Elderberry for Flu Treatment & Prevention

For the past month, the number one health issue on everybody's minds has been H1N1, or swine flu. Since a vaccine against this virus became available in late October, pregnant women and young children have been considered "high priority", and have been strongly encouraged to get the shot. According to the media and public health officials, this is the only measure people can take besides hand washing that stands between health and illness. However, there are other ways people can actively support their immune systems against the flu without a vaccine.

As always, nature's cupboard gives us many options, and in particular, a lesser known berry that deserves to make a comeback. I'm talking about Elderberry (Sambucus nigra). Traditionally, the Elder tree was likened to a medicine chest, since the leaves, flowers and berries can all be used for medicine. The berries are rich in flavonoids and contain more vitamin C than any herb except rosehips and black currant. Both the flowers and the berries have long been used for the treatment of influenza, with the flowers being consumed as a hot tea to promote sweating, and the berries taken as Elderberry wine or syrup.

Recent research backs up this traditional use. Two studies demonstrated that an extract of Elderberry significantly reduced the severity and duration of influenza infection compared with placebo. The mechanism of action is quite exciting. While the well-known drug Tamiflu works by preventing the virus from spreading from an infected cell to a healthy one, Elderberry actually prevents the virus from infecting healthy cells in the first place! It also modulates the immune system, encouraging white blood cells to migrate to areas of inflammation, and possesses potent antioxidant properties. And unlike conventional anti-viral drugs, there are no side effects to this medicine, which can also be considered a food. Another advantage is that while a vaccine only protects against one strain of influenza, Elderberry is effective against any strain that may come along, without the risk of developing viral resistance.

There are no known side effects or contraindications for using elderberry, and it is considered safe during pregnancy and for small children. The naturopathic doctors at OIHC carry an effective and tasty herbal formula with elderberry as its base for cold or flu symptoms, which is appropriate for pregnant women and children of all ages.

Elderberry is a wonderful herb and food that deserves to be re-discovered, especially given the current pandemic of influenza and concerns over the safety and availability of vaccines and conventional anti-viral medications. Once again, nature gives us a safe, effective, and readily available option for a common health problem!