When it comes to staying healthy and fighting off illness, there are a few popular herbal combinations that people love. One of these combinations is elderberry and echinacea.
In this article, we will cover everything from the benefits of drinking elderberry echinacea tea to whether or not these herbs are better when taken separately or together. So, keep reading for all the information you need on this powerful herbal combination!
Table of Contents
What is Echinacea?
Echinacea is a herb that has been used for centuries to help support the immune system. It can be taken in supplement form or as an herbal tea. Some of the key benefits of echinacea include:
- Boosting immune response
- Helping to fight off infection and reduce the duration of cold and flu
- Reducing inflammation
- Supporting gut health
- Improved blood sugar regulation
Echinacea is a great herb/tea to use if you feel a cold coming on, and can even be taken year-round! This is because it has both immune boosting and anti-inflammatory properties which help keep you healthy.
What is Elderberry?
Elderberry is another herb with a long history of use in traditional medicine. It has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including colds, flu, and allergies. Some of the key benefits of elderberry include:
- Boosting immune response
- Improve cold and flu symptoms
- Neutralize free radicals due to its high antioxidant content
- Supporting gut and heart health
- Fighting harmful bacteria
Like echinacea, elderberry is a great herb to take if you are feeling under the weather. It can help give your immune system a boost and help you fight off whatever infection you may have.
Elderberry is generally preferred when you feel an illness coming on, or are already feeling sick, although there’s nothing wrong with taking it year-round in recommended doses.
Elderberry and Echinacea Combined Health Benefits
Now that we have covered what each herb does on its own, let’s take a look at some of the benefits you can experience when taking them together.
When taken together, these two herbs can provide an even more powerful immune boost than they would on their own. This is due to the fact that they work together to fight infection and inflammation.
From the scientific side, elderberry increases immune boosting cytokines IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-8, leading to a stronger immune response. These cytokines can be helpful initially, but can lead to prolonged inflammation if levels are high for too long. Echinacea helps to balance levels of IL-6 and IL-8 which are two of the most inflammatory markers, which is why it’s a great idea to take both herbs together.
When taken together, they can also help reduce the duration of a cold or flu. In some cases, they may even be able to prevent you from getting sick in the first place!
Another benefit of taking these two herbs together is that they help support gut health. This is important as a healthy gut is essential for a strong immune system.
Lastly, they are both high in antioxidants. This means they can help fight off harmful free radicals that can damage cells and contribute to inflammation.
As you can see, there are many reasons why you should consider taking this combination together.
Which Is Better: Elderberry Vs Echinacea?
Now that you know all about the benefits of taking these herbs together, you may be wondering which is better: elderberry or echinacea?
The truth is, both herbs have their own unique set of benefits. So, it really depends on what you are hoping to get out of them.
If your main goal is to boost your immune response, then elderberry is the better choice. It has been shown to be more effective than echinacea at boosting the immune system.
If you are mainly looking for herbs to keep you healthy year round, then echinacea is a better option. It has been shown to be more effective than elderberry in this regard.
If you are looking for a general health tonic, then either herb can be a good choice. They both have a range of benefits that extend beyond just the immune system.
Ultimately, the best choice is to take them both together. This will give you the best of both worlds and allow you to experience all the benefits each herb has to offer.
What Are The Benefits of Elderberry and Echinacea Syrup?
If you are looking for a way to take these herbs together, one option is to make Elderberry with Echinacea syrup. This is a great way to get the benefits of both herbs in an easy-to-take form.
Elderberry echinacea syrup is made by combining the two herbs with water and honey. This creates a delicious and health-boosting syrup that you can take by the spoonful. Be sure to always cook elderberries before using them, since they are toxic when raw.
One benefit of using syrup over tea is that children might prefer the taste. Elderberry can be bitter so the combination of honey or sugar can make it more palatable.
Does Elderberry and Echinacea Tea Provide Health Benefits?
Yes, If you are not a fan of syrup, or if you want to get the health benefits of these two herbs in a more traditional tea form, you can make a tea out of them. Elderberry echinacea tea has all the same health benefits that other forms of these two herbs contain.
To make the tea, simply add one teaspoon of dried cooked elderberries and one teaspoon of dried echinacea to a cup of hot water. Let the herbs steep for about fifteen minutes, then strain and enjoy.
You can sweeten your tea with honey if you like, but it is not necessary.
FAQ
Does Elderberry Have Any Side Effects?
Elderberry is generally considered safe for most people. However, some people may experience side effects such as stomach upset, diarrhea, or constipation. If you experience any of these side effects, discontinue use and consult your doctor.
Pregnant or nursing women should not take elderberry without consulting their doctor first.
Elderberries should always be cooked before use since they are toxic when raw.
Does Echinacea Have Any Side Effects?
Like elderberry, echinacea is considered safe for most people. However, there are some potential side effects associated with taking it. These include stomach upset, diarrhea, dizziness, and headache. If you experience any of these side effects, discontinue use and consult your doctor.
Pregnant or nursing women should not take echinacea without consulting their doctor first.
Can You Take Echinacea and Elderberry Together?
Yes, you can take echinacea and elderberry together. In fact, many people find that taking them together provides the best results. This is because each herb has its own unique set of benefits that complement the other.
You can take elderberry and echinacea together in the form of tea, syrup, or capsules. If you want to get the most out of these two herbs, it is best to take them together in multiple forms.
Is Echinacea and Elderberry The Same?
No, echinacea and elderberry are not the same. Echinacea is a plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family, while elderberry is a type of berry that is native to Europe and North America.
Should I Take Elderberry or Echinacea?
The best way to take them is together. This will allow you to experience all the benefits each herb has to offer. However, if you are only interested in the benefits of one herb or the other, you can take them separately.
Some people prefer to take Echinacea year round, and add elderberry in when they start to feel sick, or during cold and flu season.
Does Echinacea Build Your Immune System?
Yes, echinacea is known for its ability to help boost the immune system. This is one of the reasons it is often taken year round.
Echinacea works by stimulating the immune system and modulating inflammatory cytokines, which helps the body to fight off infection more effectively.
Does Elderberry Echinacea Tea Have Caffeine?
No, elderberry echinacea tea does not contain caffeine.
Is Echinacea and Elderberry Safe During Pregnancy?
Although possibly safe, there isn’t enough research to demonstrate the safety profile of these two herbs during pregnancy. Pregnant or nursing women should not take elderberry or echinacea without consulting their doctor first.
This is especially true if you have never taken either of these herbs before, in case you have an allergic reaction.
While there are no studies on elderberry and pregnancy, there is one study on Echinacea which can be found here.
Adam Shimit is the main author of Chromatin Health Network. Adam is a medical research professional who has published case studies and reviews across many professional journals and websites. In his spare time he enjoys hiking, nature, and anything fitness related. Read more about him here.