Can You Take Elderberry in Pregnancy?

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.

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.

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.

Plus, more from The Bump:

How to Combat Colds During Pregnancy

Natural Remedies to Help You Sleep Better During Pregnancy

A List of Over-the-Counter Medications You Can Take While Pregnant