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Elderberry is one of those ingredients many of us have heard of, particularly as the seasons begin to change. You’ll find it in everything from traditional preparations to modern food supplements, but what is elderberry, where does it come from and what should you actually look for when choosing an elderberry product?
In this edition of Wellness Without the Noise, we’re taking a closer look at Black Elderberry, Sambucus nigra, and separating the ingredient itself from some of the noise that surrounds it.
Because understanding what is actually in your supplement is always a good place to start.
What Is Elderberry?
Elderberries are the small, dark berries produced by the elder tree. One of the best-known species is Sambucus nigra, commonly known as European elder or Black Elderberry.
The plant has a long history of traditional use, with different parts of the elder plant appearing in preparations over generations.
Today, elderberry remains a popular botanical ingredient and is commonly available in products such as liquid extracts, syrups, capsules and gummies.
But not every elderberry supplement is necessarily the same.
The part of the plant used, the concentration and the way the extract has been prepared can all differ between products.
What Is Black Elderberry – Sambucus Nigra?
Sambucus nigra is the botanical name you may see when looking at the ingredients of an elderberry supplement.
Rather than relying solely on a product being described as “elderberry”, checking the botanical name can help you understand exactly which species has been used.
Lewtress Elderberry Extract is made using dried Black Elderberries (Sambucus nigra).
This is one of the reasons we encourage people to look beyond the marketing on the front of a supplement and read the actual product information.
What Does Elderberry Extract Mean?
An extract is a concentrated preparation made from the original botanical material.
You may notice ratios such as 1:2 appearing on herbal supplement labels. These ratios provide information about the relationship between the botanical material and the resulting extract.
The Lewtress formula is a 1:2 Black Elderberry extract.
Each 1ml provides the equivalent of:
500mg of dried Black Elderberries
which is equivalent to:
2000mg of fresh berries.
Understanding information like this can be far more useful than simply seeing words such as “high strength” or “premium” on the front of a product.
Why Is Elderberry So Popular During Autumn and Winter?
Elderberry has traditionally been associated with seasonal wellbeing, which is one reason interest in elderberry products often increases as we move towards the colder months.
But this is also where sensible supplement information can quickly become exaggerated.
You may see elderberry products accompanied by sweeping claims about immunity, preventing illness or treating seasonal conditions.
We prefer a different approach.
Elderberry is a traditional botanical ingredient that many people choose to incorporate into their wider everyday wellness routine.
A supplement shouldn’t be presented as a replacement for a balanced diet, appropriate medical care or the fundamentals of looking after yourself.
That’s exactly what Wellness Without the Noise is about.
What Should You Look for in an Elderberry Supplement?
If you’re comparing elderberry products, don’t judge them purely by the size of the bottle or the claims on the front.
Look at the actual formulation.
Check which species of elderberry is being used, which part of the plant is included, the concentration of the extract and how much botanical material the stated serving represents.
It’s also worth checking the complete ingredients list rather than assuming two products labelled “elderberry” are equivalent.
The more clearly a manufacturer explains what is actually inside its product, the easier it is to make an informed choice.
What Makes Lewtress Elderberry Extract Different?
Lewtress Elderberry Extract uses dried Black Elderberries (Sambucus nigra) in a concentrated 1:2 liquid extract.
The formula provides 500mg of dried herb equivalent per 1ml, equivalent to 2000mg of fresh berries per 1ml.
It is combined with live probiotic kombucha culture extract.
The formula contains no artificial flavourings, colourings or sweeteners and comes in a liquid dropper format, making it easy to incorporate into an everyday routine.
The recommended intake is 20 drops two to three times daily, although you should always follow the directions provided with the product and not exceed the recommended intake.
Why Does Lewtress Elderberry Contain Alcohol?
If you’ve looked closely at the ingredients, you may have noticed that the Lewtress Elderberry Extract contains 18% alcohol.
Alcohol is used in many traditional liquid botanical extracts as part of the extraction and preservation process.
For those who would prefer not to consume the alcohol, the Lewtress product guidance states that the drops can be added to hot water to allow the small amount of alcohol to evaporate.
It’s another good example of why reading the complete product information matters.
Elderberry and Echinacea – Are They the Same Thing?
No. Although you’ll often see elderberry and echinacea discussed at similar times of year, they come from entirely different plants.
Elderberry comes from the elder plant, with the Lewtress extract using the berries of Sambucus nigra.
Echinacea refers to plants within the Echinacea genus. The Lewtress Echinacea supplement, for example, uses Echinacea purpurea root extract.
Rather than treating all traditional botanicals as interchangeable, it’s worth understanding exactly what each product contains.
Want to understand Echinacea too? Read our guide: What Is Echinacea?
What Is Elderberry? The Simple Answer
Elderberry is the fruit of the elder plant and has been used in traditional preparations for generations.
Today, Black Elderberry – Sambucus nigra – continues to be used as an ingredient in modern food supplements, including concentrated liquid extracts.
There doesn’t need to be any mystery around it.
Look at the botanical species, understand the extract you’re buying, check the concentration and ingredients, and choose products based on clear information rather than exaggerated promises.
That’s wellness without the noise.
Lewtress Elderberry Extract High Potency Bio Active Concentrate is available in 50ml and 100ml bottles, with multi-bottle options also available.
Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. Always follow the product directions. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, seek appropriate professional advice before using food supplements.
