Elderberry is a popular natural remedy that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of health conditions. It is generally safe for most people to take, but there are some groups of people who should avoid taking elderberry.
Elderberries contain compounds called cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when they are ingested. Cyanide is a toxic substance that can cause serious health problems, including death. The amount of cyanide in elderberries is very low, but it is still enough to cause problems for people who are sensitive to it.
In the next sections, we will discuss in more detail about the groups of people who should not take elderberry, and the potential side effects of taking elderberry.
who should not take elderberry
Certain groups of people should avoid taking elderberry due to potential health risks.
- Pregnant women
- Breastfeeding women
- Children under 12
- People with autoimmune diseases
- People with kidney disease
- People with liver disease
- People taking certain medications
- People allergic to elderberries
If you belong to any of these groups, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking elderberry.
Pregnant women
Elderberry is generally considered safe for most people, but it is not recommended for pregnant women. This is because elderberries contain compounds called cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when they are ingested. Cyanide is a toxic substance that can cross the placenta and harm the developing fetus.
The amount of cyanide in elderberries is very low, but it is still enough to pose a risk to pregnant women. Studies have shown that even small amounts of cyanide can cross the placenta and affect the fetus. Cyanide can cause a number of health problems in the fetus, including birth defects, neurological damage, and even death.
For these reasons, pregnant women should avoid taking elderberry in any form, including supplements, teas, and syrups. They should also avoid eating elderberries or elderberry products.
If you are pregnant and have taken elderberry, it is important to talk to your doctor right away. They can assess your risk and recommend the best course of action.
It is also important to note that elderberry can interact with certain medications, so it is important to talk to your doctor before taking elderberry if you are taking any medications.
Breastfeeding women
Elderberry is generally considered safe for most people, but it is not recommended for breastfeeding women. This is because elderberries contain compounds called cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when they are ingested. Cyanide is a toxic substance that can be passed through breast milk to the baby.
The amount of cyanide in elderberries is very low, but it is still enough to pose a risk to breastfeeding babies. Studies have shown that even small amounts of cyanide can affect the baby's health. Cyanide can cause a number of health problems in babies, including neurological damage, birth defects, and even death.
For these reasons, breastfeeding women should avoid taking elderberry in any form, including supplements, teas, and syrups. They should also avoid eating elderberries or elderberry products.
If you are breastfeeding and have taken elderberry, it is important to talk to your doctor right away. They can assess your risk and recommend the best course of action.
It is also important to note that elderberry can interact with certain medications, so it is important to talk to your doctor before taking elderberry if you are taking any medications.
Children under 12
Elderberry is generally considered safe for most people, but it is not recommended for children under 12 years old.
- Elderberries contain cyanogenic glycosides.
These compounds can release cyanide when they are ingested. Cyanide is a toxic substance that can cause serious health problems, including death. The amount of cyanide in elderberries is very low, but it is still enough to pose a risk to children, who are more sensitive to cyanide than adults.
- Elderberry can interact with certain medications.
This can lead to serious side effects. For example, elderberry can interact with blood thinners, increasing the risk of bleeding. It can also interact with diabetes medications, causing blood sugar levels to drop too low.
- Elderberry can cause side effects.
These side effects are usually mild, but they can include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In rare cases, elderberry can cause more serious side effects, such as liver damage and kidney failure.
- Children under 12 are more likely to experience side effects from elderberry.
This is because their bodies are still developing and they are more sensitive to the effects of elderberry.
For these reasons, it is best to avoid giving elderberry to children under 12 years old.
People with autoimmune diseases
Elderberry is generally considered safe for most people, but it is not recommended for people with autoimmune diseases.
- Elderberry can stimulate the immune system.
This can be helpful for people with healthy immune systems, but it can be harmful for people with autoimmune diseases. In autoimmune diseases, the immune system attacks the body's own tissues. Stimulating the immune system can worsen autoimmune symptoms.
- Elderberry can interact with certain medications.
