Cold and flu season arrives fast and inconveniently. Before you know it, the cough and sniffles dominate your commute to work. Inevitably the flu attacks, and you fall victim, costing two precious sick/vacation days meant to be used on a beach. This has happened to most of us at least once.
On top of the everyday battle we face against illnesses like the cold and flu, we now face threats like COVID-19. Cold and flu season is a battle for our immune systems. Luckily, many natural herbs and nutrients may help our bodies fight at max strength to defeat or weaken these illnesses. One potential ally in the cold and flu battle is Elderberry.
What is Elderberry?
Elderberry is a darker-colored berry found throughout warm areas of North America, Europe, North Africa, and Asia. Elderberry is a popular berry found in folklore worldwide and is believed to heal ailments and reduce symptoms throughout history[1]. Its uses have been written about by many of the pioneers of medicine, such as Hippocrates. Cultures from the Native Americans to the Egyptians have been discovered to have used elderberry for various medical, culinary, and other uses. And we agree that it's a powerful supplement to keep around.
What is Elderberry good for?
As stated above, Elderberry has had many uses throughout history. Many of these have been scientifically supported. Elderberry was even considered an option that might strengthen one's defense against COVID-19, having properties that may mitigate symptoms when COVID positive. A study indicated that supplementation of elderberries may substantially reduce upper respiratory symptoms [2]. Elderberry provides antiviral properties that may be effective against viruses. It does so by reducing the virus’ ability to replicate [3]. Additionally, elderberry has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
What are the benefits of taking Elderberry?
Elderberry has many properties that make it beneficial in the supplement world. We have already mentioned its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, and antiviral properties. But what exactly do these properties do, and how does elderberry work? Continue reading to find out!
Anti-inflammatory
Inflammation is a common issue amongst people of all ages. Inflammation from poor posture, a torn shoulder, or inflammation as the symptom of a virus or illness at work is a common issue we have all faced. Macrophages are found within the body that promote inflammation. Through studies, Elderberry has shown modulating properties over those macrophages, indicating that it may reduce inflammation [4]. This means potentially being less sore after a sports injury or experiencing less inflammation in the sinuses could lessen the pain of a pounding headache.
Antibacterial
Antibacterial doesn’t necessarily mean a strong soap to kill harmful bacteria after you use the restroom. It is also done internally as our bodies fight off foreign and harmful bacteria. Elderberry, in the veterinary world, has shown helpful in battling the bronchitis virus in some animals. Studies show that this may translate to humans, and taking elderberry may reduce the severity of symptoms [5].
Antioxidant
Elderberry has shown to have powerful antioxidant properties. Antioxidants play a vital role within your body. They fight what are known to be free radicals in the body. Free Radicals are substances needed within your body, but too much can cause serious concerns. Free radicals, when not regulated or when they become too abundant within your body, can cause illnesses, pain, and injuries and potentially can lead to cancer. Unfortunately, we are exposed to free radicals in numerous ways. We interact with them through air pollution, infection, prolonged exercise, alcohol intake, etc. With free radicals attacking our bodies from all directions, it is crucial to keep them regulated.
Anti-viral
Recent studies show that elderberry’s antiviral properties don't necessarily help fight off infection but are showing positive signs of potentially reducing the length of an illness [6]. Additionally, studies show that elderberry may also be an effective method to mitigate upper respiratory symptoms. One study conducted on 180 participants showed promising results of the effectiveness of elderberry supplementation in treating symptoms. In fact, it was found to substantially reduce upper respiratory symptoms [7].
Why should you be taking elderberry?
The potential benefits elderberry adds to our body's defense system against certain ailments make it a staple in any balanced diet and supplement routine. While science has begun to investigate the validity of its historical use, the results are strong. Elderberry has not only shown the potential to reinforce our body's natural defense systems, but it may be highly beneficial in weakening the effects of many ailments and potentially reducing recovery times. With the proven science to back it, elderberry’s potential benefits are hard to argue. Curious as to what more Elderberry can provide? Click here to continue to research elderberry options with Freeda Health.
[1] https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/elderberry
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30670267/
[3] https://botanicalinstitute.org/elderberry/
[4] https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/18/3/584/htm
[5] https://bmcvetres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1746-6148-10-24