With the onset of cold weather, everyone wants to protect themselves and their loved ones from colds and flu, especially if someone around has already contracted the disease. In this case, the easiest thing to do is to take medicine to quickly get rid of unpleasant symptoms and get in order. However, fortunately, there are natural and no less effective, that help no worse. One of them is elderberry.
In my experience, taking elderberries at the first signs of a cold/flu allows me to keep my fever down for a week. I actively take it for 3-4 days, recover and continue working. For prevention during especially rainy fall periods, I usually chew elderberry gummies.
How does it work?
Elderberry prevents colds and flu in two ways:
- Elderberry has been proven to help kill various bacteria that can cause upper respiratory infections.
- Also, elderberries protect the body at the cellular level and stimulate the immune system.
A virus only starts to take effect when it manages to enter the cell. If this does not happen, it loses its viability. The virus has a special substance on its surface called hemagglutinin. It dissolves the protective shell of the cell and allows the virus to enter. As a result, the disease begins.
Elderberry fruit is a powerful antioxidant. Scientists have identified the active component of these berries – "antivirin". This active substance destroys the structure of hemagglutinin and prevents the virus from penetrating through the membranes of healthy cells.
It is also known that black elderberries contain a large amount of vitamin C, which is necessary to maintain the body's defenses. And the anthocyanins of the berry have an anti-inflammatory effect, which relieves flu symptoms.
Another important group of substances contained in the product are flavonoids, which also stimulate the immune system and promote the production of cytokines (tiny protein molecules involved in the immune response).
According to studies, as well as my personal experience, when used within the first 48 hours of cold or flu symptoms, elderberry extract shortens the duration of the flu by up to 4 days.
Healing syrup with elderberries is easy to prepare yourself. It will replenish the home medicine cabinet and allow you to strengthen the immune system both in the fall and winter period, and at any other time of the year.
Necessary ingredients: 2 cups of fresh elderberries or ⅔ cup of dried elderberries; 1 cinnamon stick; 2 tablespoons dried rose hips (optional); 2 tablespoons dried orange zest (optional); 2 cups of water; 1 cup of honey.
Preparation:
- Combine elderberries, cinnamon stick, rosehip fruit and orange zest in a large saucepan, add water and bring to a boil over medium/strong heat.
- Reduce heat to medium and simmer gently until water is reduced by half (about 30 minutes).
- Set a fine sieve over a bowl and strain the mixture, pressing the solids to extract the juice.
- Let the liquid cool for at least 20 minutes, then mix thoroughly with the honey.
- Pour the syrup into a jar with a lid and store in the refrigerator.
The syrup can be consumed one teaspoon per day for children and one tablespoon per day for adults. The syrup can be stored for 1-2 months.
A word of warning!
Inspired by the obvious benefits of elderberries, you should not rush to eat these berries directly from the bush. It is important to know that some parts of the plant are poisonous. Unripe berries, seeds, leaves and bark of the tree contain a toxic substance for humans, sambunigrin, so their consumption can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
To avoid side effects, it is necessary to follow the dosage. If you have health problems, it is better to consult a doctor before taking elderberry remedies.