Elderberry and Autoimmune and Blood Thinners

[LarlaB]

Does anyone know anything about the intensity of the connection between elderberry activating the immune system?
 

I’ve used it for years (in the winter) and bought berries today to make more syrup. These berries had a large label on it warning about autoimmune and blood thinners. 
 

I have autoimmune conditions and a clotting disorder so I’m on a blood thinner.  I’m googling away but wanted to check with the Hive.

[prairiewindmomma]

It’s moderate as an immunostimulant, weak as a blood thinner. Elderberry is strongly not recommended for those with autoimmune issues since the underlying issue there is an overactive immune system. Don’t dump gas on the fire, iykwim.

 

[Pen]

Personally I have felt comfortable with elderberry, echinacea etc using them to stave off or fight symptoms of seasonal viral infection as regards autoimmunity, but not for continual regular use.

 I don’t know about the blood thinner aspect at all. 

For use when not specifically wanting to rev my immune system or risk flare of autoimmunity, I prefer herbs that tend to modulate/normalize  the immune system.   

[matrips]

My friends son has autoimmune issues and he is not allowed to take elderberry.  I’m not sure of much else though. 

[mominco]

I don't know the answer to your 1st question but ds has been on blood thinners(10+ years) and he does use sambucus once in a while for a few days.The key for him is to take it 3-4 hours before/after.It has changed his blood test result so we do know his blood gets thicker with it.Interestingly it was his immunologist who put him on it.I tell his cardiologist if his blood test is abnormal and he adjusts the blood thinner accordingly.If you have questions you can pm me.

[geodob]

If you are taking 'immuno-supressants'?  Then Elderberry is not recommended, as it will counter-act the immuno-supressants.  By stimulating the immune system.

[dsmith]

One of the worst MS relapses I had was after taking the higher recommended dose of elderberry syrup when I was sick. I'm left with permanently numb/tingly feet 3 years after that one. My neurologist told me (more like ordered me, lol) to stay away from elderberry and other immune stimulants like echinacea. If it shows up as an ingredient in something I happen to be eating or drinking once or twice (a tea I had at a friend's house for example) I don't worry about it, but it's not something I would take daily as a preventative or in higher doses when sick. I've been reading about medicinal mushrooms and may start including them in my diet. From what I'm reading they have more of a modulating effect on the immune system, supporting it instead of overstimulating it. I need to read more before I take any chances though.