Elderberry: Antiviral Benefits For Colds + Flus
Research and tradition show us that these berries do more than just provide us with tasty, seasonal drinks or jams; they can fortify our immune systems through their antiviral properties.
Elderberries are historically significant due to their natural healing abilities traced as far back to Greek philosopher Hippocrates or as he is most known, “Father of Medicine.” Research and tradition show us that these berries do more than just provide us with tasty, seasonal drinks or jams; they can fortify our immune systems through their antiviral properties.
What is Elderberry?
The Sambucus tree is a flowering plant belonging to the family Adoxaceae. Elderberry or elder are the common names of the different varieties of the Sambucus tree. The berries or flowers that you find on the elder plant are what is used medicinally.
The more common variety of elderberry used for medicinal purposes is the Sambucus nigra. Native to Europe, this tree can grow up to 30 feet tall with small, cream-colored flowers known as elderflowers and bunches of dark purple berries. These bunches of berries are made into jams and other additional medicinal uses. Elderberry syrup has found its place in the world of natural cold and flu remedies, as well as various other forms including gummies, capsules, juices, teas, and lozenges.
Health Benefits
There’s been a lot of noise surrounding elderberries because of their immune-boosting properties. They are rich in anthocyanidins, compounds that give the fruit their characteristic dark purple color and are also known to have immunostimulant effects; stimulation of the immune system by inducing activity of the immune system components.
Elderberries are also high in antioxidants, which are naturally occurring components of foods that help remove reactive molecules in the body that accumulate and cause oxidative stress: an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants leading to cell and tissue damage.
One study showed that the antioxidant activity improved significantly in subjects just 1 hour after consuming elderberry juice. (1)
Improve Cold & Symptoms
There have been numerous studies published that show elderberry remedies are a safe and effective natural treatment for cold and flu symptoms.
Studies have shown a reduction in cold and flu duration while using elderberry supplements. (2) Other studies show that using an elderberry extract within 48 hours onset of symptoms can shorten the duration of the symptoms an average of four days. (3)
More recently, researchers are studying specifically on how elderberries can help fight a virus. The Journal of Functional Foods (4) conducted a study examining the effects of elderberries (processed into a serum) on influenza (flu) virus. This serum was then administered to cells during the stages of influenza.
What they found was that phytochemicals in the elderberry serum had a direct inhibitory effect against the viral infection, blocking viral proteins attachment and entry into cells.
Elderberry Forms to Look For
There are a lot of ways to benefit from elderberry and some more than others. Be mindful of any jams or syrups as they might be over-processed, losing their beneficial components.
Look for an elderberry syrup or extract not made for flavoring but instead made to boost the elderberries’ health-promoting components.
Interested in making your own elderberry syrup? Check out: How to Make Elderberry Syrup
Precautions
The US Food and Drug Administration recognizes elderberry as generally safe however, bark, branches, unripened berries, and seeds can be toxic. Always purchase from a reputable source and consult with your physician before beginning any kind of natural treatment approach.
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Elderberry: Antiviral Benefits For Colds + Flus
Research and tradition show us that these berries do more than just provide us with tasty, seasonal drinks or jams; they can fortify our immune systems through their antiviral properties.
Elderberries are historically significant due to their natural healing abilities traced as far back to Greek philosopher Hippocrates or as he is most known, “Father of Medicine.” Research and tradition show us that these berries do more than just provide us with tasty, seasonal drinks or jams; they can fortify our immune systems through their antiviral properties.
What is Elderberry?
The Sambucus tree is a flowering plant belonging to the family Adoxaceae. Elderberry or elder are the common names of the different varieties of the Sambucus tree. The berries or flowers that you find on the elder plant are what is used medicinally.
The more common variety of elderberry used for medicinal purposes is the Sambucus nigra. Native to Europe, this tree can grow up to 30 feet tall with small, cream-colored flowers known as elderflowers and bunches of dark purple berries. These bunches of berries are made into jams and other additional medicinal uses. Elderberry syrup has found its place in the world of natural cold and flu remedies, as well as various other forms including gummies, capsules, juices, teas, and lozenges.
Health Benefits
There’s been a lot of noise surrounding elderberries because of their immune-boosting properties. They are rich in anthocyanidins, compounds that give the fruit their characteristic dark purple color and are also known to have immunostimulant effects; stimulation of the immune system by inducing activity of the immune system components.
Elderberries are also high in antioxidants, which are naturally occurring components of foods that help remove reactive molecules in the body that accumulate and cause oxidative stress: an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants leading to cell and tissue damage.
One study showed that the antioxidant activity improved significantly in subjects just 1 hour after consuming elderberry juice. (1)
Improve Cold & Symptoms
There have been numerous studies published that show elderberry remedies are a safe and effective natural treatment for cold and flu symptoms.
Studies have shown a reduction in cold and flu duration while using elderberry supplements. (2) Other studies show that using an elderberry extract within 48 hours onset of symptoms can shorten the duration of the symptoms an average of four days. (3)
More recently, researchers are studying specifically on how elderberries can help fight a virus. The Journal of Functional Foods (4) conducted a study examining the effects of elderberries (processed into a serum) on influenza (flu) virus. This serum was then administered to cells during the stages of influenza.
What they found was that phytochemicals in the elderberry serum had a direct inhibitory effect against the viral infection, blocking viral proteins attachment and entry into cells.
Elderberry Forms to Look For
There are a lot of ways to benefit from elderberry and some more than others. Be mindful of any jams or syrups as they might be over-processed, losing their beneficial components.
Look for an elderberry syrup or extract not made for flavoring but instead made to boost the elderberries’ health-promoting components.
Interested in making your own elderberry syrup? Check out: How to Make Elderberry Syrup
Precautions
The US Food and Drug Administration recognizes elderberry as generally safe however, bark, branches, unripened berries, and seeds can be toxic. Always purchase from a reputable source and consult with your physician before beginning any kind of natural treatment approach.