Elderberry our Virus Protector
Elderberries have been used for hundreds if not thousands of years for preventing and treating cold, flu, pneumonia and general shivery unwell feelings. (And its summer flowering blossoms can also be used in similar ways as they share biochemistry.)
Many studies over the years have proved elderberries to possess anti-viral, anti-microbial compounds with an ability to power up and modulate the immune system. Most of the studies focused on flu and results showed its ability to alter viral attack on at least eleven different flu strains. Its biochemistry responds to virus initially by preventing the viral spike from being able the puncture and penetrate into human host cells. This can then prevent the ability of the virus to replicate itself and proliferate or overwhelm the immune system. So taking elderberry preventatively throughout the Autumn and Winter is sensible. However, elderberry can be used once you are sick and it will speedily start and then continue to disarm the virus, reducing replication speed. So the trick is to take in generous doses at this stage in order to slow the virus down and reduce illness severity and length of time, often by 4 or 5 days.
Elderberry will favourably alter the entirety of immune activity including cytokine production. But it’s very potent anti-inflammatory compounds mitigate risks for cytokine storms.
It contains very high levels of anthocyanins ( its blue-black flavonoids) that give it its anti-inflammatory biochemistry. And this balancing of excess cytokine response is down to its potent anti-inflammatory compounds.
You can make your own elderberry syrup. Always pick the ripe (black) berries, avoiding anything either green and unripe or with mould on. Vitally always process the berries either by cooking, drying or tincturing to avoid the toxic cyanogenic glycosides that in quantity will cause nausea, vomiting numbness etc!
The dose for syrup which is ideal for children is roughly 1 to 2 tsp daily throughout Winter.
For adults 5ml of 1:2 tincture x 1 daily. With up to 5ml or 10 ml per dose 3 to 4 times daily if ill. Or an option to halve that higher dose, instead of using with echinacea tincture as well.
Elderberry Stops/Slows Virus
* Studies showed berries prevented a viral attack on 11 strains of flu
* If infected will slow down and modulate virus attack to mitigate symptoms and duration
* High levels of anti-inflammatory compounds balance out cytokine activity
* A traditional cold & flu remedy proven by studies
* Compounds prevent viral spike entry into human cells
* Raises abilities of the entirety of the immune system
* Use higher doses if infected until well
* Use preventatively all Autumn/Winter
Elderberry Syrup
* 1 cup dried elderberries (or 2 cups fresh)
* 2 tsp or more ginger and cinnamon (more cinnamon equals greater sweetness)
* 3 to 4 cups water
* Boil, simmer for 45 minutes
* Cool, mash, then sieve berries
* Stir in raw honey or maple syrup to taste
Elderberry Tincture Shot or Long-Drink
* Strenght of 1:2 tincture for adults. Take 5 ml daily preventatively and 5 to 10 ml x 3 daily if sick
* Can make as drink 5ml plus grape juice and water
* Syrup suits children, 5ml to 10ml daily
If you would like to give this a try, here is a link to our Elderberry Tincture: https://tinyurl.com/yabe4w77
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