Last update
5/5/2026
Reviewed By
Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 16 Researches
7.8
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 22 Reviews
8.2
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 tea bag (makes 8 fl oz)
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Calories
0
Organic Echinacea purpurea herb
1005 mg
†
Organic European elder flower
127.5 mg
†
Proprietary Blend:
367.5 mg
Organic ginger rhizome
†
Organic chamomile flower
†
Organic yarrow flower
†
Organic peppermint leaf
†
Organic Echinacea purpurea root dry extract (2-8:1)
†
Organic European elder fruit dry concentrate
†
Top Medical Research Studies
9
Echinacea shows flu treatment promise
We explored the effectiveness of Echinaforce Hotdrink, an echinacea-based formulation, against oseltamivir, a standard flu treatment. In a randomized, double-blind trial involving 473 patients with early flu symptoms, we found that both treatments led to similar recovery rates.
Echinaforce showed a promising profile with fewer complications and side effects, making it an appealing option for those looking for self-care alternatives in flu treatment. This study sheds light on the potential of echinacea as a viable treatment for influenza.
Echinaforce showed a promising profile with fewer complications and side effects, making it an appealing option for those looking for self-care alternatives in flu treatment. This study sheds light on the potential of echinacea as a viable treatment for influenza.
Read More
9
We explored the effects of Echinacea Plus herbal tea on flu symptoms in a well-structured study. Ninety-five participants with early symptoms like runny noses and sore throats were randomly assigned to drink either the tea or a placebo over five days.
After 14 days, results showed that those who consumed Echinacea felt relief faster than those on the placebo. This suggests that Echinacea tea could be a helpful remedy during cold or flu onset without any reported side effects.
After 14 days, results showed that those who consumed Echinacea felt relief faster than those on the placebo. This suggests that Echinacea tea could be a helpful remedy during cold or flu onset without any reported side effects.
Read More
9
We delved into how elderberry, specifically from the black elderberry fruit, impacts the flu virus, H1N1. Using an innovative technique called Direct Analysis in Real Time Mass Spectrometry (DART TOF-MS), we were able to identify the powerful anti-viral properties of elderberry extract without the need for complicated processes like separation or derivatization.
Our findings revealed that elderberry extract does indeed inhibit H1N1 infection in a lab setting, with an effective concentration (IC50) of 252 micrograms per milliliter. Interestingly, we discovered that flavonoids present in the elderberry bind to H1N1 virions—essentially blocking their ability to infect host cells.
Among the compounds, two key flavonoids emerged: the 5,7,3',4'-tetra-O-methylquercetin and dihydromyricetin. These compounds not only bound to the virus but also effectively prevented infection. Notably, the tetra-O-methylquercetin demonstrated an impressive IC50 of just 0.13 micrograms per milliliter, which is comparable to well-known antiviral medications like Oseltamivir and Amantadine.
In summary, elderberry shows promising potential as a natural remedy against the H1N1 flu, offering a fascinating area for further research and utilization in flu prevention strategies.
Our findings revealed that elderberry extract does indeed inhibit H1N1 infection in a lab setting, with an effective concentration (IC50) of 252 micrograms per milliliter. Interestingly, we discovered that flavonoids present in the elderberry bind to H1N1 virions—essentially blocking their ability to infect host cells.
Among the compounds, two key flavonoids emerged: the 5,7,3',4'-tetra-O-methylquercetin and dihydromyricetin. These compounds not only bound to the virus but also effectively prevented infection. Notably, the tetra-O-methylquercetin demonstrated an impressive IC50 of just 0.13 micrograms per milliliter, which is comparable to well-known antiviral medications like Oseltamivir and Amantadine.
In summary, elderberry shows promising potential as a natural remedy against the H1N1 flu, offering a fascinating area for further research and utilization in flu prevention strategies.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
9
Highly recommended.
4 people found this helpful
I used to purchase this when it was called Gypsy Cold Care. It's still just as good. If you have a sore throat or cough with a cold, there is nothing like it. I cannot recommend it enough. It tastes nice and is packed with beneficial herbs that work. I’ve included it in care packages and began distributing it at my new job when a nasty cold/flu bug circulated. Many are now believers. It’s hard to find locally, so I was very pleased to discover it online, plus it’s cheaper.
Read More
10
Effective for flu
2 people found this helpful
Organic Echinacea and Elder medicinal tea has a delightful flavour. It greatly aided in my recovery from the flu, and the price was quite reasonable.
Read More
8
Soothing relief
1 people found this helpful
Whenever I’m down with the flu or starting to feel unwell, I take this tea. It soothes me and really improves how I feel. This is where my appreciation for echinacea began.
