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What is Elderberry?

Elderberry is a small tree that has its origins in North America. European version of Elderberry can be found growing throughout Europe and also in Asia and North Africa. The flowers, leaves, berries, bark and roots of elderberries have been used in folk remedy for centuries. "The medicine cabinet of the common people" is an epithet that is well earned in the case of elderberry. Elderberry has not been studied much by western medicine but already many medicinal benefits have been rediscovered.

Elderberry As a Cold Remedy

Elderberry has multiple uses as it is a potent antioxidant and has a capability to boost immunity. Flower water of elderberry can be used as a soothing gargle and infusions of blossoms combined with other herbs can be used for quickening the recovery from common cold or flu. Old remedy against common colds and flu is the juice from the berries. Elderberry juice is also believed to bring relief to asthma and bronchitis. Research мейд with elderberry juice have confirmed that it has the capability to destroy the ability of cold and flu viruses to infect a cell. People with flu taking the elderberry juice have been shown to have less severe symptoms and recover faster than those not taking the juice.

Scientific studies мейд in Germany have showed that elderberry anthocyanins boost the production of cytokines thus enhancing the function of the immune system. Cytokines act as messengers in the immune system, helping to regulate immune response and thus helping to defend the body against disease. Same studies also indicated that anthocyanins found in elderberries posses high antioxidant capacity.

Availability and use

Elderberry is available at least as a syrup, tincture, capsules and lozenges. You can also find dried elder flowers standardized at least 0,8% flavonoids. One of the most famous elderberry products is called Sambucol. You can buy Sambucol at least in the form of extracts and capsules. Sinupret is another commercial brand that is quite popular. Consisting of elderberry and other herbs, Sinupret is mainly used to support healthy sinus and respiratory function.

As with many other common cold remedies, also elderberry should be used as soon as the symptoms of cold or flu start occurring. Here are some examples of use for adults:

Tea: steep 3-5 grams of dried elder flower in 1 cup of boiling water for 10-15 minutes. Strain and drink three times per day Sinupret: take two tablets three times per day for bacterial sinusitis Sambucol: For cold and flu take four tablespoons per day for three days

Restrictions On Use

Raw berries should not be used since they can cause nausea and vomiting. It is advisable to use commercially prepared syrups or extracts, since the roots, leaves and stems of elderberries can contain a source of toxic cyanide. Flowers of elderberry are usually safe, only mild gastrointestinal stress or allergic reactions can occur. Irregular heartbeat and diarrhea are side effects that can in some very rare cases occur. If you are pregnant, nursing or have a complex liver disease it is recommendable to avoid using elderberry. Before using elderberry in young children, please consult your physician.

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