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

Natural remedies and prevention methods for flu symptoms

MANUKA HONEY

I was caught in the rain on my way home yesterday afternoon - though I was carrying the umbrella, the heavy rain and strong wind caused me to be slightly soaked by the time I reached home. I had runny nose, though there was no fever or body ache. I took a teaspoon of manuka honey at dinner time, and this morning when I woke up, my nose is fine. So you could consider getting a small jar of manuka honey from a health store too.

http://voices.yahoo.com/manuka-honey-as-natural-cold-flu-remedy-7373654.html?cat=68
"It is no secret that honey helps to soothe the throat and ease the effects of certain illnesses during the cold and flu season. However, one type of honey is being used more successfully than ordinary honey. It has been discovered that Manuka Honey from New Zealand contains healing properties not found in other types of honey, making it extremely effective in treating a wide spectrum of health conditions

Manuka Honey's famed antibacterial properties are now being used in hospitals to ward off antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria that cause potentially life threatening conditions such as MRSA and VRE. In addition to its impressive antibacterial activity, studies have also revealed Manuka Honey's antiviral properties which make it effective in treating cold and flu symptoms.
...
For cold and flu symptoms, it is recommended to take one teaspoon of Manuka Honey, 3-4 times per day. It is also important to note that because Manuka Honey is an all-natural ingredient, it has been found to cause no negative side effects whatsoever when used for medicinal purposes. Manuka Honey could very well possibly be one of the single most healthiest things you could eat."

http://healthtalkwomen.com/sarahs-column/why-you-should-love-active-manuka-honey/
Natural Cold and Flu Remedy
"Manuka Honey is effective in treating, and minimizing the effects of the flu and the common cold. Soothes sore throats too."

I would usually take 1 teaspoon of manuka honey daily. It not only boosts immune system, but also speeds up healing. For example, my runny nose cleared overnight after taking 1 teaspoon of manuka honey, as mentioned earlier. Recently, it relieved me of sore throat within a day too.

On a similar note, this article suggests mixing honey with garlic to make garlic tea (for cold, cough or flu), or mixing honey with lemon (for sore throat) - these suggestions are for your consideration too. http://www.naturalnews.com/035323_home_remedies_colds_coughs.html

MISO SOUP


Miso soup is good as a natural remedy for flu symptoms too, as it boosts immune system.

(NaturalNews) Miso is a delicious fermented food that has been eaten in China and Japan for many centuries. Today it is a favorite of health minded people in the West because of its many anti-aging benefits. Miso and other fermented foods and drinks help build up the inner ecosystem and assure the digestive tract is amply supplied with beneficial bacteria. These bacteria help digest, synthesize, and assimilate nutrients so necessary for good health and anti-aging. They also strengthen the immune system, keeping it at the ready to fight infection and cancer.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/025519_health_anti-aging_soy.html#ixzz2Gh2gitrX

GINGER


This website also recommends ginger, among other herbs, to combat flu.

http://www.naturalnews.com/034851_flu_herbal_remedies_cures.html
Fresh ginger root (zingiber officinale) is a warming botanical that has been used as a medicine in Asian, Indian, and Arabic herbal traditions since ancient times (http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/ginger-000246.htm).

Used for the treatment of digestive problems, stomach upset and nausea for more than 2,000 years, ginger has long been a popular natural remedy for a variety of ailments. A powerful anti-inflammatory, ginger has also been widely used for generations to help treat the common cold, flu-like symptoms, headaches and painful menstrual periods.

The warming nature of the root helps to produce sweating and thus helps to release pathogens. Ginger also helps to strengthen the immunity of weaker individuals who sweat without the relief of symptoms. (http://www.naturalnews.com/030318_cinnamon_colds.html)

A great herbal tea can be made for those trying to recover from a cold or flu by simmering a couple of cinnamon sticks and sliced fresh ginger in water for at least 20 minutes. It can also be taken in high-dose supplement form to aid the immune system in warding off and killing the flu virus.
Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/034851_flu_herbal_remedies_cures.html#ixzz2Gh2sg7D8

WAYS TO BOOST IMMUNE SYSTEM TO PREVENT FLUS, COUGHS AND COLDS

This article summarises some suggested measures to boost the immune system and prevent flus, coughs and colds. http://www.naturalnews.com/028562_immune_system_colds.html

• Include fresh, organic vegetables such as broccoli, tomatoes, chicory, cabbage, garlic, mushrooms and spinach in the diet as often as possible to boost the immune system.
• Fruits to include would be lemons, grapefruit, oranges, bananas and dark colored fruit such as blueberries, black cherries, blackberries, black currants and black grapes.
• Spicing up meals with ginger, cinnamon, cumin, oregano and cayenne will help to build the immune system in order to fight off colds and can even be taken at the onset of a cold to reduce the effects.
• Drinking freshly squeezed lemon juice or tea helps to restore the body's pH balance. An imbalance of alkalinity creates a condition favorable to the growth of bacteria, yeast and unwanted organisms which thrive in a more acidic environment.
• Drink plenty of pure water each day to flush the body of toxins. Drinking green tea, or Rooibos tea (African redbush tea) will promote overall good health.
• Get enough sleep each night - research indicates that sleep deprivation can adversely affect the body's ability to fight infections.
• Exercise regularly* - moderate, consistent exercise can lead to substantial benefits in immune system health in the long-term.
• Control stress - Stress can raise cortisol levels and weaken the body's immune system, making it more susceptible to colds and flu.

(*Note: Do not over-exert yourself if you exercise. If you have a fever, it is better to get sufficient rest and wait for the fever to subside before attempting any strenuous exercise.)

If you happen to be travelling outside these days via public transport, remember to wash your hands when you return home or before eating meals as germs/bacteria/virus may be contracted from certain surfaces such as handle bars on public buses, subway trains, etc. I am reminding myself to do so too as I would start to have runny nose once in a while when I did not wash my hands after travelling on a bus and before eating a meal.

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