Can you imagine getting through the flu in as little as two days? That is what one study showed when using 15 ml of black elderberry syrup four times a day. That is four days earlier than those who were on a placebo. If you have ever had the flu, you know that the symptoms make you absolutely miserable for about a week and then you are prone to lingering symptoms that can last for weeks or even months. Black elderberry syrup is the preventative, and possibly cure, you are looking for.
Knocks out multiple strains
Although there are many strains of influenza, black elderberry is known to be effective against 10 of them. Also known as Sambucus nigra it is a potent antiviral and increases inflammatory cytokines to help the immune system fight off disease. Although more studies need to be done, black elderberry syrup could also have an immunoprotective or immunostimulatory effect when given to cancer or AIDS patients, with chemotherapy or other treatments. Some people with autoimmune conditions need to avoid increasing inflammatory cytokines even to fight off infection. These people should not take black elderberry syrup. Consult your functional medicine practitioner to ask if this applies to you.
Best times to use it
Taking a flight? This is a great time for using some black elderberry syrup. So many illnesses are passed on airplanes. From the surfaces you touch to the air you share to breathe, air travel is notorious for transmitting colds and flu. Take the syrup preventively before and after travel for optimal health status.
Syrupy goodness
Use black elderberry syrup where you would use any other syrup. It’s great on pancakes, waffles, yogurt, and ice cream. It can also be mixed in with seltzer water for an immune-boosting tonic.
Whichever way you use it, make sure it’s a staple in your winter-time routine.
Dr. Stacey