Is Elderberry Juice Concentrate Safe & Helpful To Protect Against Flu Viruses?

Up to 20 percent of Americans come down with the flu each year, according to MedlinePlus, a division of the National Institutes of Health. Symptoms are similar to those of a cold, only more severe, and include muscle aches, coughing, headache, sore throat, chills and a fever. Concentrated elderberry juice might help to prevent the flu or reduce its symptoms, but clinical research confirming this benefit is sketchy. The flu can be deadly for those with compromised immune system and for infants and the elderly. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms, and use elderberry juice under a doctor's supervision.

Elderberry

Elderberries are the tiny bluish-black fruits of the European elder, or Sambucus nigra plant. After a show of frothy white flowers in the spring, berries develop in large bunches, bending low the stems of the plant. The berries contain flavonoids, volatile oils and caffeic acid derivatives, which might be responsible for the herb's effects, according to the book "PDR for Herbal Medicines."

Juice Benefits

Elderberry juice might help to prevent the flu, due to an antiviral action, and it might help shorten the duration of the flu by increasing bronchial secretions and perspiration, reports the "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine." A 2001 study conducted at the Immunology Laboratory for Tumor Diagnosis at Hadassah University Hospital in Israel, concluded that standardized elderberry extract was potentially beneficial for reducing flu duration and for bolstering the immune system. The findings need further testing to confirm these results.

Method

Mixing elderberry juice with another liquid depends upon the concentration of the product. Follow the dilution instructions on the package to make a flavorful drink. You may also prepare an elderberry flu remedy by adding 1 tsp. of dried elderberries to 1 cup of water and simmering for 20 minutes before straining, or by stirring elderberry liquid extract into hot water. The "Gale Encyclopedia" suggests taking elderberry preparations in the afternoon and evening.

Considerations

When taken as directed, the "Gale Encyclopedia" reports that elderberry juice is probably safe for most people. Due to the lack of studies on the safety of the herb, however, do not use elderberry juice if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or if you have liver or kidney disease, unless directed to do so by a medical professional. Your doctor is the best source of advice for treating the flu.