Ear, Nose & Throat

Elderberry for Flu- A Magical Fruit to Cure Flu and Cold

The impact of herbs for your health is quite well-known from long ago. The use of medicines was not that much prevalent, and people believed more on specific natural remedies for common to severe ailments. Elderberry for flu is one such solution that people still find useful in getting rid of common cold and flu. As the elderberry is a rich source of antioxidants, it not only gives you relief from flu but also boosts up your overall immunity system.

Elderberry (1)is the fruit of Sambucustree which produces cream-colored and small elderberry flowers. Through much research, it has been proved that elderberry syrup is effective in boosting immunity, which helps fight back common cold and flu, and the syrup is also useful in preventing respiratory diseases.

[Also Read: Foods to Eat with Flu]

Did You Know!

  • Elderberries are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory objects that have made it more effective than any other kind of berries, like cranberries, goji berries, blueberries, etc.
  • As per research, conducted by Israeli Virologist, Dr. Madeleine Mumcuoglu, 93.3% of people have got the effective result after taking elderberry syrup within two days while suffering from influenza(1).

Elderberry Syrup to Treat Flu

After lots of research, it has been proved that elderberry can prevent cold and flu effectively. Not only the fruit, but the flower infusion is also efficient in reducing the severity and length of influenza, and even you get cured within a few days than usual.

Due to the effectiveness of elderberry, the extract of black elderberry is now used to make medicines for flu. One can get different forms of elderberry extract like capsules, lozenges, syrup to consume for prevention of flu.

Elderberry syrup has been used to treat flu from ancient times. Not only flu but with elderberry syrup, one can also efficiently prevent the other kinds of diseases in winter like cough and cold, etc. The preparation of the syrup is really easy.

How to Prepare Elderberry Syrup at Home?

  1. Take dried elderberry and add those with chopped ginger, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon in a pot.
  2. Add water to it and let the concoction boil. Keep the flame at a simmer and left the pan uncovered.
  3. To reduce the liquid to half boil it for 30 minutes.
  4. Mash the berries with a potato masher.
  5. Now, let the liquid steep for a few more minutes and then strain it through a sieve. Take as much liquid possible from the berries by mashing them.
  6. Then leave the liquid to get cool in the room temperature.
  7. Mix honey with it.

You can store the syrup in the refrigerator up to 2 weeks.

Elderberry for Flu Treatment

Elderberry is not only good for flu(2) remission, but it also works well on building a shield against the flu and cold by increasing your immunity power. There is a chemical compound, anthocyanidins, and it has immunostimulant effects.

Research in 2012 has shown that elderberry extract is useful for reducing the symptoms and duration of flu among air travelers. When travelers travel overseas, they may find it difficult to adjust to the changing environment(3).

As a result, they face issues like cold and flu. If they start taking this herb ten days before their journey to four to five days after reaching their destination, they shall notice a remarkable reduction of the symptoms of these ailments.

To resolve the symptoms of mitigating flu, elderberry works magically as it contains flavonoids that are effective in destroying H1N1 and H5N1 avian influenza virus.

Precautions

  • Never take unripe or raw elderberry as these can cause vomiting, nausea, or diarrhea.
  • Try not to have elderberry when you are pregnant or lactating.

[Also Read: 10 Super-Effective Essential Oils for Flu]

What Are the Other Health Benefits of Elderberry?

With the previous study, it is quite clear that the elderberry can prevent the flu and cold. But, that is not the only health benefit you get from the herb. Elderberry has magical effects on several other health issues-

1. Treats Acne

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The elderberry fruit is rich in flavonoids, which is the source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, it is useful in protecting healthy cells by reducing the growth of free radicals, which is the main reason for skin problems, like acne.

According to researchers, elderberry face wash can prevent acne as that has antiseptic properties(2).

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2. Reduces Wrinkles

Elderberries are rich in vitamin A, and that can rejuvenate your skin from deep and remove wrinkles, crow’s feet, and other age spots and pigmentation.

[Also Read; Natural Ways to Treat Acne ]

3. Good for Your Heart

Consuming elderberry juice can keep your heart in good condition. It is proved so far that the juice reduces the fat in your blood vessel and thus, decrease the level of bad cholesterol. Once your cholesterol level is under control, your heart can be in good condition.

Besides that, the herb extract contains anthocyanins which are proved to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The polyphenols in elderberry extract are also useful in controlling high blood pressure, which is a primary reason to lower the risk of heart disease.

4. Lowers Your Blood Sugar Level

Elderberry and flower are both used to keep your diabetes under control for a long time. It has been confirmed that the extracts of elderflowers and berries can stimulate glucose metabolism and also boost up the secretion of insulin and thus, keep your Coconut Oil for Diabetes.

5. Naturally Diuretic

Diuretic problems are common in older adults when their body retains too much fluid. Elderberry is naturally diuretic as it promotes your bowel movement and urination. Therefore, it is also one of the main ingredients of diuretic medicines that doctors prescribe.

[ Read: Natural Remedies to Treat and Prevent Flu ]

6. Solves Your Sinus-related Issues

As the elderberry has a high concentration of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, this herb is beneficial in clearing up your sinus infections.

7. Helps Preventing Cancer

Image: Shutterstock

The anthocyanins in elderberry have anti-carcinogenic properties that are effective in reducing the growth of free radicals and thus, reduce the risk of cancer.

Hopefully, you have enough information about elderberry for flu prevention. You can have elderberry syrup four times regularly for 3-5 times a day for adults. If you are giving elderberry syrup to kids, give them twice daily for three days. With this dosage, you can get relief from the flu.

[ Read: Elderberry Tea Benefits ]


FAQs

1. Are there any side effects of elderberry?

Uncooked berries can be the reason for diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

2. How many times should you take elderberry for flu?

While suffering from flu, adults can have 1 tbsp elderberry syrup four times a day.

3. How long can you consume elderberry for flu?

Try to consult a doctor for this.  Still, you should not have it for more than five days.