After a couple of years of avoiding the spotlight, the flu will likely enter stage left and perform with a vengeance this year.
While we remove masks, forget about the full 20 seconds of hand washing, and step a little closer to strangers in line at the grocery store, exposure to flu viruses will inevitably be on the rise this fall. And with an increase in exposure comes an increase in infection. The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and occasionally the lungs. It often causes mild illness, but in some cases can be severe and even lead to death.
- To avoid being bedridden this flu season, there is one way to halt the flu in its tracks and minimize symptoms that are garnering a lot of attention. Enter elderberry. A recent systematic review looking at elderberry for the treatment of upper respiratory symptoms found that elderberry could help shorten the duration of colds or influenza. Elderberry contains anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid with immunomodulating and anti-inflammatory effects. Anthocyanins can attach to, and render ineffective, viral glycoproteins that would normally allow the virus to enter host cells. This potential for inhibiting viral infections has brought elderberry to the forefront of supplements to consider when fighting a viral infection.
- To create an even more potent flu fighter, standardized elderberry extraction techniques allow for the concentration of its active constituents. ElderCraft® is one such extract from Austrian elderberries that undergo a gentle, entirely mechanical, and artificial-solvent-free process. It separates and concentrates larger molecules (polyphenols and anthocyanins) from smaller ones (sugars and mineral salts), which are then combined in the final product resulting in the retention of the entire fruit matrix of the berry, and an authentic, safe, high-quality product. As an extract, elderberry has demonstrated inhibitory effects on influenza A and influenza B viruses as well as the avian coronavirus, Herpes simplex virus, and H1N1 “swine” flu virus.
- Based on the current evidence demonstrating elderberry’s immunomodulatory and antiviral activity, it should be considered a safe and effective treatment to assist in reducing the duration and severity of upper respiratory tract infections like the flu. With the burden we have seen on the medical system in recent years, preventing and treating flu symptoms with natural and effective approaches could potentially help ease this burden and help you stay healthy this season.
Here’s a refresher on what to do in flu season:
Wash your hands frequently for 20 SECONDS at a time
AVOID DIRECT CONTACT with infected people
If you’re sick, STAY HOME and get lots of rest
STAY HYDRATED with soups and warm liquids
Take ELDERBERRY extract
