The common cold viruses affect millions of people every year. People keep taking the same medications that only seem to offer limited help. The influenza virus has been especially virulent in recent years. Even with the flu shot, many still come down with the virus. How do people find relief?
Research studies now show that elderberry is very effective in stopping cold and flu viruses. One study that was presented at the 15th Annual Conference on Antiviral Research involved Sambucol which is derived from elderberries. In this study, one group of patients with the flu virus was given Sambucol while another group was given only a placebo. According to this study, 93 percent of those who took Sambucol were free from all flu symptoms in two days. Those in the placebo group took an average of six days to become symptom free.
Many doctors believe that anthocyanins found in the berries contain anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce fever, chest congestion, nasal congestion, body aches and generalized pain. These are all symptoms of both the cold and the flue viruses. The berries also contain flavanoids which help the body’s immune system. This immune system boost helps the body fight off infections faster.
Another important study demonstrated that elderberry lozenges can help reduce flu symptoms and flu duration. According to the study, if these lozenges are used within 24 hours of flu symptoms, symptoms are much less severe and only last about three days.
Although more testing is required in this area, one study performed showed that elderberries actually killed the H1N1 virus that some refer to as the swine flu. This test wasn’t performed on actual patients, but it does demonstrate that elderberries are a tremendous asset when someone is facing the cold or the flu.
The next time the cold or flu viruses strike, patients may want to try elderberries. This natural remedy has proven to help, and no one wants to feel bad any longer than they have to.
Sources
- https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/news/20031222/elderberry-fights-flu-symptoms#1
- http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/elderberry
https://vitanetonline.com/description/NW1242/vitamins/SAMBUCUS-FOR-KIDS/
https://vitanetonline.com/description/NW1097/vitamins/Sambucus-Immune-Syrup/
https://vitanetonline.com/description/NW1095/vitamins/Sambucus-Syrup/
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