Elderberry and The Immune System
The flowers and berries of the plant also have a diaphoretic action; helping the immune system to mount an optimal fever response to efficiently kill pathogens that are susceptible to the heat. At a microscopic level, elderberry promotes a healthy immune response against viruses by increasing the number of inflammatory molecules called cytokines. Cytokines can cause local and systemic inflammation; encouraging immune cells to the area to help clear infection.