Black Elderberries—the Natural Flu Remedy

Everywhere I go right now, people are coughing, sneezing, have runny noses, or are missing work altogether due to their flu symptoms. Black elderberries offer a surprisingly strong natural remedy against flus and the common cold.

My first encounter with black elderberries was in Austria. My wife and I were living in Austria and black elderberries grew everywhere—both wild and cultivated. Our Austrian friends made tea and lemonade from the blossoms, and syrup and black elderberry liquor from the berries. I must confess that the black elderberry liquor tasted heavenly!

But I didn’t discover until later that black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) possesses powerful medicinal properties. Many different varieties of elderberries grow in the U.S. There are several black varieties, whose berries are dark purple—almost black. But there are also European reds, with a bright red berry, and blue elderberries that sport a hazy blue berry. Birds seem to love all the varieties, but it is specifically the black elderberry that boasts so many medicinal powers.

As in Europe, here in America elderberries grow wild in fields, forests and along highways. But many people (like my wife and I) cultivate black elderberries in the garden. Elderberries grow extremely fast and have a spindly, pulpy stem. When cultivated, they must be cut back each year to stimulate new growth.

Black Elderberry Medicinal Uses

The use of black elderberries for medicinal purposes dates back to the earliest times. Hippocrates, the ancient Greek credited as the “father of medicine,” nick-named black elderberries his “medicine chest” because of its wide range of healing applications.[1] The use of black elderberries for their medicinal properties was common among Native Americans as well.

In more recent times, the Israeli’s developed a medication from black elderberries patented as “Sambucol.” This product and others like it are available over-the-counter at many U.S. drug stores today.

In fact, black elderberries have become the focus of numerous scientific studies in Israel, Europe, South America and the U.S. Each of these independent studies have demonstrated that black elderberries boost the immune system and significantly shorten the duration of cold and flu symptoms. Black elderberries have been shown to be effective against at least 10 different strains of human influenza. [2]

Because of the inherent dangers of the flu shot and its poor performance, many argue that black elderberries offer a safer, more effective remedy for the common cold and flus.[3] And some governments have promoted its use over against immunization.[4]

In one study, an outbreak of the flu in a kibbutz in Israel offered a great opportunity to test the efficacy of black elderberries. The infected members were divided into two groups. One group received black elderberry syrup, the other a placebo.

Within 24 hours, 20 percent those who took the black elderberry syrup experienced significant relief from all flu symptoms. An additional 73 percent felt relief after the second day. Within three days, 90 percent of those who took black elderberry syrup were completely well.

By contrast, only 26 percent of the group who took the placebo felt some improvement after two days, and it took the rest in the placebo group six days to feel well again.[5]

The Science behind Black Elderberries

Black elderberries have been shown to:

1. Boost the immune system. A strong immune system is the best insurance against infection. Black elderberries contain chemical compounds called anthocyanidins, which are known to boost the immune system.[6] The berries also stimulate the production of and regulate cytokines. These are chemicals in the body that enable our immune system to function well and inhibit inflammation.[7]
2. Fight infections and help prevent free radicals from damaging cells. Flavonoids provide this antioxidant power. Black elderberries are higher in flavonoids than blueberries, cranberries, goji berries or blackberries. “Specifically, the flavonoids in the elderberry extract bind to the H1N1 human influenza virus as well as the H5N1 avian influenza virus.”[8]
3. Inhibit the spread of viruses. Studies are showing that black elderberry extract impedes viral action in a variety of influenza viruses. The flavonoids and proteins in black elderberry syrup hinder the ability of cold and flu viruses to infect a cell.[9]
4. Lower blood sugar. Studies have confirmed that black elderberry extract stimulates the body’s ability to metabolize glucose and secrete insulin, thus lowering blood sugar.[10]

Black Elderberry Herbal Medicine

You can purchase a wide variety of black elderberry herbal preparations over-the-counter at your local drugstore or on-line. Follow the directions provided. Some of the brands available include:

• Sambucol (offered by different manufacturers)
• Nature’s Way Organic Sambucus
• Gaia—Black Elderberry Syrup
• Honey Gardens Elderberry Syrup

Preparing Your Own Black Elderberry Syrup

Before my wife and I ordered and planted a black elderberry bush in our garden, I found black elderberries growing on the west face of a nearby mountain. I used to hike to this remote location in late summer to harvest the berries. It’s much easier having the bush in our back yard! You can also order dried elderberries through the mail, but in our experience, they don’t taste as good after being dried.

The berries turn very dark purple—almost black when they’re ready to harvest. They grow in large clusters, so I carry a scissors with me to cut the soft stem holding each cluster. I can harvest a large bowl-full of berries within a few minutes.

WARNING: DO NOT EAT THE BERRIES RAW! Black elderberries must be cooked before consuming. The berries’ seeds contain a toxin that is neutralized during the cooking process. Also, after cooking, strain the seeds and pulp out, leaving a thick, dark syrup.

Black Elderberry Syrup Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh elderberries
• 3 cups water
• 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
• 3 whole cloves (optional)
• 1 tsp minced fresh ginger root (optional)
• 1 cup honey

Directions

1. Place all ingredients except honey in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Bring to a boil, reduce to low heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
3. Then, using a potato masher, mash berries to release their juice.
4. Strain mixture through a fine sieve and retain the juice. Discard the pulp.
5. Let juice cool.
6. Stir in honey thoroughly and transfer to a jar with a lid. Syrup will last in the fridge for 2 to 3 months.

Unless you happen to be allergic to elderberries, there are no known negative side effects when used sensibly. Simply use like you would a cough syrup and administer 1 teaspoon.

With the cold and flu season upon us, black elderberries offer a safe, effective means for getting you over those nasty symptoms quickly!

You don’t need us to remind you that winter comes with congestion, infections and a host of other undesirables. Our coworkers are sniffling, our elevator mates are coughing, and we’re constantly searching for ways to avoid the dreaded symptoms of the season. We do welcome tasty remedies for a scratchy throat or stuffy nose like this immune boosting smoothie or this chicken soup, which has long been used in folk medicine to cure aches and pains.

Sources:
[1] Dr. Josh Axe, “Elderberry: Natural Medicine for Colds, Flus, Allergies & More,” n.d., https://draxe.com/elderberry/.
[2] Naturally Nicole, “Elderberry Syrup Proven Effective Against Over 10 Strains of Influenza,” September 8, 2017, http://naturallynicole.com/elderberry-syrup-proven-effective-against-over-10-strains-of-influenza/.
[3] Naturally Nicole.
[4] Dr. Josh Axe.
[5] Dr. James A. Duke, PhD, The Green Pharmacy (Emmaus, PA: Rodale Press, 1997), pp. 136-137.
[6] Dr. Josh Axe.
[7] Dr. Kevin Curran, “3 Benefits of Black Elderberry Syrup for Our Immune System,” EthnoHerbalist, September 6, 2017, http://www.ethnoherbalist.com/benefits-of-elderberry-black-elderberry-syrup-for-colds/.
[8] Dr. Josh Axe.
[9] Naturally Nicole.
[10] Dr. Josh Axe.