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 16 Researches
7.8
- All Researches
9
Echinacea shows flu treatment promise
We explored the effectiveness of Echinaforce Hotdrink, an echinacea-based formulation, against oseltamivir, a standard flu treatment. In a randomized, double-blind trial involving 473 patients with early flu symptoms, we found that both treatments led to similar recovery rates.
Echinaforce showed a promising profile with fewer complications and side effects, making it an appealing option for those looking for self-care alternatives in flu treatment. This study sheds light on the potential of echinacea as a viable treatment for influenza.
Echinaforce showed a promising profile with fewer complications and side effects, making it an appealing option for those looking for self-care alternatives in flu treatment. This study sheds light on the potential of echinacea as a viable treatment for influenza.
Read More
9
We explored the effects of Echinacea Plus herbal tea on flu symptoms in a well-structured study. Ninety-five participants with early symptoms like runny noses and sore throats were randomly assigned to drink either the tea or a placebo over five days.
After 14 days, results showed that those who consumed Echinacea felt relief faster than those on the placebo. This suggests that Echinacea tea could be a helpful remedy during cold or flu onset without any reported side effects.
After 14 days, results showed that those who consumed Echinacea felt relief faster than those on the placebo. This suggests that Echinacea tea could be a helpful remedy during cold or flu onset without any reported side effects.
Read More
9
We explored how European black elderberry affects the immune response, particularly regarding flu infections. Through comparing its water extract and polysaccharide fractions to a traditional alcoholic extract, we focused on the role of dendritic cells (DCs), which are crucial for triggering strong T cell responses.
Our findings showed that the water extract and its polysaccharide components effectively matured DCs, enhancing their ability to stimulate T cells significantly. In contrast, the traditional alcoholic extract did not demonstrate any capacity to induce T cell stimulation.
We also observed that the water extracts promoted the production of key inflammatory cytokines like IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ, contributing to a robust immune response, which may be beneficial in fighting off viruses like influenza. Thus, it appears that the polysaccharides from elderberry extracts can play a significant role in modulating the immune system, potentially equipping us to better combat viral threats.
Our findings showed that the water extract and its polysaccharide components effectively matured DCs, enhancing their ability to stimulate T cells significantly. In contrast, the traditional alcoholic extract did not demonstrate any capacity to induce T cell stimulation.
We also observed that the water extracts promoted the production of key inflammatory cytokines like IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ, contributing to a robust immune response, which may be beneficial in fighting off viruses like influenza. Thus, it appears that the polysaccharides from elderberry extracts can play a significant role in modulating the immune system, potentially equipping us to better combat viral threats.
Read More
9
We assessed the effectiveness of black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) in treating upper respiratory symptoms, particularly those associated with the flu. The study included 180 participants and examined various factors, such as vaccination status and the underlying causes of symptoms.
Our findings indicated that elderberry supplementation significantly reduced upper respiratory symptoms, offering a promising alternative for those seeking relief without relying on over-the-counter medications or antibiotics. The analysis revealed a strong positive impact, suggesting that elderberry could be particularly beneficial for treating symptoms arising from viral infections.
Overall, this research indicates that elderberry can serve as a safer, effective option for managing flu symptoms and common colds. This could help address concerns about antibiotic misuse and provide a more natural remedy during flu season.
Our findings indicated that elderberry supplementation significantly reduced upper respiratory symptoms, offering a promising alternative for those seeking relief without relying on over-the-counter medications or antibiotics. The analysis revealed a strong positive impact, suggesting that elderberry could be particularly beneficial for treating symptoms arising from viral infections.
Overall, this research indicates that elderberry can serve as a safer, effective option for managing flu symptoms and common colds. This could help address concerns about antibiotic misuse and provide a more natural remedy during flu season.
Read More
9
We delved into how elderberry, specifically from the black elderberry fruit, impacts the flu virus, H1N1. Using an innovative technique called Direct Analysis in Real Time Mass Spectrometry (DART TOF-MS), we were able to identify the powerful anti-viral properties of elderberry extract without the need for complicated processes like separation or derivatization.
Our findings revealed that elderberry extract does indeed inhibit H1N1 infection in a lab setting, with an effective concentration (IC50) of 252 micrograms per milliliter. Interestingly, we discovered that flavonoids present in the elderberry bind to H1N1 virions—essentially blocking their ability to infect host cells.
Among the compounds, two key flavonoids emerged: the 5,7,3',4'-tetra-O-methylquercetin and dihydromyricetin. These compounds not only bound to the virus but also effectively prevented infection. Notably, the tetra-O-methylquercetin demonstrated an impressive IC50 of just 0.13 micrograms per milliliter, which is comparable to well-known antiviral medications like Oseltamivir and Amantadine.
