Combat Cold & Flu with Elderberry

In comparison to other natural remedies to combat the flu, elderberry has proven time and again to be very effective. For centuries elderberry has been recognized for its ability to treat influenza, the common cold, sinus congestion and may even reduce inflammation. Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) is a dark purple berry which comes from the European elder tree. It may not be as effective as a preventative measure from the flu, yet it is an effective remedy once you already have the flu to reduce the time experiencing symptoms. 

One randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study measured the effects of oral ingestion of elderberry syrup to treat the flu. The participants had been suffering from symptoms of both influenza A and influenza B for one to two days and were between the ages of eighteen to fifty-four. Over five days, participants were given 15 ml of either elderberry or placebo syrup four times a day. The study concluded that elderberry was effective in treating influenza because the participants who received the elderberry syrup required less medication and experienced a reduction in symptoms four days before patients who received the placebo. Another study showed only a small statistical significance to combat symptoms during the early stage of the flu, however, was much more effective at combating symptoms during the post-infection stage. 

A recent meta-analysis measured the effects of elderberry supplementation on 180 subjects and found a substantial improvement of upper respiratory symptoms. Due to its antiviral effect, the analysis concluded that elderberry is a very safe and cost-effective alternative to prescription medicine when suffering from the common cold and flu. 

Suggestions for Use to Combat Flu Symptoms

It is best to take within 24 hours after symptoms occur. If taken within 48 hours, these methods should reduce the duration of flu symptoms within 2-4 days. 

Extract: 

Sambucol by Nature’s Way is a syrup composed of elderberry juice. Adults should take one tablespoon (15 ml) at a time, four times a day for 3-5 days. Children can take one tablespoon (15 ml) at a time, two times a day for 3 days. 

Tablets:

Sinupret is a capsule form, which you can take 2 tablets, three times a day.

Lozenges:

ViraBLOC by HerbalScience of 175 mg can be taken four times a day for 3 days. 

Drink:

Echinaforce Hot Drink by A. Vogel Bioforce AG is a powder of elderberry and echinacea. Adults and children can take one teaspoon (5 ml) mixed into 150 ml of hot water five times a day for 3 days, then three times a day for 7 days. 

To combat the common cold, research shows that oral ingestion of elderberry extract to prevent a cold is ineffective, although it is effective in reducing the duration of cold symptoms.