Elderberry is an ancient herb known in the European countries since centuries for its innate ability to cure respiratory problems and skin ailments. The flowers and berries of this 30 feet shrub are used as medicines to enhance the immunity power of the body. Surely, it is replete with healthy benefits.
But is it Safe During Pregnancy?
Though it is highly beneficial, it might not be the safest food substance either for the mother or the child. Let us get to know more about the elderberry, and analyze the effects of consumption of elderberry during pregnancy.
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Organic Compounds in Elderberry
Elderberry mainly comprises of chemical compounds generally known as flavonoids. These are antioxidants found only in plants. These compounds are known to possess anti-allergic, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and also help in preventing tumors. Antioxidants counteract the damage done by free radicals inside the body, which are nothing but atoms with unbalanced charge. These properties put together render elderberry an excellent protector of the immune system. It is also used for sinus pain, back and leg pain (sciatica), nerve pain (neuralgia), and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Some people consume elderberry to cure hay fever, as a laxative for constipation, to improve the urine flow and to increase sweating.
Moreover, it is used in the preparation of wine and also as a flavor.
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Is it safe During Pregnancy?
Elderberry juice is an excellent medicine, which hugely reduces the symptoms of cold and flu. Moreover, it also protects from sinus infections caused by bacteria, and is also seldom used by pregnant women to avoid sickness during fetus gestation. However, extensive research has not gone into its properties, and the consumption of elderberry during pregnancy is discouraged, based on the lack of research information solely. It might contain some chemicals which might not be advisable during pregnancy.
What to Do?
The best decision is to consult with your physician first. When properly prepared, no side effects or abrupt drug reactions have been observed though. However, unripe elderberries might give rise to some toxic reactions inside the body, causing nausea, diarrhea and incessant vomiting. This could be harmful for both the mother and the child. Thus, it would be best to avoid elderberry while pregnant, just to be on the safer side.
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Though it is a really amazing medicinal herb, lack of research into it makes it a shady item to eat for pregnant women. Unknowingly, it might cause some harm which will be quite stressful for everyone involved. So just skip this for the nine months, and post childbirth enjoy as much as you want!
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