{"id":23987,"date":"2020-12-01T11:05:03","date_gmt":"2020-12-01T18:05:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.betternutrition.com\/?p=23987"},"modified":"2020-12-02T11:48:31","modified_gmt":"2020-12-02T18:48:31","slug":"elderberry-natures-top-antiviral-herb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.betternutrition.com\/conditions-and-wellness\/immunity-tips\/elderberry-natures-top-antiviral-herb\/","title":{"rendered":"Elderberry: Nature\u2019s Top Antiviral Herb"},"content":{"rendered":"

With a long tradition of medicinal use, elderberry has become one of the most popular supplements for enhancing immunity. In recent years, studies have found that it is an effective antiviral treatment for colds and flu, reducing symptoms and shortening the time it takes to recover. Here\u2019s a look at some compelling studies:<\/span><\/p>\n

Cold Prevention on Long Flights:<\/strong> One study compared the effects of a standardized elderberry extract and a placebo on colds among 312 economy-class passengers on flights from Australia that lasted at least 7 hours. Among those who took elderberry starting 10 days before a flight, 12 people caught colds, compared to 17 who took a placebo. Where colds did occur, symptoms lasted an average of two fewer days in the elderberry group.<\/span><\/p>\n

Faster recovery:<\/strong> An analysis of other studies, which included a total of 180 people, found that elderberry significantly reduced the duration and intensity of upper respiratory infections. When the research was published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine<\/em>, the authors wrote, \u201cThese findings present an alternative to antibiotic misuse for upper respiratory symptoms due to viral infections, and a potentially safer alternative to prescription drugs for routine cases of the common cold and influenza.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Flu fighter:<\/strong> In the Czech Republic, researchers compared the effectiveness of Tamiflu with a natural hot drink\u2014 a combination of elderberry and standardized echinacea\u2014in a group of 473 people with flu. Both remedies were taken within 48 hours of symptom onset. The drink was as effective as the drug, with fewer side effects.<\/span><\/p>\n

How Elderberry Works Its Magic<\/span><\/h2>\n

At the University of Sydney in Australia, researchers found that elderberry helps block the flu <\/span>virus from attaching to a cell and entering a cell; it restricts the virus from replicating once it has infected a cell; and it strengthens a person\u2019s immune response.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis observation was quite surprising and rather significant because blocking the viral cycle <\/span>at several stages has a higher chance of inhibiting the viral infection,\u201d said study coauthor <\/span>Peter Valtchev, PhD.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Elderberries
Photo: Adobe Stock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

More Reasons to Take Elderberry<\/span><\/h2>\n

In addition to immune support, elderberry is also used to help relieve constipation, hay fever, sinus pain, nerve pain, high blood sugar, chronic fatigue syndrome, water retention, dull skin, and gum inflammation. <\/span><\/p>\n

An elderberry wash or tea made from the plant\u2019s flowers, applied topically, is used to help heal wounds, sprains, bruises, and bee stings.<\/span><\/p>\n

Related: DIY Elderberry Spice Syrup<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

How Much Is Enough?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Adult dosages in studies have used different forms of elderberry supplements:<\/span><\/p>\n