Elderberry - a natural flu fighter

Elderberries are starting to ripen and I'm preparing to make elderberry syrup this year.

Here's my post on how to properly identify elderberries...
and here's my post on how to make elderberry jelly (which won 3rd place at the fair).

Health officials are looking at alternative therapies that may help people keep from getting the flu, or if they do get sick, reduce the severity and duration of the disease. One fruit that keeps making the flu-fighter list: Elderberry.

In 1992, a team of Israeli scientists studied the effect of elderberry on flu patients. During a flu epidemic, half of their patients were given an elderberry syrup, the other half a placebo. The results: within 24 hours, 20% of the patients receiving elderberry had gotten significantly better. Within two days, 75% of the elderberry group were much improved; within 3 days 90% were completely cured.

Among the placebo group, only 8% of patients improved within 24 hours and it was a full 6 days before 90% of the patients were cured.

A new Norwegian study involved 60 patients who had been suffering with flu symptoms for 48 hours or less; 90% were infected with the A strain of the virus, 10% were infected with type B. Half the group took 15 milliliters of elderberry syrup and the other group took a placebo four times a day for five days.

Patients in the elderberry group had "pronounced improvements" in flu symptoms after three days. Nearly 90% of patients were completely cured within two to three days. The placebo group didn't recover until at least day six; they also took more painkillers and nasal sprays.

Studies have even shown that elderberry worked better than prescription remedies such as Tamiflu and Relenza. Take that, Big Pharma!

Should this be surprising news? Not really. Elderberry's medicinal properties have a long and ancient history of use. Native Americans used the flower water for eye and skin lotions and the berries were used for medicinal immunity-building teas. Elderberry wine was common in Colonial America and the elderberry was even called "the country medicine chest" because of its many uses. Elderberry's specific use as a flu remedy dates back to ancient Rome. Hippocrates (the "father of medicine") even promoted elderberry as an all-purpose tonic.

Knowing that, I don't think it would be a bad idea to make up a reserve of elderberry syrup and begin taking it at the onset of cold and flu season... especially with such nasties as Avian Flu and Swine Flu looming large on the horizon.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Flu viruses invade cells by puncturing the cell walls with little spikes called hemagglutinin. These spikes are coated with an enzyme called neuraminidase, which helps break down the cell walls. Elderberry appears to actually disarm these spikes and inhibit the action of this enzyme -- thus preventing flu viruses from invading cells. Elderberry also appears to activate the immune system. In an Israeli study published in 2001, Elderberry dramatically increased production of cytokines, a form of antibody.

Flu outbreaks are characterized by their epidemic nature. 40% of a population may be victims of the flu during a 5-6 week period. Although vaccinations offer some protection, they are often ineffective, and aren't always available (remember the flu vaccine shortage a couple of years ago?). As many as half of the people vaccinated may suffer complications, and the rapidly-mutating flu viruses can have varied structures that may not affected by the antibodies produced in response to the vaccine.

Elderberry, on the other hand, is safe, natural, and appears to work against a wide variety of flu viruses. In addition to clinical studies, laboratory experiments show that elderberry neutralizes flu viruses in petri dishes and cures the flu in mice. This indicates that elderberry may also help prevent the flu from taking hold. Best results are obtained when elderberry is taken at the onset of flu symptoms. So don't delay. Stock your medicine cabinet. Research shows that beginning elderberry supplementation as soon as flu symptoms appear can provide significant defense.

Besides its medicinal benefits, elderberry syrup is DELICIOUS! Drizzle it on desserts like ice cream or pound cake. Swirl it in your morning oatmeal. Pour it on pancakes and waffles. Or, add a jigger of it to some plain club soda or sparkling water for a refreshing bubbly drink.

Tasty and beneficial - the best of both worlds!

You can make your own elderberry syrup. Here's how:

ELDERBERRY SYRUP
6 1/2 cups elderberries
1/4 cup bottled lemon juice
6 3/4 cups sugar

Prepare boiling water canner for processing. Wash and sterilize half-pint or pint jars. Wash lids and rings. Keep jars and lids hot. DO NOT BOIL LIDS.

Wash elderberries and crush in a saucepan. Heat to boiling and simmer until soft (5 to 10 minutes).

Strain juice into a bowl by pouring through a colander lined with a damp flour sack towel, cheesecloth, or jelly bag. Do not squeeze the bag - just let the juice drip through on its own. The yield of the juice should be about 4-1/2 to 5 cups.

Combine the elderberry juice with the lemon juice and sugar in a large saucepan, bring to boil, and simmer 1 minute.

Remove from heat, skim off foam, and fill into hot half-pint or pint jars, leaving 1/2-inch headspace. Remove air bubbles and adjust headspace if needed. Wipe rims of jars with a dampened clean paper towel. Adjust lids and process 10 minutes, or as adjusted for altitude.

With a few jars of elderberry syrup in your pantry, not only would you be well-stocked, but also well-armed!