We are well into cold and flu season. Want a research-backed way to fight germs? I am not talking about the overblown exaggerated claims around Vitamin C. I am talking about Elderberry.
This berry is magnificent. It stimulates the immune system, it kills viruses, and it feeds good gut bacteria. And there are no ill side effects. (If one has an autoimmune disease, we don’t want to stimulate the immune system so use with caution or not at all)
Elderberry can be taken as a liquid (syrup), gummy, or pill. It can be taken every day to prevent a cold or flu or it can be taken when fighting a bug. Be sure to get good quality supplements!
Research:
Randomized study of the efficacy and safety of oral elderberry extract in the treatment of influenza A and B virus infections.
Citation: Zakay-Rones, Z., Thom, E., Wollan, T., & Wadstein, J. (2004). Randomized Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Oral Elderberry Extract in the Treatment of Influenza A and B Virus Infections. Journal of International Medical Research, 32(2), 132–140. https://doi.org/10.1177/147323000403200205
PDF Link: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/147323000403200205
Elderberry Supplementation Reduces Cold Duration and Symptoms in Air-Travelers: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Citation: Tiralongo, E., Wee, S. S., & Lea, R. A. (2016). Elderberry Supplementation Reduces Cold Duration and Symptoms in Air-Travellers: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Nutrients, 8(4), 182. doi:10.3390/nu8040182
PDF Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4848651/pdf/nutrients-08-00182.pdf
Elderberry flavonoids bind to and prevent H1N1 infection in vitro.
Citation: Roschek, B. J., Fink, R. C., & McMichael, M. D. (2009). Phytochemistry: Elderberry flavonoids bind to and prevent H1N1 infection in vitro. Alternative Medicine Review, (4), 411. Retrieved from https://ezproxy.simmons.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edsggo&AN=edsgcl.215514483&site=eds-live&scope=site