Did you get your flu shot? If you didn’t, you should. In the meantime, why don’t you go buy some elderberry to prevent exposure to influenza?
Elderberry comes from a native tree in Europe and North America. Elder, also known as Sambucus nigra has held importance in traditional and folk medicine for its assistance in various health issues but most importantly, colds and the flu.
“Elderberries-are small, antioxidant rich fruits that are commonly consumed as a jam or wine. Elderberry extract is also available commercially in tablet or syrup form” (The Australian Homeopathic Association, 2019).
A recent study by a group of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering researchers from the University of Sydney identified how ripe elderberries help with influenza. They performed “an assessment showing how phytochemicals in Elderberry can inhibit the flu virus’s entry and replication in human cells, and help strengthen a person’s immune response to the virus” (The Australian Homeopathtic Association, 2019). Elderberry also reduces symptoms and severity of influenza.
According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, phytochemicals are naturally occurring plant chemicals. They help stimulate the immune system, block substances we eat, drink, and breathe from becoming carcinogens and prevent DNA damage amongst other health benefits.
The study also proved the direct effects of elderberry extract by “blocking viral glycoproteins, as well as indirect effects by increased expression of certain cytokines, these are secreted by certain cells in the immune system and work together to coordinate a defense against invaders” (The Australian Homeopathetic Association, 2019).
Elderberry was termed “the medicine of the chest” by country people in traditional European medicine. It is said that Elderberry works as the prescribed drug, tamiflu for those who have had the flu. Elderberry reduces flu symptoms and the length of time the flu lasts.
The following is an elderberry recipe beneficial to your health:
2/3 cups of ripe elderberries (dried or 1 1/3 cups fresh or frozen)
1 cup of raw honey (if giving it to an infant less than 12 months, you can use maple syrup as a substitute to honey)
Pour water into a medium sauce pan and add the elderberry, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves
Bring to boil and then cover to reduce a simmer for about 45 minutes to an 1 hour until the liquid has reduced by almost half
Remove from heat and let it cool enough to be handled
Mash the berries carefully using a spoon or flat utensil
Discard the elderberries and let the liquid cool down
Add honey or maple syrup and mix
Pour the syrup into a mason jar and store in the fridge
1 tbsp 3 times a day for adults
1 tsp 3 times a day for children
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” -Benjamin Franklin
American institute for research. (n.d). Retrieved from https://acir.org/reduce-your-cancer-risk/diet/elements_phytochemicals.html
Elderberry for winter flu - New Australian research & recipes. (2019, May 14). Retrieved from https://www.yourhealthyourchoice.com.au/news-features/elderberry-for-winter-flu-new-australian-research-recipes/
Elderberry: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Dosage, and Warning. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-434/elderberry.