We have all heard how vegetables and fruits can have an impact on our health and can significantly make us stronger and immune to several diseases. From broccoli and dark leafy greens to apples and vitamin C rich fruits, the list is endless. Besides, there’s no denying on how beneficial these foods can be for your health. However, what most of us tend to overlook sometimes in the long list of fruits (or rather berries) are elderberries. Consuming these berries can prove to be very advantageous towards our health as there are numerous benefits of taking elderberry. One of the many pros of consuming elderberry is the fact that it is a powerful remedy against influenza. While consuming elderberries to prevent flu is considered as an old wives tales, it is still recommended by several experts. This article will go over the basics of elderberry and how it can be beneficial for you, especially for influenza patients.
What Is Elderberry?
With over 30 types of elder plants all accord the globe, sambucus nigra (the European species) is the popular one particularly due to the health benefits attached with it. Elderberry is regarded as a historical form of medicine and though it may not be a one-size-fits-all remedy, a lot of people who consumed elderberries during their illness vouch for its potential. In terms of folk medicine, elderberry is regarded as one of the best healing plants in the world.
What Are The Benefits Of Taking Elderberry?
Elderberry plant’s flowers and berries have a lot of essential elements that are powerful enough to improve your health significantly. They are jam packed with vitamins and antioxidants that can potentially boost your immune system. Not to mention these berries can also improve hearth health, help reduce inflammation and decrease stress as well. Additionally elderberry is also used for the treatment of a ton of other illnesses that include (but are not limited to):
- HIV or AIDS
- Fever
- Kidney issues
- Joint or muscular pain
- Epilepsy
- Infections that impact your breathing
With all the benefits that are associated with elderberry, it makes it quite reasonable as to why health experts may recommend it to influenza patients especially because it helps with mitigating flu symptoms.
Is Elderberry Effective Against Influenza?
Now on to the real deal, is elderberry effective against preventing or treating influenza? Yes, it potentially can be. Elderberries contain a prime element, which is a hemagglutinin protein that is known to prevent a virus’ capability to cause an infection. Additionally, if you may already be suffering with influenza elderberry may also as act as a good remedy to lessen the severity of the symptoms and stop the virus from spreading.
Now that you’re aware of all the benefits that elderberry has for you and how potentially beneficial it may be against influenza, we suggest that you try it too. However, we highly recommend that you consult your doctor just to be sure if it is safe to consume elderberry.
