What To Know About Supplements
Keep in mind that elderberry is classified as a dietary supplement by the FDA.
While supplement manufacturers are required to follow certain quality standards, supplements arent tested to ensure that the content on the label matches the product content.
As a result, it can be difficult to know for sure how much of a particular active ingredient a supplement actually contains.
For these reasons, its best to buy a product from a reputable and established brand thats been certified by a testing body such as the United States Pharmacopeia , ConsumerLab, or NSF International.
If youre unsure whether elderberry is safe for you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any elderberry supplements.
Top 10 Allergy Remedies #5 Stop Eating Dairy
Consuming pasteurized dairy products could compromise your immune system, thus making it hard to fight off intruders.;While the CDC acknowledges that pasteurization inactivates certain enzymes and reduces certain vitamins like Vitamin C, it argues that milk is not a major source of Vitamin C in the U.S. diet.
BUT good news! Consuming raw and Unpasteurized;dairy helps seasonal allergies.
The exception when it comes to dairy? Raw, unpasteurized milk from grass-fed cows, which can actually treat seasonal allergy symptoms, says Andry. Ive seen scores of patients with eczema, asthma, and allergies whose symptoms improve thanks to all the antibodies in the milk that arent pasteurized out. Its like giving someone an IgG, which is a bunch of antibodies. It helps fight infections, allergens, and supports the immune system.
Top 10 Allergy Remedies #9 Prevention
This list may seem all too obvious but sometimes it is the simplest solutions that we often overlook.
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May Improve Cold And Flu Symptoms
Black elderberry extracts and flower infusions have been shown to help reduce the severity and length of influenza .
Commercial preparations of elderberry for the treatment of colds come in various forms, including liquids, capsules, lozenges, and gummies.
One 2004 study of 60 people with influenza found that those who took 15 mL of elderberry syrup four times per day showed symptom improvement in 2 to 4 days, while the control group took 7 to 8 days to improve .
Furthermore, a study of 312 air travelers taking capsules containing 300 mg of elderberry extract three times per day found that those who got sick experienced a shorter duration of illness and less severe symptoms .
Further large-scale studies are required to confirm these results and determine if elderberry may also play a role in preventing influenza .
Note that most research has only been performed on commercial products. Thereâs little information about the safety or efficacy of homemade remedies .
Summary
Elderberry extract has been found to help reduce the length and severity of symptoms caused by the influenza virus. While these results are promising, further large-scale human studies are needed.
The History Of Elderberry Supplementation
Sambucus Nigra has been used for a variety of purposes for centuries, with most originating in Europe. In fact, it is thought that the first use was to help heal wounds and as an antiseptic due to its antibacterial properties.
A few hundred years ago elderberry syrup would be given to children from time to time if they showed signs of illness like flu symptoms, or if they needed protection from the common cold.
The use of elderberry persisted well into the 1900s when it was discovered that elderberry could also be used to treat eye inflammations and help with asthma symptoms.
Now, in modern times, elderberry is still used for a variety of purposes, including increasing immune response.
Today, modern medicine has discovered that elderberry can help you with anything from a cold to allergies and even ulcers. We’ll touch on just a few below.
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Not All Honey Is Created Equal
The key is to consume local honey, honey from somewhere other than where you live will not serve you any purpose in creating a defense against vegetation in your area. Consume Raw Honey honey that has not been heat-processed.*Do not eat raw honey if you are pregnant, nursing, elderly, children under 2 yrs old, or those with a compromised immune system; Another tip, if you plan to travel to an area during allergy season, order some local honey from there in advance to help prepare your body for its new environment.
Antioxidant And Chronic Disease Protection
Sambucus nigra is the only elderberry variety deemed suited for human consumption. The dark purple-blue color of ripe elderberries indicates the presence of flavonoids such as anthocyanins and quercitin. These natural chemicals are more than fruit pigments; they are powerful antioxidants which help remove free radicals from the body and protect against mutations in cells leading to cancerous formations. Consumption of elderberries and other flavonoid-rich berries such as blueberries, blackberries, red raspberries, yellow raspberries or mulberries is said to delay aging and prevent many forms of chronic disease such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer.
