Nature's Flu Fighter: Sambucus Nigra (recipes included)
For very good reason, elderberry has made a name for itself as a powerful natural flu fighter. For hundreds of years, it has been used as both a preventative as well as a treatment for colds and flus. Recently, science has corroborated the claims that have been declared for ages.
Elderberry is a unique herb that is very healing, helping to fight off different types of infections, including the influenza (flu) virus, bacterial infections, and viral infections. There have been numerous studies looking at its effectiveness for the immune system.
Elderberries naturally contain vitamins A, B, and C and stimulate the immune system. Israeli researchers found that the complex sugars in elderberries support the immune system in fighting cold and flu. They developed several formulas based on these complex sugars that have been clinically shown to help ameliorate all kinds of cold/flu.
In another study in Norway, 60 people with flu-like symptoms took 15 milliliters of elderberry syrup four times a day. Their symptoms improved 4 days before the people who took a placebo.
A group of researchers at the University of Sydney, Australia discovered similar outcomes in their studies in April of 2019. The study showed that compounds from elderberries can directly inhibit the virus's entry and replication in human cells, and can help strengthen a person's immune response to the virus.
"What our study has shown is that the common elderberry has a potent direct antiviral effect against the flu virus," said Dr Golnoosh Torabian. "It inhibits the early stages of an infection by blocking key viral proteins responsible for both the viral attachment and entry into the host cells."
The Australian researchers were even more surprised to find that elderberry inhibited the spread on the flu virus once cells had been infected. Blocking the virus at several stages has a better chance of inhibiting the overall viral infection.
"In addition to that, we identified that the elderberry solution also stimulated the cells to release certain cytokines, which are chemical messengers that the immune system uses for communication between different cell types to coordinate a more efficient response against the invading pathogen," said Centre Director, Professor Fariba Deghani.
While elderberry syrup, lozenges and gummies can readily be found at pharmacies and supermarkets, they are not all equal in their make up. Many actually contain refined sugar, which is known to lower immune system function for up to four hours. This is one of the few that do not:
Making your own elderberry syrup - or gummies - allows you to control the ingredients, and the price tag. The recipe below comes out to less than half the price of the above, high-quality syrup, and uses all organic and natural products. If you have the time, I highly recommend giving it a try!
Elderberry Syrup and Gummies
2/3 cup dried elderberries
3 1/2 cups water
2 tbsp grated fresh ginger
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp dried cloves
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1 cup honey
Place all ingredients except honey and gelatin into a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil and then cover and reduce to a simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour until the liquid has reduced by almost half.
Remove from heat and let cool until it is cool enough to be handled. Mash the berries carefully and pour through a strainer into a glass jar or bowl.
Discard the elderberries and allow the liquid to cool. When it is no longer hot, add the honey and stir well until smooth. Pour the syrup into a glass mason jar. Store in the fridge and take ½ - 1 teaspoon for kids and ½ - 1 tablespoon for adults daily. If the flu should happen to hit, take the normal dose every 2-3 hours until symptoms disappear.
To make gummies:
1 cup elderberry syrup
1/4 cup grass-fed gelatin
1/2 cup hot water
gummy bear molds
Place ¼ cup of cooled elderberry syrup in a 2 cup measuring cup and quickly whisk in the gelatin powder.
Add ½ cup of hot water and stir quickly until smooth. Add the rest of the elderberry syrup and whisk until completely smooth.
Using an eye dropper, pour into molds and cool in the refrigerator until firm. Pop out of molds and store in an airtight container for several weeks with parchment paper between layers.