Cold & Flu Elixir - No Doc Needed
Cold & Flu Elixir - No Doc Needed
I was at the doctor earlier this week for the annual physical. While I waited I happened to notice that all over the office there were signs announcing the arrival for flu vaccinations. I have never had a flu vaccination. But the signs got me thinking that people need to know there are alternatives to injecting dead (or live) viruses into their bodies. One alternative is making your own elixir."Elderberry is a mainstay in many an herbalist’s apothecary as the go-to herb at the very initial signs of cold or flu (we always have Elderberry Syrup on hand). Taken at onset, elderberry can reduce the duration of cold and flu because it helps stimulate the immune system and resist infection. As an antiviral, it interferes with virus replication and strengthens cell walls to inhibit viral penetration (Hoffman, 2013). Researchers have concluded that the flavanoids in elderberry inhibit H1N1 flu virus activities, with elderberry extract comparing favorably to Tamiflu and Amantadine (Roschek, et al, 2009). Scientific research also shows that elderberry reduces the duration of illness by less than half (Zakay-Rones, 1995). Elderberry also relieves coughs and congestion associated with lower respiratory viral infections, promoting expectoration of mucus associated with bronchial infections."