Black Elderberry - Powerful Natural Remedy against Influenza and Cold |
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Are you afraid of influenza or cold?
You can avoid them by taking elderberries, the best antiviral herbal remedy.
In Croatia, elderberry is a widespread plant and people often prepare elderberry juice from its flowers.
But, many believe that its black fruits are toxic and therefore unusable.
It is a fact that they can cause nausea and vomiting if eaten raw, but if they are picked when ripe and thermally processed, they are completely harmless and very healthy.
They can be used for preparing juices, compotes and jams.
Black Elderberry is most useful when taken as tea, syrup or tincture.
Its berries are so potent that they should be considered primarily as medicine, not as food.
Small Berries of High Nutritional Value
Black Elderberry (lat. Sambucus nigra) contains concentrated levels of:
- vitamin C
- beta-carotene
- flavonoids
- fruit acids
- antioxidant polyphenols
- anthocyanins
Due to their nutritive value they can be compared to blueberries and strawberries and the body absorbs them better than black currants.
Elderberries have almost the same high levels of antioxidants as aronia berries and five times more antioxidants then blueberries.
It is believed that anthocyanins contained in elderberry improve the immune system by stimulating the production of cytokines - proteins that regulate the immune reactions in the body.
Black Elderberry Extract – Overcomes Flu
Scientist have paid special attention to elderberry extract.
It is very effective against influenza virus.
Studies show that elderberry extract contains powerful antiviral compounds and high quantities of bioflavonoids that help in fighting influenza.
The elderberry extract had been scientifically very well explored and it has been confirmed that it boosts immunity and really helps with cold and influenza.
Laboratory tests show that elderberry extract has better effects then echinacea which also accelerates healing of infections.
It was proved that elderberry extract is effective in reducing symptoms of influenza A and B.
Controlled study conducted during the epidemic of influenza B showed that there has been a significant improvement in 93% patients after they consumed elderberry extract for 2 days.
In the same period of 2 days 90% of patients were completely healed while patients in placebo group recovered in six days.
Broad Application and Powerful Results
Elderberries have a powerful antiviral effect and promising results were shown in treating other types of viruses – including herpes simplex and HIV.
Due to their general effect on the immunity system, elderberries help with broad spectrum of medical problems:
- high cholesterol
- allergies
- tumors
- asthma
- diabetes
- overweight problems
- nerve disorder
- back pain
- bladder and urination problems
Dosage
If you are experiencing symptoms of virosis take one tablespoon of elderberry extract four times a day.
Children should take 2 tablespoons daily during 3 days.
In the treating influenza all kinds of elderberry preparations are welcomed - syrup, elderberry juice, tea, tincture and elderberry extract.
Homemade Elderberry Healing Remedies
Homemade Elderberry Syrup
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup of dried elderberries
- 3 cups of water
- ¾ cup of honey
Preparation:
Boil elderberries in water and cook until the liquid is reduced by half.
When the mixture is cooled add honey.
Pour the syrup into sterilized bottles and close.
Take 4 tablespoons a day. Children should take 2 spoons a day.
Elderberry Tincture
Squeeze ripe berries in glass jar and cover with brandy, 2 fingers above the surface of berries.
Leave for 6 weeks in shady and warm place, shake it from time to time.
After 6 weeks, strain and consume in the same way as syrup.
Terjak - The Old Slovenian Traditional Recipe
This old traditional recipe for elderberry preparation has been used in Slovenia for treating cold and pulmonary diseases.
Take ripe elderberries, add sugar and leave them for 24 hours.
The following day, filter the mixture and cook on low heat for minimum one hour until you get a dense, sticky juice.
Mix the boiled juice with an equal amount of sugar and store in glass jars.
Take this elderberry syrup several times a day by adding one teaspoon of Terjak to 2 dcl of hot water.
Instead of sugar you can use honey or some other natural sweetener.
Note
Pregnant women and people suffering from autoimmune diseases are advised to avoid elderberry preparations.
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