In summary, elderberry shows promising potential as a natural remedy against the H1N1 flu, offering a fascinating area for further research and utilization in flu prevention strategies.
Our findings revealed that elderberry extract does indeed inhibit H1N1 infection in a lab setting, with an effective concentration (IC50) of 252 micrograms per milliliter. Interestingly, we discovered that flavonoids present in the elderberry bind to H1N1 virions—essentially blocking their ability to infect host cells.
Among the compounds, two key flavonoids emerged: the 5,7,3',4'-tetra-O-methylquercetin and dihydromyricetin. These compounds not only bound to the virus but also effectively prevented infection. Notably, the tetra-O-methylquercetin demonstrated an impressive IC50 of just 0.13 micrograms per milliliter, which is comparable to well-known antiviral medications like Oseltamivir and Amantadine.
In summary, elderberry shows promising potential as a natural remedy against the H1N1 flu, offering a fascinating area for further research and utilization in flu prevention strategies.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 22 Reviews
8.2
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
9
Highly recommended.
4 people found this helpful
I used to purchase this when it was called Gypsy Cold Care. It's still just as good. If you have a sore throat or cough with a cold, there is nothing like it. I cannot recommend it enough. It tastes nice and is packed with beneficial herbs that work. I’ve included it in care packages and began distributing it at my new job when a nasty cold/flu bug circulated. Many are now believers. It’s hard to find locally, so I was very pleased to discover it online, plus it’s cheaper.
Read More
10
Effective for flu
2 people found this helpful
Organic Echinacea and Elder medicinal tea has a delightful flavour. It greatly aided in my recovery from the flu, and the price was quite reasonable.
Read More
8
Soothing relief
1 people found this helpful
Whenever I’m down with the flu or starting to feel unwell, I take this tea. It soothes me and really improves how I feel. This is where my appreciation for echinacea began.
Read More
10
Highly recommend
This tea is the best for enhancing my immune system, especially when I need to combat the flu. I highly recommend it for its pleasant fruity-herbal flavour with a touch of cinnamon.
Read More
9
Shortens flu symptoms
This is my go-to tea when I start feeling sniffles. I take it first thing in the morning and have noticed it reduces the symptoms of possible influenza and cold discomfort. From experience, I believe it enhances my immune system.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
9
Shortens flu symptoms
This is my go-to tea when I start feeling sniffles. I take it first thing in the morning and have noticed it reduces the symptoms of possible influenza and cold discomfort. From experience, I believe it enhances my immune system.
7.5
Aid for flu recovery
I survived the flu with this. A friend of a naturopathic teacher informed me it cools heat and restores immunity. If you have cold-like symptoms, this product usually helps you recover.
9
Health maintenance
To stave off colds, I frequently drank this during the cold and flu seasons and while studying for exams. I genuinely believe it was the reason I remained well while classmates caught a cold. The individual behind me had the flu, yet I managed to sit the exam in perfect health. I will definitely use it again. The flavour is akin to regular echinacea.
10
Effective for flu
2 people found this helpful
Organic Echinacea and Elder medicinal tea has a delightful flavour. It greatly aided in my recovery from the flu, and the price was quite reasonable.
10
Highly recommend
This tea is the best for enhancing my immune system, especially when I need to combat the flu. I highly recommend it for its pleasant fruity-herbal flavour with a touch of cinnamon.
9
Symptom reduction
High-quality ingredients with a pleasant taste that effectively reduce flu symptoms.
7.5
Flu recovery
I'm truly impressed with this tea’s quality, especially during this transitional weather. Used alongside elderberry supplements and vitamin C, it has helped me recover from the flu.
7.5
Effective combination
I really enjoy the echinacea and elderberry blend; they seem to work better together for cold and flu symptoms. The taste is pleasant, too.
9
We explored how European black elderberry affects the immune response, particularly regarding flu infections. Through comparing its water extract and polysaccharide fractions to a traditional alcoholic extract, we focused on the role of dendritic cells (DCs), which are crucial for triggering strong T cell responses.
Our findings showed that the water extract and its polysaccharide components effectively matured DCs, enhancing their ability to stimulate T cells significantly. In contrast, the traditional alcoholic extract did not demonstrate any capacity to induce T cell stimulation.
We also observed that the water extracts promoted the production of key inflammatory cytokines like IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ, contributing to a robust immune response, which may be beneficial in fighting off viruses like influenza. Thus, it appears that the polysaccharides from elderberry extracts can play a significant role in modulating the immune system, potentially equipping us to better combat viral threats.
