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Why Take Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)?
"Extensive research show that elder stop the production of hormone-like cytokines that direct a class of white blood cells known as neutrophils to cause inflammation, especially in influenza and arthritis. On the other hand, elder increases the production non-inflammatory infection-fighting cytokines as much as 10 fold. Elder berries are known to be effective against eight strains of influenza. This suggests that elder be superior to vaccines in preventing flu, because flu vaccines are only effective against known strains of flu, whereas the virus is continually mutating to new strains. Vaccines have another draw back: over half of people who get them report side effects. Dr. Madeleine Mumcuoglu, of Hadassah-Hebrew University in Israel found that elderberry disarms the enzyme viruses use to penetrate healthy cells in the lining of the nose and throat. Taken before infection, it prevents infection. Taken after infection, it prevents spread of the virus through the respiratory tract. In a clinical trial, 20% of study subjects reported significant improvement within 24 hours, 70% by 48 hours, and 90% claimed complete cure in three days. In contrast, subjects receiving the placebo required 6 days to recover." (source)
How We Take Elderberry
My kids and I have been making our own elderberry syrup for about two years and I honestly feel like it has helped us stay healthy during flu season. I have been buying my dried elderberries in bulk from MountainRoseHerbs and a one pounds bag lasts us roughly around 8-9 months. We each take a tsp daily as a preventive and up to a T three times a day when we are feel yucky. My one and three year old even ask for it! They have never done that with the store bought band and I am saving $$ which is always a win!
I love knowing exactly what is in the syrup and we always use raw honey in our syrup from local bees for the added natural antibiotic properties. I have taken it while pregnant and nursing and have been giving it to both of my kids as well. I wouldn't recommend it for children under one year of age due to the amount of honey that is in it! Perhaps you could leave that out and give it to them but I definitely recommend asking your Pediatrician about that.
This is the best how-to video on making elderberry syrup I have found on the Internet. Instead of making another one or posting pictures, it made sense to just show the best! Enjoy!
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