Over the years, people have been drawn to the use of herbal remedies to fight the common cold or combat problem areas within the body. From peppermint tea for bloating and ginger for inflammation, elderberry syrup is yet another natural way to boost your immune system.
Like many herbal remedies, elderberries, the fruit of the Sambucus tree, have been around for hundreds of years. Native Americans and Europeans have used the purple plant to help fight off colds, the flu, and other respiratory infections.
Packed with antioxidants and rich in fiber and vitamin C, elderberries provide benefits in a variety of ways! Many health food stores now sell elderberry supplements, jelly, gummies, tea, and syrup. Plus, unlike many over-the-counter drugs (which have a medicinal taste), elderberry syrup is slightly sweet and tasty.
In a 2004 study, sixty patients suffering from flu-like symptoms were divided at random – some receiving elderberry syrup and others receiving a placebo. Patients who received the elderberry saw their symptoms reduce four days earlier than those who didn’t.
At Integrative Nutrition, we believe in the concept of bio-individuality – that one person’s food is another person’s poison. In the same way, elderberry might help some people beat their cold, while others might not see a significant difference. However, it might be worth asking about the next time you visit your local health food store.
What natural remedies have you tried to boost your immune system? Let us know what’s worked for you in the comments below!