This can lead to serious side effects. For example, elderberry can interact with immunosuppressive drugs, which are used to treat autoimmune diseases. This interaction can make the immunosuppressive drugs less effective.
- Elderberry can cause side effects.
These side effects are usually mild, but they can include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In rare cases, elderberry can cause more serious side effects, such as liver damage and kidney failure. People with autoimmune diseases may be more likely to experience these side effects.
- It is best to avoid taking elderberry if you have an autoimmune disease.
Talk to your doctor before taking elderberry if you are not sure if it is safe for you.
There are other natural remedies that may be helpful for people with autoimmune diseases. Talk to your doctor about which remedies are right for you.
People with kidney disease
Elderberry is generally considered safe for most people, but it is not recommended for people with kidney disease.
- Elderberries contain cyanogenic glycosides.
These compounds can release cyanide when they are ingested. Cyanide is a toxic substance that can be harmful to people with kidney disease. The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste products from the blood, including cyanide. People with kidney disease have reduced kidney function, which means they are less able to filter out cyanide.
- Elderberry can interact with certain medications.
This can lead to serious side effects. For example, elderberry can interact with blood thinners, increasing the risk of bleeding. It can also interact with diabetes medications, causing blood sugar levels to drop too low.
- Elderberry can cause side effects.
These side effects are usually mild, but they can include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In rare cases, elderberry can cause more serious side effects, such as liver damage and kidney failure. People with kidney disease may be more likely to experience these side effects.
- It is best to avoid taking elderberry if you have kidney disease.
Talk to your doctor before taking elderberry if you are not sure if it is safe for you.
There are other natural remedies that may be helpful for people with kidney disease. Talk to your doctor about which remedies are right for you.
People with liver disease
Elderberry is generally considered safe for most people, but it is not recommended for people with liver disease.
- Elderberries contain cyanogenic glycosides.
These compounds can release cyanide when they are ingested. Cyanide is a toxic substance that can be harmful to people with liver disease. The liver is responsible for metabolizing and removing toxins from the body, including cyanide. People with liver disease have reduced liver function, which means they are less able to metabolize and remove cyanide.
- Elderberry can interact with certain medications.
This can lead to serious side effects. For example, elderberry can interact with blood thinners, increasing the risk of bleeding. It can also interact with diabetes medications, causing blood sugar levels to drop too low.
- Elderberry can cause side effects.
These side effects are usually mild, but they can include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In rare cases, elderberry can cause more serious side effects, such as liver damage and kidney failure. People with liver disease may be more likely to experience these side effects.
- It is best to avoid taking elderberry if you have liver disease.
Talk to your doctor before taking elderberry if you are not sure if it is safe for you.
There are other natural remedies that may be helpful for people with liver disease. Talk to your doctor about which remedies are right for you.
People taking certain medications
Elderberry can interact with certain medications, so it is important to talk to your doctor before taking elderberry if you are taking any medications.
Some of the medications that elderberry can interact with include:
- Blood thinners: Elderberry can increase the risk of bleeding when taken with blood thinners, such as warfarin and heparin.
- Diabetes medications: Elderberry can lower blood sugar levels, so it is important to use caution if you are taking diabetes medications.
- Immunosuppressive drugs: Elderberry can stimulate the immune system, which can be harmful for people taking immunosuppressive drugs.
- Antiviral drugs: Elderberry can interfere with the effectiveness of antiviral drugs, such as Tamiflu and Relenza.
This is not an exhaustive list of all the medications that elderberry can interact with. It is important to talk to your doctor about all of the medications you are taking before taking elderberry.
If you are taking any of the medications listed above, it is best to avoid taking elderberry. Talk to your doctor about other natural remedies that may be safe for you.
It is also important to note that elderberry can cause side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In rare cases, elderberry can cause more serious side effects, such as liver damage and kidney failure. If you experience any side effects from taking elderberry, stop taking it and talk to your doctor.