Our findings showed that the water extract and its polysaccharide components effectively matured DCs, enhancing their ability to stimulate T cells significantly. In contrast, the traditional alcoholic extract did not demonstrate any capacity to induce T cell stimulation.
We also observed that the water extracts promoted the production of key inflammatory cytokines like IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ, contributing to a robust immune response, which may be beneficial in fighting off viruses like influenza. Thus, it appears that the polysaccharides from elderberry extracts can play a significant role in modulating the immune system, potentially equipping us to better combat viral threats.
9
We assessed the effectiveness of black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) in treating upper respiratory symptoms, particularly those associated with the flu. The study included 180 participants and examined various factors, such as vaccination status and the underlying causes of symptoms.
Our findings indicated that elderberry supplementation significantly reduced upper respiratory symptoms, offering a promising alternative for those seeking relief without relying on over-the-counter medications or antibiotics. The analysis revealed a strong positive impact, suggesting that elderberry could be particularly beneficial for treating symptoms arising from viral infections.
Overall, this research indicates that elderberry can serve as a safer, effective option for managing flu symptoms and common colds. This could help address concerns about antibiotic misuse and provide a more natural remedy during flu season.
Our findings indicated that elderberry supplementation significantly reduced upper respiratory symptoms, offering a promising alternative for those seeking relief without relying on over-the-counter medications or antibiotics. The analysis revealed a strong positive impact, suggesting that elderberry could be particularly beneficial for treating symptoms arising from viral infections.
Overall, this research indicates that elderberry can serve as a safer, effective option for managing flu symptoms and common colds. This could help address concerns about antibiotic misuse and provide a more natural remedy during flu season.
5
We explored the effectiveness of elderberry in treating and potentially preventing flu-related illness. This involved a systematic review of five randomized trials, which helped us examine whether elderberry could play a beneficial role in combatting viruses like the flu.
The findings suggest that while elderberry might not lower the risk of catching the common cold, it could potentially reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms. We learned that elderberry may also shorten the duration of influenza, but the certainty of these benefits is still uncertain.
Interestingly, when comparing elderberry to oseltamivir, a common antiviral medication, elderberry appeared linked to a lower risk of influenza complications and side effects. However, we found no substantial evidence connecting elderberry to significant inflammatory outcomes. Some studies hinted that elderberry might influence certain inflammatory markers, but this effect may lessen with prolonged use.
Overall, we did not find strong, clear-cut benefits from elderberry in treating flu, stressing the need for more research to confirm these findings. Though it seems to be a safe option without overstimulating the immune system, the evidence remains inconclusive, and more studies are essential to draw firmer conclusions.
The findings suggest that while elderberry might not lower the risk of catching the common cold, it could potentially reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms. We learned that elderberry may also shorten the duration of influenza, but the certainty of these benefits is still uncertain.
Interestingly, when comparing elderberry to oseltamivir, a common antiviral medication, elderberry appeared linked to a lower risk of influenza complications and side effects. However, we found no substantial evidence connecting elderberry to significant inflammatory outcomes. Some studies hinted that elderberry might influence certain inflammatory markers, but this effect may lessen with prolonged use.
Overall, we did not find strong, clear-cut benefits from elderberry in treating flu, stressing the need for more research to confirm these findings. Though it seems to be a safe option without overstimulating the immune system, the evidence remains inconclusive, and more studies are essential to draw firmer conclusions.
7
Elderberry's variable effectiveness against influenza
We investigated the effects of elderberry fruit on flu viruses, specifically how it interacts with the H9N2 influenza strain in human epithelial cell cultures. Our approach involved treating the virus and cells with various concentrations of elderberry extract before and after infection to see its influence on virus replication.
During our experiments, we noticed that at lower doses of elderberry extract, the viral activity actually increased. This indicated that the herb didn’t stop the virus from replicating. However, when we applied higher concentrations—specifically 40 and 80 μg/mL—we observed a significant reduction in both the amount of virus present and the production of viral proteins. This suggests elderberry may interfere with how viruses enter cells or how they release from them.
Importantly, the results hint that elderberry's effectiveness might stem from its interaction with lipid rafts in cell membranes. These rafts are crucial for the viruses' fusion and budding processes. Our findings underscore the importance of dosage and timing when using elderberry for treating influenza, highlighting the complexity of herbal treatments.
During our experiments, we noticed that at lower doses of elderberry extract, the viral activity actually increased. This indicated that the herb didn’t stop the virus from replicating. However, when we applied higher concentrations—specifically 40 and 80 μg/mL—we observed a significant reduction in both the amount of virus present and the production of viral proteins. This suggests elderberry may interfere with how viruses enter cells or how they release from them.
