With school back in session and cold and flu season not too far away, it’s a great time to think about providing some extra immune support for your family. As with any condition, prevention is easier (and better) to execute than treatment. One effective way to prevent disease and support your immune system naturally is with elderberry.
What is elderberry?
Elderberry was discovered centuries ago, and this potent superfruit has been used to treat various illnesses ever since. Loaded with vitamin C and vitamin A, this amazing purple fruit contains strong antiviral properties, including powerful plant compounds known as bioflavonoids.
Elderberries are also a natural source of anthocyanins, which have anti-inflammatory properties that can ease the body aches commonly associated with colds and the flu. They also happen to be packed with powerful antioxidants that are known to fight disease and protect cells from further damage.
What is elderberry used for?
A powerful support to your immune system, elderberry has been used to prevent and treat stubborn viral and bacterial infections, diabetes and asthma. Due to the nutrients it provides, it also encourages healthy cholesterol levels, leading to a healthier heart.
Elderberry is perhaps most commonly used to relieve the symptoms associated with colds, including sore throat, cough and congestion. In fact, studies show that when people with the flu took elderberry, their symptoms were mild, and they recuperated quicker than those who did not use the supplement.
How should I take elderberry?
Unlike similar berries, elderberries are non-toxic even when ingested raw. Still, elderberries are generally cooked or dried before being used in medicinal formulations. Having a pleasant taste, medicinal elderberries are usually sold as extracts or syrups.
Because of its sweet flavor, this natural immune booster is great for children who may otherwise be hard to please when it comes to taking vitamins or medicines.
While your local pharmacy has countless cold and flu medications to choose from, they generally only mask your symptoms. On the other hand, elderberry supplements and other natural immune supporters work with your body, strengthening its natural defense system.
So next time you find yourself feeling under the weather, consider trying elderberry – nature's provision for a healthy immune system.