Benefits of Taking Elderberry Through Flu Season

Are you looking for natural ways to get through cold and flu season without getting sick? There are so many healthy ways to support your body during this time of year to give it exactly what it needs to stay strong and healthy. Elderberry happens to be one of the most popular all natural immune-boosting supplements you can take. The great thing about elderberry is that it is easily accessible in health food stores, and you can even make your own elderberry syrup if you are feeling adventurous.

Here are four reasons why you should be taking elderberry this flu season!

Four Reasons to Take Elderberry This Flu Season

#1 Helps Fight off Viral Infections: Studies have found that elderberry may hold some antiviral as well as antioxidant properties making it the ideal natural way to stay healthy this winter. One study looked at those who took elderberry when battling symptoms related to the flu. The study found that those who took elderberry saw an improvement in their symptoms before those who did not take elderberry with flu-like symptoms. (1) This particular study had participants take elderberry four times per day for five days.

#2 Rich in Nutritional Value: A huge part of staying healthy involves boosting your diet with nutrient-dense foods. Elderberry supplies the body with essential vitamins and minerals and is especially high in vitamin A and vitamin C both of which are important for keeping the immune system strong.

#3 Supports an Overall Healthy Immune System: A study found that elderberry extract activates the healthy immune system and is such a powerful immune-booster, that it may be helpful for those who are generally healthy, but also for those suffering from different health conditions. (2)

#4 Helps Combat Sinus Infections: If you are prone to getting sinus infections, elderberry may be able to help. With its powerful anti-inflammatory benefits, it may provide some inflammatory relief often associated with a sinus infection, and along with its antiviral properties, it may help you fight the infection and have you feeling better, fast.

How to take Elderberry?

There are a couple of different ways to take elderberry. Many people choose to purchase elderberry syrup while others may choose to take an elderberry lozenge or powder. There are many different ways to take elderberry, and you can make your own syrup using dried elderberries. Choose what works best for you, and if it’s difficult for you to remember to take a supplement, you can also find elderberry tea. This is another excellent option and can be sweetened with Manuka honey for added immune-boosting benefits.

An Elderberry Tea Recipe

To help get you started, here’s an elderberry tea recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of filtered water
• 1 elderberry tea bag
• ¼ tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp. Manuka honey

Directions:

1. Steep the elderberry tea in boiling water for 5-10 minutes.
2. Remove the tea bag and add the cinnamon.
3. Sweeten with Manuka honey and enjoy!

Make this winter your healthiest season yet by supporting your immune system with the amazing health benefits of elderberry, and remember to start before you get sick as prevention is the best cure!

About the Author

Rebecca Jacobs N.C is a Certified Holistic Nutrition Consultant, specializing in digestive and women’s health. She doesn’t believe in dieting but rather making lifestyle changes, and believes that healthy eating must be delicious. Rebecca is also a recipe developer and creates healthier alternatives to traditionally unhealthy foods.