Description
Elderberry Syrup is obtained from the berries of the black elderberry. As an antiviral, it may help with respiratory infections.
Possible Benefits
- May kill some viruses
- May improve the immune system
- May have anti-aging effects
- May prevent cell damage
Required Equipment
Elderberry Syrup
Raw berries to prepare at home
How to Do It
You can drink the syrup directly, or mix it into an infusion and drink it hot.
Why it works
- It helps the immune system by increasing the production of inflammatory cytokines, which may help the cells work more effectively in fighting infection.
- Its high content of flavonoids causes it to have anti-aging effects and protect cells from the damage they may receive.
- This plant contains chemicals called anthocyanins, which have been shown to have an antiviral effect and strengthen the immune system.
Time Commitment
2-5 minutes
Suggested Frequency
3-4 times per week
2-3 times per day to lessen the symptoms of the flu
Time of Day
Any
Possible Side Effects
It can cause allergic reactions in some cases.
Tips
- In a recent review [1], elderberry syrup was shown to be very effective in treating upper respiratory symptoms. It even proved to be safer than some traditional antibiotics.
- The berries cannot be eaten if they have not ripened, because they can be toxic.
Supporting Studies and Articles
Expand Collapse- Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) supplementation effectively treats upper respiratory symptoms: A meta-analysis of randomized, controlled clinical trials. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30670267
- Anti-influenza virus effects of elderberry juice and its fractions. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22972323
- Elderberry and Elderflower Extracts, Phenolic Compounds, and Metabolites and Their Effect on Complement, RAW 264.7 Macrophages and Dendritic Cells. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5372600/
- Effects of Elderberry Juice from Different Genotypes on Oxidative and Inflammatory Responses in Microglial Cells. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4859762/
- Elderberry Compounds Directly Inhibit Flu Virus Entry and Replication in Human Cells. https://nutritionreview.org/2019/04/elderberry-compounds-directly-inhibit-flu-virus-entry-and-replication-in-human-cells/
- Health benefits of elderberry. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323288
