Is it safe to take elderberry while pregnant?

The Safety of Elderberry During Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
As the popularity of natural remedies continues to rise, many expectant mothers are turning to elderberry for its purported health benefits, particularly during cold and flu season. However, the question remains: Is it safe to take elderberry while pregnant? The answer is not straightforward, and it requires careful consideration of the available information.
Limited Research and Caution Advised
Currently, there is a lack of comprehensive research specifically addressing the safety of elderberry supplements during pregnancy. While some sources suggest that elderberry is generally considered safe, they also emphasize the importance of caution. For instance, although there have been no significant adverse events reported with elderberry extract in pregnant women, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) did note an incident of elderberry juice poisoning in the 1980s, which raises concerns about its safety.
Experts recommend that pregnant women approach elderberry with care. While elderberry is known for its immune-boosting properties, it acts as an immune modulator, which could potentially overstimulate the immune system during pregnancy. This is particularly relevant given that pregnancy itself alters immune responses, making it crucial for expectant mothers to consult healthcare providers before incorporating elderberry into their regimen.
The Case for Moderation
Some studies indicate that ripe and cooked elderberries can be safe when consumed in moderation. However, overconsumption may lead to side effects, which is a significant consideration for pregnant women. The consensus among many health professionals is that while elderberry may offer benefits, it is generally not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women without medical supervision.
Moreover, while elderberry has shown effectiveness in preventing the flu virus from entering host cells, the potential risks during pregnancy have not been thoroughly evaluated. Therefore, it is advisable for pregnant women to prioritize established methods of maintaining health, such as proper nutrition and consulting with healthcare providers about safe remedies.
Conclusion: Consult Before Use
In summary, while elderberry is often viewed as a natural remedy with potential benefits, its safety during pregnancy remains uncertain. The prevailing advice is to exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional before using elderberry supplements. This ensures that expectant mothers can make informed decisions that prioritize their health and the health of their unborn child. As always, when it comes to pregnancy, it is better to err on the side of caution.

Is elderberry vitamin C and zinc safe during pregnancy?

Without good safety data, most healthcare providers are reluctant to recommend elderberry for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. For safety reasons, it’s difficult to study the effects of herbs and other supplements in pregnant and breastfeeding women.

What is the safest cold medicine while pregnant?

Cold medications that are generally considered safe for pregnant people include: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Some antihistamines, including loratadine (Claritin) and diphenhydramine (Benadryl) Most steroid-based nasal sprays.

Can elderberry affect fertility?

Elderberry may also have benefits for male fertility. A study on mice with busulfan-induced azoospermia found that an elderberry-supplemented diet improved spermatogenesis, indicating its potential as a complementary treatment for testicular damage following chemotherapy8.

Is elderberry ok to take when pregnant?

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.

What herbs should be avoided during pregnancy?

Herbs to Avoid During Pregnancy

Scientific Name	Common Name(s)	Form of Use
Peumus boldus	Boldo	Tea
Piper methysticum	Kava kava	Liquid extracts, capsules
Rhamnus purshiana	Espino cerval, Buckthorn	Tea, capsules
Rheum spp	Ruibarbo, Rhubarb	Tea, capsules

What helps a cold when pregnant?

Natural, Pregnancy-Safe Remedies

• Gargle warm salt water.
• Get as much restful sleep as possible.
• Sip honey in hot water.
• Stay well hydrated.
• Use nasal saline sprays.
• Try a humidifier.

Is elderberry safe while breastfeeding?

There have not been any adverse affects reported, but without solid research confirming that it is safe, best practice is to refrain from using elderberry syrup while breastfeeding.

Who should not take elderberry supplements?

Elderberry appears to have few side effects when used properly for short periods of time (up to 5 days). Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take elderberry. If you have an autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, ask your doctor before taking elderberry, as it may stimulate the immune system.

Can you take elderberry Emergen-C while pregnant?

The bottom line. Emergen-C is an OTC supplement that many people take to prevent or improve cold symptoms. While immunity support products like Emergen-C have mixed data for preventing or treating colds, they’re generally safe to take during pregnancy.

What are the negative side effects of elderberry?

Side effects, toxicity, and interactions
Leaves, stems, raw and unripe berries, and other plant parts of the elder tree contain a toxic substance. If elderberry is not correctly prepared, it may cause nausea, vomiting, and severe diarrhea. You shouldn’t take more than the advised dosage.