Elderberry — Sambucus nigra, the European elder — is one of the most widely trusted fruits in the history of plant medicine. Native American practice across the eastern woodlands, North African and West Asian traditions and later European folk medicine each arrived independently at the same conclusion: this berry is prepared with heat and never eaten raw.
Elderberries are naturally rich in antioxidants, particularly the anthocyanins that give the fruit its deep purple color, along with vitamins A and C. The modern wellness community reaches for elderberry most often at the turning of the seasons, traditionally used to support the immune system and the body's own seasonal resilience.
TBE Herbs offers elderberry in two presentations on this page so you can choose the one that fits how you actually live. The vegan capsules are swallowed with water — no taste to get past and nothing to prepare. The non-alcoholic liquid extract is taken straight from the dropper or stirred into water, and because it is glycerin-based rather than alcohol-based it suits households avoiding alcohol. Both are already prepared, which matters with this particular berry: the traditional cooking step is done before it reaches you.
In folk tradition across many cultures the elder carries a protective quality. In indigenous practices worldwide the tree was approached with respect and asked before it was cut — a courtesy that says a great deal about how seriously this plant was taken.
For layered seasonal support, elderberry pairs naturally with our Vitamin C Extract and our Immune Enhancement Extract, which brings elderberry together with the rest of the formula in one bottle. For those who prefer to brew rather than swallow, our Elder Flowers loose-leaf herb is the same tree in its other form — the blossom is the one part of the elder you steep rather than simmer. It makes a gentle companion to either presentation here.
Only ripe, properly prepared elderberry should be taken. The raw or unripe fruit, along with the leaves, stems and bark, contains naturally occurring compounds that heat breaks down — which is exactly why both presentations here come to you already prepared. Elderberry may interact with immunosuppressant medications and with diuretics. Speak with your practitioner first if either applies to you or if you live with an autoimmune condition.
As always, consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before use, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
* Naturally rich in antioxidants, including the anthocyanins behind the berry's deep purple color
* A natural source of vitamins A and C
* Traditionally used to support the immune system through the turning of the seasons
* Two presentations on one page — choose vegan capsules or liquid extract
* Alcohol-free glycerite extract, gentle on the body with no harsh solvents
* Already prepared for you, so the traditional cooking step is done before it reaches you
* 33 servings per bottle of capsules — a full month and then some
* Vegan, with no synthetics
VEGAN CAPSULES
1. Take 3 capsules daily with a full glass of water.
2. Best taken with food.
3. Each bottle holds 33 servings — a full month and then some.
4. Children 6 and under: 1 capsule daily.
LIQUID EXTRACT
1. Shake well before each use.
2. Take 2 to 3 dropperfuls daily, directly under the tongue. You may also add them to a small glass of water, juice or herbal tea.
3. Children 6 and under: 1 dropperful daily.
4. For seasonal support, use consistently rather than occasionally.
Either way, a qualified healthcare practitioner can advise on the dose that suits you.