People allergic to elderberries
Elderberries are a type of fruit that can cause allergic reactions in some people. Symptoms of an elderberry allergy can include:
- Skin rash
- Hives
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
In severe cases, an elderberry allergy can lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. Symptoms of anaphylaxis can include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the throat
- Rapid pulse
- Dizziness
- Loss of consciousness
If you experience any symptoms of an elderberry allergy, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
If you are allergic to elderberries, it is important to avoid all elderberry products, including:
- Elderberries
- Elderberry juice
- Elderberry supplements
- Elderberry tea
- Elderberry extract
You should also avoid touching elderberry plants or flowers.
It is important to note that elderberries can also cause side effects in people who are not allergic to them. These side effects can include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you experience any side effects from taking elderberry, stop taking it and talk to your doctor.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about who should not take elderberry:
Question 1: Who should not take elderberry?
Answer: Elderberry should not be taken by pregnant women, breastfeeding women, children under 12 years old, people with autoimmune diseases, people with kidney disease, people with liver disease, people taking certain medications, and people allergic to elderberries.
Question 2: Why should pregnant women avoid elderberry?
Answer: Elderberries contain compounds called cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when they are ingested. Cyanide is a toxic substance that can cross the placenta and harm the developing fetus.
Question 3: Why should breastfeeding women avoid elderberry?
Answer: Cyanide can be passed through breast milk to the baby, so breastfeeding women should avoid taking elderberry.
Question 4: Why should children under 12 years old avoid elderberry?
Answer: Children under 12 years old are more sensitive to the effects of elderberry, and they are more likely to experience side effects.
Question 5: Why should people with autoimmune diseases avoid elderberry?
Answer: Elderberry can stimulate the immune system, which can be harmful for people with autoimmune diseases.
Question 6: Why should people with kidney disease or liver disease avoid elderberry?
Answer: People with kidney disease or liver disease have reduced kidney or liver function, which makes them less able to metabolize and remove cyanide from the body.
Question 7: Why should people taking certain medications avoid elderberry?
Answer: Elderberry can interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners, diabetes medications, immunosuppressive drugs, and antiviral drugs.
Question 8: Why should people allergic to elderberries avoid elderberry?
Answer: Elderberries can cause allergic reactions in some people, including skin rash, hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ:
If you have any questions about whether or not you should take elderberry, talk to your doctor. They can help you assess your risk and recommend the best course of action.
In addition to the information in the FAQ, here are some tips for taking elderberry safely:
Tips
Here are some tips for taking elderberry safely:
Tip 1: Talk to your doctor before taking elderberry.
This is especially important if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or are taking any medications.
Tip 2: Start with a low dose and increase it gradually.
This will help to reduce the risk of side effects.
Tip 3: Take elderberry for no more than 5 days at a time.
After 5 days, take a break for at least 2 days before taking elderberry again.
Tip 4: Avoid taking elderberry if you are allergic to it.
If you experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as skin rash, hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing, stop taking elderberry and seek medical attention immediately.
Closing Paragraph for Tips:
By following these tips, you can help to reduce the risk of side effects from taking elderberry.
If you have any questions or concerns about taking elderberry, talk to your doctor.
Conclusion
Elderberry is a natural remedy that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of health conditions. However, it is important to be aware of who should not take elderberry.
Elderberry should not be taken by pregnant women, breastfeeding women, children under 12 years old, people with autoimmune diseases, people with kidney disease, people with liver disease, people taking certain medications, and people allergic to elderberries.
If you fall into any of these categories, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking elderberry. They can help you assess your risk and recommend the best course of action.
For people who can safely take elderberry, it is important to start with a low dose and increase it gradually. Elderberry should not be taken for more than 5 days at a time. If you experience any side effects from taking elderberry, stop taking it and talk to your doctor.
By following these guidelines, you can help to ensure that you are taking elderberry safely and effectively.
Closing Message:
If you have any questions about elderberry, talk to your doctor. They can help you decide if elderberry is right for you.