The Essential Solution for Cold and Flu Viruses You Need
Written by Susan Parker | Updated on May 28, 2025
Reviewed by Susan Parker
Key Takeaways
Elderberry has been used for thousands of years.
Elderberry is a powerhouse of disease-fighting nutrients.
Elderberry can cut flu duration by four days.
Elderberry is highly effective in treating flu-like symptoms.
Elderberry may help reduce cold severity during air travel.
Elderberry extract is commonly used for prevention and treatment.
Elderberry capsules are convenient for consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Key Takeaways
Elderberry has been used for thousands of years.
Elderberry is a powerhouse of disease-fighting nutrients.
Elderberry can cut flu duration by four days.
Elderberry is highly effective in treating flu-like symptoms.
Elderberry may help reduce cold severity during air travel.
Elderberry extract is commonly used for prevention and treatment.
Elderberry capsules are convenient for consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Its medicinal properties have been acknowledged for millennia.
Hippocrates, revered as the “father of medicine,” dubbed this plant his “medicine cabinet” for its efficacy in treating various health issues. Ancient Greek healers like Galen also lauded it as one of nature’s most potent healers.
From my personal experience, I can attest to its remarkable qualities.
Prior to the antibiotic era, this plant played a vital role in herbal remedies prescribed by healers and doctors.
Today, particularly during this season, individuals well-versed in natural remedies utilize this esteemed herbal extract for preventing or recovering from colds and flu.
It’s known as elderberry.
Elderberry or elder (Sambucus nigra) is a plant that blossoms with berries containing a rich array of plant pigments, chemicals, vitamins, trace elements, and minerals.
Scientific studies have revealed that elderberry possesses diverse health benefits such as antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, and immune-modulating properties.
Its significant anthocyanins content, a type of flavonoid, offers defense against infectious diseases, heart conditions, diabetes, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and more.
Research on humans has validated elderberry’s efficacy against cold and flu viruses.
In a study conducted during an influenza outbreak in Israel in 1993, nearly nine out of ten flu patients who used elderberry extract achieved a “complete recovery” in just two days, compared to six days for those who received a placebo.
Subsequent research involving Norwegians with flu-like symptoms discovered that those taking elderberry extract experienced symptom relief four days earlier than the placebo group.
Researchers concluded that elderberry extract provides an effective, safe, and cost-efficient treatment for influenza.
In another trial, adults with flu-like symptoms who consumed elderberry extract showed significant relief compared to those on a placebo.
In a recent study by researchers from Griffith University, elderberry was found to decrease the duration and severity of cold symptoms in air travelers in comparison to a placebo group.
As a long-time consumer of elderberry extract, I have found it effective in reducing the duration of my colds and use it for prevention, particularly during travel or flu outbreaks.
I opt for capsules for convenience, such as those from Nature’s Way known as Black Elderberry.
Moreover, I have begun utilizing a potent glutathione enhancer for its antioxidant advantages and potential for immune support.
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