Elderberries originate from the European Black Elderberry plant, which is grown throughout the world. There are several subspecies of the Elderberry shrub all of which are healthy and beneficial for the human body. People have used elderberries in alternative medicine for centuries.
In 400 BC, Hippocrates mentioned elderberries as his “medicine chest” due to its numerous medicinal characteristics. Mention was also found in the writings of Pliny the Elder that described the practices of the ancient Romans.
Consuming black elderberries inhibits the growth of influenza A and B viruses and kills bacteria that cause upper respiratory infections.
Furthermore, it relieves the symptoms of colds and the flu, stimulates the immune system, and combat inflammation. Elderberries can also be used to treat various cancers and inhibit the production of hormone-like cytokines, which are the subject for production of white blood cells that can cause inflammation.
Elderberries active compound, Antivirin, stops the flu virus from invading the membranes of healthy cells.
They are rich in flavonoids, such as the anthocyanins cyanidin 3-glucoside and cyanidin 3-sambubioside, and they stimulate the immune system by promoting the creation of cytokines by monocytes.
Elderberries also hinder the haemagglutination of the influenza virus and block the adhesion of the virus to the cell receptors. The anti-inflammatory characteristics of anthocyanins also reduce fever, pain, and aches.
According to Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DMN, CNS
“A 2009 study randomized patients into two groups: One group was given four doses of 175-milligram proprietary elderberry extract daily, and the other group received a placebo daily for two days.
The extract-treated group showed significant improvement in most flu symptoms, while the placebo group showed no improvement or an increase in the severity of symptoms. Researchers conclude that the extract is effective in controlling influenza symptoms.
Another study published in the Journal of International Medical Research showed that when the extract is used within the first 48 hours of the onset of flu symptoms, it shortens the duration of flu symptoms by an average of four days.
A 2016 study published in Nutrients showed that elderberry supplementation can reduce the duration and symptoms of a cold in air travelers. Travelers using this herb from 10 days before travel until four to five days after arriving overseas experienced, on average, a two-day shorter duration of their colds and also a noticeable reduction in cold symptoms.”
Moreover, elderberry is also useful against the Avian flu, particularly Panama B strain. According to the CDC, it has a mortality rate of 60% in the 600 cases reported worldwide. The main worry is that it might mutate and adjust to allow transmission and thus cause a deadly pandemic.
Elderberries can be consumed fresh or as a syrup. It will boost your immune system, and enhance overall health.
Elderberry syrup recipe:
16 ounces of elderberry juice
Four tablespoons of lemon juice
One tablespoon of raw organic honey
Preparations:
Start with making and elderberry juice. Put the elderberries in a saucepan, cover it with water, and heat it up until the mixture starts to boil. Next, remove them from fire and let it cool down for a few hours. After that strain the liquid, remove the berries and store the liquid in the fridge.
Later, in a saucepan, combine the elderberry juice with some lemon juice, and heat it up over medium heat. Once the mixture stats fo boil, allow it to simmer for 20 minutes, and remove from heat.
Add some honey, and drink it while still warm.
This drink is a perfect weapon against colds and the flu as well as strengthen your immune system and help to fight off diseases.
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