Black Elderberry – An Old Flu Remedy Rediscovered?

Elderberries have been a folk remedy for centuries in North America, Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa for lots of illnesses from arthritis and asthma to colds and constipation. And now the medicinal benefits of elderberries are being investigated and rediscovered, gaining much popularity in the nutraceutical field.

Recent research studies at Germany’s Bundesforschungsanstalt Research Institute found that elderberries are concentrated sources of anthocyanins (a class of flavonoids) that appear to benefit health in several ways. According to Dr. Gerhard Rechkemmer, the director of the centre, the bioflavonoids found in elderberries have more antioxidant capacity than either vitamin E or vitamin C and enhance immune system function.

Elderberry is notable for its antioxidant activity, and its potential to;

• lower cholesterol,
• to improve vision,
• to boost the immune system, and
• to improve heart health.

Furthermore, bioflavonoids and other proteins in the juice destroy the ability of cold and flu viruses to infect a cell. People with the flu who took elderberry juice reported less severe symptoms and felt better much faster than those who did not. Elderberry juice was used to treat a flu epidemic in Panama in 1995.

A study done in Israel on the anti-viral activity of elderberry extract showed that in vitro elderberry extract inhibited the replication of a number of strains of influenza A and B in cell cultures – in other words, the extract stopped the viruses dead in their tracks!

Another study on Sambucol, a standardized extract of black elderberry, was carried out in January 2006 and was determined to be 99% effective against the avian flu virus H5N1. The work was carried out at Retroscreen Virology (an institute associated with the University of London). Professor John Oxford, a reputable, and highly regarded, specialist in flu and virology research, led the project team.

Elderberry has been used for centuries as a traditional winter tonic that works just as effectively in our modern world. Continuing studies in the nutraceutical field should prove more and more that natural remedies are a healthier alternative to the drugs and vaccines, which the pharmaceutical giants pump out on a regular basis.

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2 Essential Herbs in Fighting the Flu

ECHINACEA
The Echinacea plant has been used for hundreds of years by Native Americans as a remedy for many health issues.

Echinacea may be taken for acute colds, flus, fevers, and infections. Of most importance is the dosage and frequency. Effectiveness is increased when taken every two hours until some symptoms are relieved.

At the first sign of a sore throat or cough, place a dropperful of alcohol-free Echinacea (combined with Goldenseal) in your mouth and hold it there for 5-10 minutes. Repeat every hour 3-4 times. This will stop the virus from spreading.

Caution: Side effects are rare when echinacea is taken orally but if you are allergic to flowers of the daisy family (the same genus as echinacea) you should not use this herb.

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GOLDENSEAL
Goldenseal was also frequently used by Native Americans, including the Cherokee, as an herbal medication and was adopted by European settlers who noted the herb's benefits as a digestive bitter and as mouth and eye washes.

One of Goldenseal's most common uses today is to enhance the body's seasonal resistance. It acts on mucous membranes by increasing bile secretion, which may soothe these tissues. Finally, it has tonifying effects on the liver and stomach which is helpful when the lymphatic system is flushing away the toxins and virus fallout.

An important caution: goldenseal stimulates the uterus and should not be used during pregnancy.

Goldenseal's benefits may start to diminish over very long periods of time, so it is generally recommended for about three weeks at a time or less as necessary.

Combined with Echinacea in an alcohol-free extract is an excellent way to fight the flu in both adults and children. Put 3-4 drops in juice and give to child every 4 hours for 3 days. Can be combined with peppermint tea which will help open up the nasal passages if congested.

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Note: It is recommended to use all herbs in a liquid format, especially during illness since they can be more easily assimilated by the body for a faster response. They can be used in herbal teas with fresh lemon juice and honey, or in unsweetened juices, preferably fresh squeezed.