Scientists have named a product that can cure a cold in one day. Doctor’s opinion

Medical Director of SITILAB, PhD in Medicine

Elderberry has been used for centuries in folk medicine to treat flu and colds, and not so long ago scientists have studied the properties of this berry in more detail.

Elderberry (Sambucus) is a genus of flowering plants of the Adox family.

In 1999-2000, a small placebo-controlled study was conducted in Norway on 60 patients with flu symptoms. The subjects received elderberry syrup or placebo for five days and noted how they felt.

According to the results of the experiment, taking elderberry reduced symptoms on average four days earlier, compared to the group that received a placebo. That is, the patients’ condition improved on average one day after taking the product.

According to another study conducted by Zacay-Rones, during the 1995 flu epidemic in Panama, black elderberry juice was successfully used for treatment. The subjects were completely cured in two days.

Of course, both studies need to be confirmed on a larger sample, and it is too early to draw definite conclusions.

What is known for sure is that black elderberries contain large amounts of vitamin C, which is essential for maintaining the body’s defenses. And anthocyanins berries have an anti-inflammatory effect, which relieves flu symptoms.

Another important group of substances contained in the product are flavonoids, which also stimulate the immune system and promote the production of cytokines (tiny protein molecules involved in the immune response).

Yet doctors can’t prescribe elderberry as a flu cure because, at a minimum, the research done is insufficient. There is no reliable data to recommend the use of the berry or its extracts for medicinal purposes.

Taking the product during the flu is possible as an aid to relieve symptoms, but it does not replace medications prescribed by a doctor.

When using elderberries or other immunostimulants, it is important to remember about the individual reaction to the product. Especially careful should be people prone to allergies.

Important: the daily portion of elderberries for an adult is limited to 200 g. Berries are useful in small quantities, but deadly in uncontrolled use due to their cyanide content.

Fresh berries are used to relieve flu symptoms. With heat treatment, they lose their useful properties. Elderberry is best consumed after the main meal, not on an empty stomach, as the acid contained in the berries, irritates the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract.