Elderberry Herb For The Flu

Elderberry has enjoyed a long history as a natural treatment for the flu as well as for coughs, colds, sinus infections, fever and other ailments. According to a study conducted by Hadassah University Hospital in Jerusalem published in the "European Cytokine Network" 2001 April/June journal, elderberry extract can cut down the time people spend battling the flu to less than four days. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine states, however, that although elderberry shows promise as a flu treatment, more extensive clinical research is needed.

History

Elderberry comes from the European elder, a large shrub native to Europe, Africa and some parts of Asia. It grows naturalized in the U.S., says the University of Maryland Medical Center. The tree first bears white flowers, then berries that turn from green to red to black, which indicate that they are ripe. The elder's flowers and berries are used for medicinal purposes, says the UMMC. Because the raw berries contain an ingredient similar to cyanide, they must be cooked before they are eaten. Traditionally, elderberries have also used been to prepare foods such as wines and pies, says the University of Michigan Health System.

Properties

The active ingredients in elderberry flowers and berries are called flavonoids, says the UMHS, giving this herb antioxidant properties that may prevent damage to the body's cells. Elderberry may also have antiviral, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. So few clinical studies have been conducted on humans, it's not clear how or if elderberry exerts its effects, according to the UMMC.

Preparations

Elderberry is available in syrup, tincture, capsule and lozenge form. The elder's dried flower typically contains 0.8 percent flavonoids and can be made into tea. One commericial preparation, Sambucol, contains 38 percent elderberry extract for adults and 19 percent for children, says the UMMC. Clinical studies using Sambucol are perhaps the most compelling argument for using elderberry for flu symptoms.

Studies

A 1995 study conducted by Hebrew University's Hadassah Medical School in Jerusalem was the first to demonstrate the effects of elderberry extract on the flu, says integrative physician, Dr. Andrew Weil. In a 2001 report, the Hadassah University Hospital in Jerusalem demonstrated that Sambucol was effective against 10 strains of the flu virus when used in vitro. Moreover, a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study indicated that Sambucol cut down the duration of flu-sufferers' downtime to three to four days. Weil states that although elderberry shows promise as a flu-fighter, more studies are needed to confirm the findings.

Cautions

Elderberry seems to have few side effects, as long as it's used appropriately for five days or less, states the UMMC. Don't give elderberry products to a child without first consulting a doctor. Avoid elderberry if you're pregnant or nursing. Do not consume unripe or uncooked berries--these can be poisonous. Elderberry may interact with diuretics, diabetes medications, chemotherapy drugs, laxatives, theophylline and immunosuppressants. If you take these medications, consult your doctor before taking elderberry.