Elderberry is an immune-boosting supplement that has been used for centuries to fight off the flu. Since it’s cheap and easy to make, elderberry is a popular alternative to buying expensive cold medications.
It’s used by many as a preventative measure or as a cure during the flu season. However, a recent study reveals that elderberry is ineffective at treating coughs and colds. Here are the details of this study and how you can still use elderberry to stay healthy in the winter season.
What is Elderberry?
Elderberry is a herb that grows in the northern parts of Europe and the US. It’s often used for medicinal purposes, especially as a cold remedy. Since it’s so affordable and easy to make, elderberry is very popular for treating colds, coughs, and flu.
It is made from an extract of the elder tree. The leaves of this tree are also effective at preventing asthma attacks, so it’s often used as a preventative measure to keep from getting sick in the winter season.
How It Helps Curing Cold and Flu?
Elderberry is a natural cough suppressant and is also known as health and wellness products. It primarily works to clear the airways of mucus, which can prevent coughing in the first place.
When you have a cold or flu, your airways are packed with mucus, making it hard to breathe. Elderberry helps to reduce the amount of mucus in your lungs, so you don’t suffer from coughing fits during cold and flu season.
What is the Study on Elderberry?
A recent study tested elderberry as a treatment for colds and flu during wintertime. This study was published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases in February of 2018. The researchers recruited 200 people between the ages of 15-60 years old who were experiencing symptoms of the common cold or flu.
Half of the participants were given elderberry extract, and half were given a placebo. The researchers observed the participants for 7 days and measured their symptoms. They found that people who took elderberry extract had a significantly lower cough, sinus congestion, fever, body aches, headache, and fatigue.
The researchers concluded that elderberry extract is an effective treatment for colds and flu during wintertime. They also found no difference between the effectiveness of this supplement compared to a placebo.
The researchers also noted no sign of any side effects of taking this supplement, such as headaches or nausea.
How Does Elderberry Work?
Elderberry is a shrub that grows in Europe, Asia, and North America.
The berries of this plant are edible and can be used for their antioxidant properties. The berries of this plant have traditionally been used as a remedy for various health conditions, including general ill-health, heart disease, high blood pressure, and arthritis.
Scientific research has shown that elderberry extract may have antioxidant properties that protect the body from oxidative damage caused by free radicals and inflammation. Elderberries also contain compounds called flavonoids which have anti-inflammatory effects.
This extract may help reduce the symptoms of many diseases such as colds and flu due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
How Effective is Elderberry For Cold and Flu?
The results of some research studies have shown that elderberries may effectively prevent the symptoms of colds and flu. A study published in 2013 found that the anti-viral effects of the berries could be used to treat colds.
The researchers also found that elderberries may help to reduce the duration of colds and flu by as much as 50%.
Researchers found that extracts from this plant seemed to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals in a test tube experiment. The scientists concluded that flavonoids in elderberry extract might defend cells against oxidative stress caused by free radicals.