Echinacea/Elderberry SPECIAL

Description

Echinacea/Elderberry SPECIAL

Echinacea and Elderberry are two of the most widely used natural remedies for immune support.

• Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea and related species) is a flowering herb traditionally used to help the body fight off colds, flu, and other infections. It is thought to stimulate the immune system and reduce the severity and duration of respiratory symptoms.

• Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is a dark purple berry rich in antioxidants, especially flavonoids and anthocyanins. Elderberry is valued for its antiviral properties and is commonly used to ease flu symptoms, colds, and seasonal allergies.

When combined in supplements, teas, or syrups, Echinacea and Elderberry create a powerful immune-supporting blend that helps:

• Promote a faster recovery from colds and flu

• Support the body’s natural defenses

• Provide antioxidant protection against free radicals

They are often available in capsules, tinctures, teas, or syrups, making them a convenient choice for both daily immune support and short-term use during seasonal illness.

Possible Benefits:

1. Immune Support / Shortened Cold & Flu Symptoms

   • Elderberry has fairly consistent evidence that using it early in cold/flu can reduce duration and severity of symptoms.

   • Echinacea may reduce risk of catching a cold and shorten duration when used early.

2. Antioxidant & Anti-inflammatory Effects

   • Elderberry is rich in flavonoids, anthocyanins → help combat oxidative stress.

   • Echinacea contains compounds (polysaccharides, flavonoids) that can modulate inflammation.

3. Synergy / Combined Use

   • Some products combine echinacea + elderberry (liquid extracts, supplements) to harness both prevention (echinacea) and symptom mitigation (elderberry).

4. May Reduce Severity of Respiratory Infections

   • Studies show elderberry may reduce symptom severity (e.g. cough, fever, congestion).

   • Echinacea may help with immune cell activation (natural killer cells, macrophages) helping the body fight off pathogens.

Cautions / Side Effects:

• Allergies:
    • Echinacea belongs to the daisy family; people allergic to ragweed, daisies, chrysanthemums may react. 
    • Elderberry raw/unripe parts, or other plant parts (leaves, stems) contain toxic compounds (cyanogenic glycosides), so only properly processed elderberry products should be used.

• Safety in Pregnancy / Breastfeeding:
    • Evidence is limited. The review “Echinacea and elderberry—should they be used during pregnancy?” notes insufficient data to confirm safety. 
    • It is often advised to avoid or use with caution in pregnancy.

• Autoimmune / Over-stimulation:
    • Because echinacea stimulates immune activity, there is concern in autoimmune conditions that it might aggravate symptoms. 
    • Elderberry also may stimulate immune response; caution if taking immunosuppressants.

• Duration of Use:
    • Short-term use seems well tolerated. Long-term use is less well studied. 
    • Use during acute illness or seasonal exposure may be more justified than continuous daily use.

• Interactions / Side Effects:
    • Potential for mild gastrointestinal upsets, headaches, allergic reactions. 
    • Quality of the product matters (standardization, extraction, purity). Poor quality = risk.

Common Ingredients:

These are ingredients often included in Echinacea + Elderberry blends:

• Echinacea species (usually Echinacea purpurea root, herb; sometimes Echinacea angustifolia) — extracts or dried form.

• Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) fruit extract or juice.

• Sometimes rosehips (fruit of Rosa canina) to add vitamin C and antioxidant support.

• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) — often included to support immune response.

• Other supportive botanicals (depending on formulation) like mullein, mint flavor, or others.

The contents of the Knysna Health website shall not be regarded as medical advice, or a basis from which to make medical decisions. The use of information found on this site is completely your responsibility and at your own risk. Our recommendation is that if you have health concerns that you feel unsure about how to deal with, that you contact your trusted health professional for personalized advice.