It rarely matters how mighty you are or how invincible you may feel – the flu can sideline anyone for 6-15 days, wreaking havoc on your routine. A prolonged break from training can mean a steep drop in your gains. A weak appetite can mean significant muscle loss. The flu is not a joke and give your best to shield yourself against it. Studies examining elderberry for flu have reported promising results as antiviral and antibacterial.
There’s always something incredible about winter. Be it skiing on hills, skating on rinks, or the snow on mountains that sums up a pretty photo. It’s all welcoming. As beautiful as winter is, it is also commonly called the flu season. Flu viruses will be in an active mode in the early months of the year which is why you may often end up with a red, swollen nose resembling Rudolf!
Scientifically termed “Sambucus berries”, elderberries are the dark violet-black drupes that grow in clusters on the Sambucus genus of flowering plants. They are edible only when fully ripe.
Elderberries are very rich in various phenolic compounds reputed to enhance the immune system’s response. These compounds contain anthocyanins, the compound that gives them their peculiar dark color. Black elderberries are the highest concentrated form of anthocyanins among all fruit groups. Anthocyanins are potent antioxidants that strengthen the body’s immune system.
They’ve also believed to spike up the body’s production of beneficial cytokines, proteins that act as messengers within the body that enhance the immune system’s response to a virus. Research has found they can also reduce influenza viruses’ ability to proliferate inside the body.
Elderberries are rich in hemagglutinin protein, which has been shown to stop a virus’s capability to multiply by inhibiting its ability to penetrate the cell wall, preventing the virus from causing infection if used before exposed. If elderberries are used after infection, that keeps the virus from spreading, which minimizes the duration of influenza symptoms
Research has also found that elderberry consumption can lead to a higher level of antibodies targeting the influenza virus.
Nutrition
Berries are one of the nutrient-dense foods found in nature. We all know about the benefits of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries but did you know that elderberries belong on the list? They’re rich in Vitamin C (with a single serving covering up to 60% of the RDI), Iron, Potassium, Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, antioxidants (anthocyanins, polyphenols, flavanols, and ), and fiber (nearly seven grams per serving).
But before you go out picking these in the wilderness, know that the uncooked, raw, berries are poisonous. Therefore, look at consuming them after they’ve been thoroughly cooked. Luckily, though, many of us do not have access to wild elderberries, and can usually find them in chutneys, jams, sweets, and medicinal supplements, all of which contain properly prepared elderberries.
Keeping the doctors away, here’s one natural ingredient that can help strengthen your immunity and keep all those fall viruses at bay- Elderberry.
This fruit is as impressive in its ingredients as it is in its name. Not just the flu and the common cold, elderberries are so effective in building immunity that they are also prescribed to HIV/AIDS and H1N1 swine flu patients. Here’s why including the fruit to your diet is a great idea:
Fights the Cold and Flu
Elderberry juice is a well-known natural remedy to cure the flu. Elderberry is believed to be a reputed folk medicine. The plant’s flowers were used in forms like pastes, juices, or dried up leaves to cure common flu-like symptoms. Well, you don’t have to sit and dry up leaves in the modern world and can instead go for an elderberry fruit concentrate. When your throat itches, or the sneeze attack sets up camp, drink elderberry concentrate. This can minimize flu symptoms and also shorten the length of your fever.
Awesome for Allergy
Allergies happen because of a weak immune system and over inflammation. Elderberry’s anti-inflammatory properties can help prevent allergy symptoms. The magical fruit eases the inflammation in the body and strengthens the immune system. Sneezing, watery eyes, itching, or a running nose, there’s nothing you elderberry can’t fight with. It can also cure congestion. You can carry these elderberry gummies with you and take one whenever you sense an allergy attack setting in.
Perhaps the most important use of elderberries comes with treating illness. Whether it’s a seasonal flu or cold, elderberry is one of the best go-to remedies for fighting back.
Research
In one research, 60 people with influenza were divided into two groups: one was instructed to take fifteen ml of elderberry syrup four times a day. The other was carefully treated and monitored conventionally without elderberries. At the end of the research, those taking the elderberry syrup improved symptomatically within 2 to 4 days, whereas those that were not taken between seven to eight days.
Another study involving 64 participants found that the group who took 175 mg of elderberry extract tablets for two days experienced significant improvements in symptoms from the flu, like fever, headaches, and congestion. Better yet, after 48 hours, 28% were asymptomatic. In contrast, the other group that was being treated with a placebo experienced no results, either maintaining their symptoms or getting worse. According to the conclusion of the research, the elderberry extract used here is effective in controlling influenza symptoms and is complementary to present anti-viral agents. The ease and safety of administration warrant further investigation of its clinical efficacy in children, elderly, and other high-risk patients of the proprietary elderberry extracts.
Elderberry Syrup
Elderberry syrup is the most common form of elderberry for natural treatments, but it is not the only way to get these berries. You can also get powder liquid, fresh and dried forms and even supplements.
Conclusion
While you should always check with a physician during any severe infection, taking elderberry as a precautionary measure or as an adjunct towards a cold or flu may help to lessen the severity of symptoms and shorten the duration.
Author’s Bio – Emylee is a wellness lifestyle writer. She likes to share her thoughts and personal experiences related to natural remedies, Ayurvedic, yoga, meditation, fitness and much more through her writing. Present she writes for How To Cure. She likes to connect with others experiencing health concerns and help them through their recovery journeys through natural remedies.
