry has been used as a natural treatment for common colds, influenza, and even COVID-19. However, evidence hasn't shown it actually works.
Furthermore, unripened elderberries are toxic and should be avoided, says Kecia Gaither, MD, MPH, a double board-certified physician in OB-GYN and maternal-fetal medicine. The same goes for preparations made from the plant's bark, stem, leaves, or flower, due to the risk of poisoning.
Potential Health Benefits of Elderberry
Preliminary research suggests that elderberry may relieve symptoms of upper respiratory infections, but there’s very little data demonstrating that elderberry is helpful for those purposes.
Indeed, in one study, researchers analyzed 1,187 records (which included five randomized clinical trials) to see if elderberry is an effective medicine for viral respiratory illnesses (like cold and flu). Unfortunately, there was no evidence that elderberry could prevent or treat the viruses. But, in some instances, elderberry was able to shorten the duration of viral infections, though the evidence is weak and the claim needs more research.
That said, elderberries do have some health benefits. "They have antibacterial, antiviral, and cytokines-producing properties, all of which boost the immune system," says Dr. Gaither. "This may help fight cold and flu viruses." Elderberries also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, are high in fiber, and can even help decrease "bad" cholesterol in the body, she adds.
Is Elderberry Safe During Pregnancy?
Research is limited on the safety of elderberry in pregnancy. "There is not enough sufficient data on the use of elderberry during pregnancy or lactation," says Shuhan He, MD, an emergency medicine physician at Massachusetts General Hospital. "One [older] study reported gastrointestinal (GI) distress in pregnant women taking elderberry. However, everyone's body reacts differently, and many people experience no side effects at all."
And while elderberry may be a safer option than some over-the-counter or prescription drugs, that still doesn't guarantee it won't have adverse effects, says holistic wellness practitioner Audrey Christie, RN, MSN, ND. "There haven't been any adverse events reported with elderberry extract [in pregnancy], but it is important to use caution." (That said, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported an adverse event related to elderberry juice poisoning back in the 1980s, but the affected people weren't pregnant).
Another big drawback: Elderberry is sold as an herbal supplement and not a drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA doesn't have to approve a supplement before it goes on sale, and it's up to the company that manufactures it to label it properly and ensure its safety. Only after it's on the market can the FDA deem a supplement unsafe.
That's why it's essential to be a savvy consumer during pregnancy when purchasing and taking herbal supplements. Only buy from companies you trust and those that follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). It's also best to avoid purchasing homemade preparations.
Related: Is It Safe? Common Pregnancy concerns
Alternatives to Elderberry in Pregnancy
Although elderberry may not be the magical pregnancy cure-all you're looking for, don't stress. Experts note other ways to stay healthy during pregnancy and boost your immune system.
"The foundational pieces of a good immune system no matter your age are good sleep, plenty of whole plant food, stress mitigation, and getting vitamin D," says Christie. And don't forget about good old soap and water. "Keeping up good hand hygiene is key," notes Dr. He.
Here are some additional ideas for preventing colds, flu, and COVID during pregnancy.
Get vaccinated: Pregnant people are more likely to experience severe illness if they get the flu or COVID-19. For this reason, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that pregnant people get their yearly vaccination. You also should talk to your health care provider about which other vaccines you might need like those for whooping cough and hepatitis A and B.
Ask your health care provider to test your vitamin D levels: Vitamin D plays a critical role in your immune function and response to illnesses. Additionally, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) indicates that when a pregnant person is deficient in vitamin D, taking 1,000 to 2,000 international units per day is generally considered safe.
Related: The 10 Best Prenatal Vitamins, According to a Dietitian
Key Takeaway
There isn't enough research to guarantee that elderberry is safe during pregnancy. As with any supplement consumed while expecting, it's important to speak to a health care provider first, especially if you're feeling under the weather.
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