Researchers Discover A Fruit That Cures The Flu

Vivian Goldschmidt, MA Nutrition

Evidence-Based
4 min Read
flu season

As winter approaches, there’s tons of talk about this year’s looming flu season. Actually, it's a lot more like yelling… and it goes something like, β€œGet your flu shot NOW!” Fortunately, as a Save Our Bones community member you may already know the truth about the flu shot and about natural ways to strengthen your immune system to prevent the flu.

But in spite of this, you might still end up catching the flu. And that’s where a study I’m going to share with you today can make a huge difference. It's about a natural fruit extract with the amazing ability to help you get rid of the flu just as effectively as Tamiflu – a commonly used toxic anti-influenza drug.1

What fruit extract is it? It’s the alkalizing…

Elderberry or Simbucus Nigra

Elderberry extract is an effective and natural way to reinforce what your immune system is programmed to do: attack the intruders. Florida researchers tested an extract of elderberry fruit in a test tube and observed that the the extract of elderberry flavonoids bound directly to the parts of the H1N1 virus that connect with a host. This means that the elderberry extract blocked the viruses’ ability to infect more host cells.

In their own words, the researchers concluded that,

β€œThe H1N1 inhibition activities of the elderberry flavonoids compare favorably to the known anti-influenza activities of Oseltamivir (Tamiflu; 0.32 lM) and Amantadine (27 lM).”1

But the effects of elderberry have a much wider scope that just the H1N1 virus, since it also inhibits certain bacteria and influenza A and B viruses. Last year, German scientists were able to explain this. They observed that the anthocyanins in elderberry enhance immune function because they boost the production of cytokines, which help regulate the immune response.2

Tamiflu’s Terrible Side Effects

Take a look at the drug’s side effects:

  • nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
  • dizziness, headache, vertigo
  • nosebleed
  • eye redness or discomfort
  • sleep problems (insomnia)
  • rash, dermatitis, urticaria, serious skin reactions
  • cough or other respiratory symptoms

Notice the irony of the similarity between many of the flu’s symptoms and the drug’s side effects. But it gets worse, because Tamiflu has other side effects, that although rare, include confusion, delirium, hallucinations, anxiety, unusual behavior, and self injury.3

In stark contrast…

Elderberry Extract is a Safe Alternative

At the first symptoms of the flu or even a cold, you can take Elderberry extract without having to worry about side effects. However, be aware that it has a slight diuretic effect, so check with your health practitioner if you take diuretics. Also, the extract lowers blood glucose, so take this into account if you’re a diabetic.

You should only use the extract of Sambucus nigra, and never the Sambucus ebulus, since the latter can toxic. And make sure you get the extract from a reputable source, since raw or unripe elderberry, and also the leaves, seeds, and bark, contain cyanide.

The elderberry extract I now have in my winter β€œFirst Aid Kit” is alcohol-free, and therefore, it’s not acidifying. Many health food stores carry it. If you need to use it, just follow the instructions on the bottle. You should be able to find alcohol-free elderberry extract at most health food stores, or you can order it from an online retailer.

So now you know what to do if you get the flu this year.

Stay warm and healthy!

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References

1 Roschek Jr. Bill. β€œElderberry flavonoids bind to and prevent H1N1 infection in vitro”. Phytochemistry: August 2009. 70; 1255 – 1261.
2 https://www.drugs.com/sfx/tamiflu-side-effects.html
3 Krawitz C et al. “Inhibitory activity of a standardized elderberry liquid extract against clinically-relevant human respiratory bacterial pathogens and influenza A and B viruses”. BMC Complementary & Alternative Medicine. 2011. 11:16;11-16.