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