Importantly, the results hint that elderberry's effectiveness might stem from its interaction with lipid rafts in cell membranes. These rafts are crucial for the viruses' fusion and budding processes. Our findings underscore the importance of dosage and timing when using elderberry for treating influenza, highlighting the complexity of herbal treatments.
References
- Corrêa MFP, Ventura TLB, Muzitano MF, Dos Anjos da Cruz E, Bergonzi MC, et al. Suppressive effects of Vochysia divergens aqueous leaf extract and its 5-methoxyflavone on murine macrophages and lymphocytes. J Ethnopharmacol. 2018;221:77. 10.1016/j.jep.2018.04.007
- Puchalski K, Gerstel JA, Jimoh A, Shokoohinia Y, Langland J. Effects of and Alkylamides on Respiratory Virus Replication and IL-8 Expression In Vitro. Molecules. 2025;30. 10.3390/molecules30020386
- Weishaupt R, Bächler A, Feldhaus S, Lang G, Klein P, et al. Safety and Dose-Dependent Effects of for the Treatment of Acute Cold Episodes in Children: A Multicenter, Randomized, Open-Label Clinical Trial. Children (Basel). 2020;7. 10.3390/children7120292
- Rauš K, Pleschka S, Klein P, Schoop R, Fisher P. Effect of an Echinacea-Based Hot Drink Versus Oseltamivir in Influenza Treatment: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Double-Dummy, Multicenter, Noninferiority Clinical Trial. Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. 2015;77:66. 10.1016/j.curtheres.2015.04.001
- Bieuvelet S, Seyrig C, Leclerc C. [A preliminary survey on the interest of eating probiotics, cypress and echinacea to prevent the apparition of winter infections]. Phytotherapie (Paris). 2011;9:120. 10.1007/s10298-011-0613-x
- Sharma M, Anderson SA, Schoop R, Hudson JB. Induction of multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines by respiratory viruses and reversal by standardized Echinacea, a potent antiviral herbal extract. Antiviral Res. 2009;83:165. 10.1016/j.antiviral.2009.04.009
- Randolph RK, Gellenbeck K, Stonebrook K, Brovelli E, Qian Y, et al. Regulation of human immune gene expression as influenced by a commercial blended Echinacea product: preliminary studies. Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2003;228:1051. PubMed
- Lindenmuth GF, Lindenmuth EB. The efficacy of echinacea compound herbal tea preparation on the severity and duration of upper respiratory and flu symptoms: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study. J Altern Complement Med. 2000;6:327. PubMed
- Stich L, Plattner S, McDougall G, Austin C, Steinkasserer A. Polysaccharides from European Black Elderberry Extract Enhance Dendritic Cell Mediated T Cell Immune Responses. Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23. 10.3390/ijms23073949
- Wieland LS, Piechotta V, Feinberg T, Ludeman E, Hutton B, et al. Elderberry for prevention and treatment of viral respiratory illnesses: a systematic review. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2021;21:112. 10.1186/s12906-021-03283-5
- Hawkins J, Baker C, Cherry L, Dunne E. Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) supplementation effectively treats upper respiratory symptoms: A meta-analysis of randomized, controlled clinical trials. Complement Ther Med. 2019;42:361. 10.1016/j.ctim.2018.12.004
- Shahsavandi S, Ebrahimi MM, Hasaninejad Farahani A. Interfering With Lipid Raft Association: A Mechanism to Control Influenza Virus Infection By . Iran J Pharm Res. 2017;16:1147. PubMed
- Holst L, Havnen GC, Nordeng H. Echinacea and elderberry-should they be used against upper respiratory tract infections during pregnancy?. Front Pharmacol. 2014;5:31. 10.3389/fphar.2014.00031
- Kinoshita E, Hayashi K, Katayama H, Hayashi T, Obata A. Anti-influenza virus effects of elderberry juice and its fractions. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2012;76:1633. PubMed
- Krawitz C, Mraheil MA, Stein M, Imirzalioglu C, Domann E, et al. Inhibitory activity of a standardized elderberry liquid extract against clinically-relevant human respiratory bacterial pathogens and influenza A and B viruses. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2011;11:16. 10.1186/1472-6882-11-16
- Roschek B, Fink RC, McMichael MD, Li D, Alberte RS. Elderberry flavonoids bind to and prevent H1N1 infection in vitro. Phytochemistry. 2009;70:1255. 10.1016/j.phytochem.2009.06.003
