Amazing berry for cold & flu season
With cold & flu season fast approaching, it’s time to shop for elderberry. Anti-viral, antioxidant and immune boosting, elderberry is one amazing remedy.
Seeds have been found in Neolithic pole-dwellings in Switzerland, suggesting that the plant was in cultivation by about 2000 B.C.E. By the time of Pliny the Elder (77 C.E.), the medicinal properties were well known. Hippocrates, the ancient Greek known as the father of medicine, called elderberry his “medicine chest” because it seemed to cure so many ailments.
Modern medicine has shown that elderberry is active against multiple pathogens, most notably influenza A & B, Streptococcus, Branhamella catarrhalis (respiratory infections), Herpes simplex and even HIV. Elderberry also is a powerful antioxidant and immune modulator.
Studies have shown it shortens the duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms. Through its hemagglutinin protein, elderberry inhibits flu infection if taken preventively, and the same molecule inhibits virus reproduction if elderberry isn’t started until flu symptoms take hold.
It’s definitely an herb you want in your medicine cabinet this season! Because of that, we’ve stocked up. We now have elderberry in numerous forms: syrup, jam (it’s yummy!), capsules, tablets, gummies, extract and children’s formulas. Come by to pick up your favorite soon.
REFERENCES:
Reduces cold duration
Alternative Medicine Review monograph
RECIPES:
Elderberry Slushie
