What to Know About Elderberry for Kids
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As parents, we know how often kids catch colds and flu. Luckily, there's a natural remedy that can help support their immune system, elderberry syrup! Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, elderberry can strengthen your child’s defenses and even speed up recovery when they're feeling under the weather.
Incorporating elderberry into your child’s daily routine can give their immune system a boost. These tiny berries are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that enhance immunity, fight off infections, and reduce the intensity of symptoms when illness does strike.
At Seattle Elderberry, we’re dedicated to using only ORGANIC elderberries, with simple recipes that are 100% kid-approved! In this article, we'll dive into how elderberry can help keep your kids healthy by boosting their immune system and speeding up recovery when they do get sick. Learn why elderberry is a go-to natural remedy for parents and how it can support your child's wellness all year round!
5 Things to Look for in an Elderberry Product for Kids
Choose Organic Ingredients
Look for elderberry products made with organic ingredients to avoid pesticides and ensure a pure, natural supplement.Skip Refined Sweeteners
Avoid products with cane sugar, corn syrup, or artificial sweeteners. Opt for those sweetened with natural alternatives like honey or maple syrup.Check the Potency
Potency matters! Aim for a product that contains at least 500mg of elderberry per tablespoon. Seattle Elderberry offers 1500mg per 1 TBSP serving, ensuring a strong immune boost.Avoid Store-Bought Gummies
Many store-bought elderberry gummies are high in sugar and low in actual elderberry content. Consider making your own elderberry gummies at home for a healthier option!Think About Your Child's Preferences
Consider how your child will take elderberry. If they prefer drinks, try mixing elderberry syrup with water or juice. For kids curious about new textures, making elderberry gummies together can be a fun and engaging way to get them involved!
©Seattle Elderberry
What is an Elderberry?
Elderberries are small, dark berries packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. At Seattle Elderberry, we source our organic, wild-grown elderberries directly from trusted farmers in Poland. These berries have been used for centuries to naturally treat cold and flu symptoms. Elderberries not only help reduce the severity of symptoms when kids get sick, but they also work to strengthen the immune system, making them a powerful ally in keeping your child healthy!
How Does Elderberry Help the Immune System?
Elderberries are anti-inflammatory, which means they help reduce the inflammation that can occur with an infection which may help to relieve symptoms. Elderberries also contain antiviral properties that help inhibit viruses from replicating and spreading in the body. The high levels of vitamin C found in elderberry can also assist your child's immune system by boosting their production of white blood cells and antibodies while reducing inflammation. Elderberry syrup can be used as a natural remedy AND as a preventative measure during cold and flu season!
You should always consult your pediatrician before giving any natural remedies to children, but elderberries have been shown to be safe for most kids who are 2 years old or older. We have several kid-friendly products made with organic ingredients and simply sweetened with honey or maple.*
(Do not give kids under 1 products containing honey, try our Elderberry Syrup with Maple instead!)
Why Is Elderberry Good for Kids?
Elderberries contain powerful antioxidants that can help to boost the immune system. Elderberries have been used for centuries to help fight off infections and reduce the severity of symptoms when someone gets sick. If a child has a cold, elderberries may help speed up recovery time. The elderberry plant is known as Sambucus nigra, or European black elderberry. The plant is native to Europe and Asia but is also grown in North America. We source our organic, wild-grown elderberries directly from our farmer friends in Poland!
Kid-Approved Favorites!
How to Give Elderberry to Kids
Elderberry products can be used to boost immunity and help your child recover faster if they're feeling unwell.ALWAYS consult your health care provider before beginning a new supplement.
Elderberry for Kids under 1
Do not use under 6 months of age. NO HONEY under 1 year due to risk of botulism. (Try our Elderberry Syrup with Maple or Elderberry To-Go drops). Treat elderberry like a new food.
Dosing Suggestions for kids under 1
- Try 1/4 teaspoon of Elderberry Syrup with Maple to make sure baby tolerates well
- 1/2 teaspoon daily for prevention.
- If baby is unwell, give up to 1/2 teaspoon every 4-6 hours for up to 3 days.
Elderberry for Kids 1-5 years old
Adding elderberry to your daily routine or natural medicine cabinet is easy for young kids! Try making our Elderberry Gummy kits for a fun activity!
Dosing Suggestions for Kids 1-5
- For prevention: give 1/2 teaspoon of Elderberry Syrup with Maple or Elderberry Syrup with Honey
- Tip: mix into applesauce, oatmeal or yogurt!
- If your child is unwell: 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of Elderberry Syrup every 2-3 hours for up to 3 days.
- Daily: 1/2 teaspoon daily for prevention.
Elderberry for Kids 5-10 years old
We think that school-aged children benefit wildly from regluar elderberry use! Our founder typically gives her 3 kids a serving of elderberry syrup before school
- 1/2 teaspoon up to 1 tablespoon of Elderberry Syrup with Maple or Elderberry Syrup with Honey daily for prevention.
- If your child is unwell, give the same dose (1/2 teaspoon up to 1 Tablespoon) very 2-3 hours for up to 3 days.
Elderberry for Kids 10+ years
Kids 10 and over start taking "adult" sized doses of elderberry syrup! For a fancy beverage, try mixing elderberry syrup with some sparkling water for a fun treat! You can also task your 10+ year old kid with whipping up a delicious elderberry popsicle recipe!
- 1 tablespoon of Elderberry Syrup with Maple or Elderberry Syrup with Honey daily for prevention.
- If your child is unwell, give the same dose (1 Tablespoon) very 2-3 hours for up to 3 days.
How to Make an Elderberry Smoothie for Kids!
Check out our blog post with a DELICIOUS green-smoothie recipe with featuring our organic elderberry syrup!
©Seattle Elderberry
We hope you learned something NEW about elderberries and how to use them with your children! If you EVER have any questions, feel free to e-mail our incredible team at hello@seattleelderberry.com
Take Care,
The Seattle Elderberry Team
Special Deal!
Save a few bucks TODAY and choose our Gift Bundle! Comes with a 16oz bottle of our Organic Elderberry Syrup plus a Mess-Free Pour Spout and a Shot Glass (with easy teaspoon and tablespoon markings!)
