Elderberry - a potent natural flu remedy

Here's sharing with you this article I read yesterday about elderberry as a potent flu killer. It says that "doctors found that patients that consumed elderberry extracts showed a reduction of flu symptoms such as fever within two days of supplementation". Here's sharing relevant excerpts from the article below.

"This magical fruit is particularly high in phenolic compounds, with exceptionally high levels of anthocyanins – besides being a good source of water soluble vitamin c. The presence of these two nutrients may explain why elderberries are efficient in fighting off cold and flu. There are several species of elderberries – American, Blue and European Elderberries. The European elderberries are the most studied type and used in dietary supplements.

A tasty way to fight off influenza viruses

A 1995 study found that elderberries are a low-cost and a side-effect free way to treat influenza viruses A and B. This research was published in the winter edition of the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. It was a placebo-controlled, double-blind investigation on the effects of the elderberry extracts during an influenza-B outbreak in Panama.

Doctors found that patients that consumed elderberry extracts showed a reduction of flu symptoms such as fever within two days of supplementation. By the third day about 90% of the cases were completely cured.

Another study published in the Journal of International Medical Research also fetched similar results in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation. Sixty Norwegian adults with influenza-like symptoms were given 15 ml of elderberry juice or syrup – four times a day. The supplementation was continued for 5 days, patients that received elderberry syrup recovered 4 days earlier than the group that did not receive elderberries.

Elderberries know how to kill flu viruses – naturally

According to researchers, the possible mechanism of elderberries against influenza viruses is via its powerful antioxidant network. The flavonoids, flavonols, cholorogenic compounds and other antioxidants stimulate the immune system in an organized fashion.

The first point of stimulus occurs with an increased production of cytokines that serves as messengers between cells. Cytokines then locate the target immune cells and interact with the receptors to bind to them. This interaction triggers specific immune responses.

The second point of stimulus occurs with an increase in the production of monocytes (type of white blood cells). Some of these monocytes transform into macrophages which form of a part of body’s own immune system which destroy foreign cells or bacteria.

Some other monocytes become dendritic cells which assist the adaptive part of the immune system. In addition to this, elderberries also inhibit the ability of influenza virus to attach to the red blood cells. The antioxidant – anthocyanins – in elderberries also tag along to demonstrate powerful anti-inflammatory effect which brings down the aches and pain associated with fever."
- See more at: http://www.naturalhealth365.com/food_news/0910_elderberries_flu_virus.html#sthash.u6wFqeMA.dpuf

Another article says black elderberry is the "most antiviral substance known to man", as described below.

"Elderberries, which happen to be a very powerful antioxidant, have been used for centuries in folk medicine (as well as today, in other countries around the world) to treat colds, influenza, wounds (when applied topically) and have even shown to be effective against the herpes simplex virus.

A 2001 study published in the U.S. National Library of Medicine stated that elderberry extracts are "natural remedies with antiviral properties, especially against different strains of influenza virus." Another 2004 study published in the NLM commented on reduced duration of flu symptoms when using elderberry: "Symptoms were relieved on average four days earlier and use of rescue medication was significantly less in those receiving elderberry extract compared with placebo." University of Maryland Medial Center writes "Elderberry may have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anticancer properties" and "one study suggested that elderberry could kill the H1N1 virus.""

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/039367_black_elderberry_colds_anti-viral.html#ixzz2uO1fDn3g

"Elderberry contains a potent antiviral agent called "antivirin" which helps neutralize the activity of the hemagglutinin spikes. When these spikes are deactivated, the viruses are no longer able to get inside of the cell and replicate."
Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/043430_elderberry_natural_antivirals_health_benefits.html#ixzz2uO22O7sJ

I also found this article below, which may be useful as a reference too, as it contains a suggested recipe for an immune boost tonic containing dried elderberries.

"Recipe for Immune Boost Tonic:

Ingredients (Organic):

2/3 cup dried elderberries
4 cups water
2 tea bag of Rooibos tea
1 tsp of Cinnamon
2 T fresh or dried Ginger
1/2 tsp of Cloves
1/2 cup raw Honey

Directions:

1. Pour water into saucepan and add all ingredients except for honey
2. Bring to Boil, Cover and Simmer for 45 minutes
3. Remove from heat, let cool
4. Pour through a strainer
5. When completely cool, add honey and mix completely
6. Store in a glass jar in the refrigerator

Suggested Dose:

Take daily for immune support:

1 tsp. for children
1 T. for adults

If flu comes on:

Take suggested dose every 2-3 hours until symptoms disappear"
Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/040948_elderberries_immune_system_disease_prevention.html#ixzz2uO29iP2R