What Health Experts Want You to Know About Elderberry Syrup

Elderberries come from a shrub or small tree known as Sambucus nigra that’s native to Europe, Africa and Asia. On its own, the tree is known to be highly toxic — which is why preparing and heating the right parts of the plant is essential, and often left to experts. The syrup isn't solely an extract all on its own, explains Lise Alschuler, ND, a clinical medicine professor at the University of Arizona's Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine. “Traditionally, elderberry has been combined with other berries and consumed as a beverage, either tea, juice or wine,” Dr. Alschuler explains.