The HERB that will get you through the WiNter

The dreaded COLD'n'FLU season is here - have you gotten sick yet?

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I have - and I'm so grateful that I have a wonderful dispensary full of herbs to rebuild my immune system, kill the bacteria and eradicate the virus that’s the cause of the common cold and Flu. 

One of my favourite herbs for assisting in the treatment of the cold and flu is Elderberry or Sambucus nigra.

Elderberry has been used for centuries to treat colds and influenza. Clinical studies support the traditional use of Elderberry, and demonstrate its effectiveness for the treatment of influenza A and B.

Elderberrys’ actions include:

Antiviral

Immune enhancing

Diaphoretic

Anti-cattarral

Elderberry is therefore indicated for:

Common cold

Influenza

Sinusitus

Acute infections

Bronchitis

Catarrh

Larryngitis

Viruses are identified by two types of glycoproteins that bind too and infect cells. The glycoproteins are called Haemaglutinin and Neuraminidase. The virus with type 1 Haemaglutinin and type 1 Neuraminidase is called H1N1. Trials indicate that Elderberry flavonoids taken early enough can retard a viral infection through two processes. They bind to the glycoproteins and reduce their ability to attach to cells and secondly, because the glycoproteins also facilitate viral uptake by cells the Elderberry flavonoids are also making them much less infective.

A 2009 clinical trial found that the H1N1 influenza inhibitory activity of the flavonoids found in Elderberry compare positively with oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and amantadine anti-influenza activities.

Elderberry works via its ability to neutralise the activity of the haemagglutinin spikes, which are present on the surface of viruses. These include Herpes virus and influenza virus A and B. The deactivation of these haemagglutinin spikes renders the virus incapable of entering cells and replicating.

In addition to its action on haemagglutinin, Elderberry may also inhibit neuraminidase activity. Lectins found in Elderberry have exhibited binding abilities to α2,6-linked sialic acid, which may be responsible for some of its ability to inhibit viral binding and replication to erythrocytes and respiratory epithelial cells.

People with influenza were given an Elderberry extract within the first 48 hours of onset of symptoms. This resulted in a significant improvement in symptoms after 3 to 4 days. This same level of improvement took 7 to 8 days in those receiving placebo. There was also improvement in aches and pains, frequency of coughing, quality of sleep, mucus discharge in the respiratory tract and nasal congestion in those receiving Elderberry.

Are you suffering from any of those symptoms? It’s time for you to go see your naturopath. And get onto some Y.E.P. tea too! What's YEP - check it here 

Call me for a quick consult to arrange a mix for you.