Elderberries have been long known for their health benefits, but new studies show that they might be more efficient than we knew before.
According to new research, elderberry syrup can do miracles when it comes to treating colds and flu and can help you feel much better in just 2 days. Their immune-boosting properties lie in the fact that they contain high levels of Vitamin C and antioxidants.
So, now it might be a good idea to make a big stash of elderberry syrup, as studies from 2004 and 2009 have shown that it can cut the symptoms of a cold in just 48 hours.
A study from 2004, published by the Journal of International Medical Research stated that the use of elderberry extract on influenza A or B virus, shortened the lifespan of the disease with 4 days. Patients participating in the study have been given 15 ml of elderberry syrup four times per day for a total of 5 days, while others received a placebo.
The latter showed no signs of improvement, while the first category made great progress in just 24 hours.
In a 2009 study, published in the Online Journal of Pharmacology, H1N1 and avian flu patients were given four 175-milligram doses of elderberry extract daily.
“Within 48 hours of treatment, nearly 90% of the elderberry extract treated patients were either symptom free or had only mild symptoms,” the researchers wrote.
A 2016 study, published in Nutrients, showed elderberry can reduce the duration and symptoms of a cold in air travelers.
Travelers using this herb from 10 days before travel until four to five days after arriving overseas experienced on average a two-day shorter duration of their colds and also a significant reduction in cold symptoms.
These are very promising results but keeping in mind that you should always ask your doctor for treatment first and then add some natural remedies to keep your immune system boosted.
