Honey, Elderberry & The Flu

Every year, the CDC monitors and predicts the spread of specific strains of influenza virus. The flu, a respiratory illness, can cause a sore throat, cough, stuffiness, headache, fever, muscle aches and vomiting. In severe cases, it can be fatal. Once you've caught the bug and you're feeling miserable, preliminary studies and anecdotal evidence indicate that natural remedies, like elderberry and honey, may ease mild flu symptoms and shorten the duration of the virus. Since the flu can be a serious illness, see your doctor first, and use elderberry and honey preparations under medical advice.

Elderberry

Elderberries turn deep purple in early autumn when they are ready to be harvested. From the elder, or Sambucus nigra, shrub, these tiny berries have a long history of use in healing. Although clinical testing is necessary to confirm the benefits of elderberry in easing flu symptoms, the berry is a popular ingredient in over-the-counter natural cough syrups. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the berries may be antiviral and anti-inflammatory, potentially reducing the swelling of nasal membranes.

Honey

In addition to being a natural choice for sweetening elderberry tea or cough syrups, honey may be beneficial in its own right. This natural product of the honeybee, when added to cold and flu remedies, soothes sore throats and may have antibacterial properties. A 2009 Netherlands study indicated that honey might be beneficial in destroying some types of bacteria. Additional tests confirming this activity are necessary.

Methods/Dosage

For elderberry tea, pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tsp. of the dried berries, steep for 10 minutes, then strain. Add 1 or 2 tsp. of honey to sweeten the tea. Elderberry flu products are also available in health food stores in prepared syrups, tinctures and extracts. The "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine," suggests a dosage of not more than 15 g of extract per day, taken in three equal doses.

Considerations

The FDA does not regulate natural health products, so there is no guarantee of safety or quality. The "Gale Encyclopedia," notes that elderberry preparations are not known to be harmful when taken as directed, but do not give elderberry to children, pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers, unless directed to do so by a doctor. Do not give honey to a child under the age of one.