Do you reach for herbs? Let me suggest a few reasons to consider doing so!
You probably know 🧐
School has started 🚌
the weather is a little crazy ☀️🌧🌩❄️🌈
and sore throats 😷
coughs & colds 🤧
and viruses are on the move 🤢
but why is that a reason to reach for herbs?🌱
Herbs 🌿 have been around …well, as long as 👉🏼🌍
And if there’s one thing we are learning in our modern age – many of the tools we have been taught to rely on like NSAIDs and over the counter anti-inflammatory medications can actually create a whole host of problems including gastritis, liver issues and more #sideeffects #pollution #preventablediseases
But if we do a little research, we find some of our most potent and powerful 💥 allies are growing right under our feet.🦶
Take elderberries:
Traditionally made into a simple syrup that has been used for centuries to help prevent and treat colds🤧 and flu🤮- we now have research that backs that up (funny how we need research to prove what has worked for centuries.. 🤷🏼♀️)
not only does #elderberry reduce your chances of catching a virus, it shortens the duration CONSIDERABLY. 👊🏻
Research consistently shows that it shortens the duration by several days and reduces symptoms by almost HALF.
With little to no side effects…
Combined with vitamin C.. the benefits are even greater.
Skeptical? Check out this study from oslo, Norway and I’ll reference some other studies below that show that those who regularly take elderberry have higher anti-bodies to influenza (=prevention).
Plus a good elderberry syrup is A LOT easier to get down little people and big people than most medicine💪
Elderberry has also shown to reduce pain, lower fevers, shorten the duration of herpes outbreaks, improve vision and lower cholesterol.
Like anything, If you have a medical condition or are taking prescription medication = check with your Dr or a qualified herbalist before you try any herbs or supplements.
Looking for a great product? There are lots of good ones out there and more coming to market every year – we love Elderberry Apple Shots, with only 2 ingredients.
links to several other favorites in my Amazon store.
1. Zakay-Rones Z, Varsano N, Zlotnik M, et al. Inhibition of several strains of influenza virus in vitro and reduction of symptoms by an elderberry extract (Sambucus Nigra L.) during an outbreak of Influenza B Panama. J Altern Complement Med. 1995;1(4):361–9.
2. Zakay-Rones Z, Thom E, Wollan T, Wadstein J. Randomized study of the efficacy and safety of oral elderberry extract in the treatment of Influenza A and B virus infections.” J Int Med Res. 2004;32(2):132-40.
3. Roschek Jr. B, Fink RC, McMichael MD, et al. Elderberry flavonoids bind to and prevent H1N1 infection in vitro. Phytochemistry. 2009;70(10):1255-61. doi: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2009.06.003.