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What Are The Risks Of Taking Elderberry
- Side effects. Elderberry supplements seem to have few risks when used daily for up to five days. The safety of its long-term use is unknown.
- Risks. Never eat or drink any product made from raw elderberry fruit, flowers, or leaves. They contain a chemical that produces cyanide. They can cause nausea and vomiting and, at high doses, more serious effects. People who have an allergy to elder pollen might react to elderberry supplements. If you have diabetes, multiple sclerosis, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis, talk to your doctor before taking elderberry.
- Interactions. If you take any drugs or supplements regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using elderberry supplements. They could interact with chemotherapy for cancer, immunosuppressant drugs, diuretics, and laxatives.
Because of serious potential risks, elderberry is not recommended for children or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
What Are Warnings And Precautions For Elderberry
Warnings
This medication contains elderberry. Do not take American Elder, Black Elder, Blueberry Elder, Canary Island Elder, Sambucus spp, or Velvet Elder if you are allergic to elderberry or any ingredients contained in this drug.
Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.
Contraindications
- Consumption of all green plant parts
Effects of Drug Abuse
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Elderberries And Your Immune System
Elderberries help your immune system in a few ways:
First, their antioxidant value is incredibly high, which helps your body fight against free radicals, toxic cells that can otherwise occupy your immune system. With these antioxidants working overtime to keep your body clean, your immune system can focus on the real threats, like viruses and bacteria.
Second, elderberries offer both antifungal and antibacterial properties. This means that elderberries don’t just clear the way for your body to fight potential infections and disease, they also actively help fight these contagions themselves!
Check With Your Doctor Before Using Elderberry
Elderberry comes in syrups and tablets that can be taken specifically to help fight a cold or the flu. As with many alternative treatments, you should ask your doctor before using elderberry. This will help ensure that you arent allergic to this fruit, and it can help decrease the risk of developing negative side effects. Also, keep in mind that elderberry treatments arent a replacement for your yearly flu shot.
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Top 10 Allergy Remedies #8 Eat Healthy
Several foods have been associated with reducing allergy symptoms and asthma. Eating your way to better health will not only make you feel great but will be better for you than over the counter medicines.
- Fish-;Some studies show that omega-3 fatty acids found in fish might lower your chances of getting allergies;in the first place.
- Nuts- high in omega fatty acids and selenium. Selenium is a powerful antioxidant that reduces inflammation in the body and also helps lower the allergic response one suffers from during allergy season.
- Foods high in Quercetin
- Eat foods high in antioxidants: fresh fruit and vegetables.
- Antioxidants reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in our bodies.
Clinical Outcome Measurements And Statistical Analysis
Jackson Score: Over the entire study period, all participants maintained a diary. This was to record cold symptoms, as well as additional health issues or disease symptoms and additional medication taken. The diary helped participants with recalling information when completing the surveys and allowed researchers to identify possible inconsistencies in data documentation.
WURSS-21: In this study the upper respiratory symptom-related Quality of life was measured using the questions from the 21-item Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey . The WURSS-21 is a responsive, reliable and valid instrument for evaluating QoL outcomes related to respiratory illness, measuring all significant health-related dimensions that are negatively affected by the common cold . It includes 10 items assessing symptoms, nine items assessing functional impairments and one item each assessing global severity and global change over the last 24 h, all of which are based on 7-point Likert-type severity scales. A previous validation of the instrument showed that a cumulative score should be calculated by summing the severity scores of the first 20 items with high severity scores indicating high symptom load. The mean WURSS-21 score was calculated and analyzed and compared between groups using ANOVA.
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Boosts Immune System Response
Another effect that elderberry can have on the body is increasing the ability of the immune system to respond to cold and flu viruses. It can have this effect because it encourages the cells to produce more immune system messenger chemicals called cytokines. The increase in these chemicals helps the immune system fight viruses in 2 ways: They provide the immune system with faster notification of the infection, allowing it to attack the virus earlier. Also, the greater number of cytokines produced gives the immune system a better idea of where in the body the virus is. This allows the body to focus its disease-fighting resources more effectively.
Top 10 Allergy Remedies #7 Quercetin
Quercetin is a natural bioflavonoid that is said to help stabilize mast cells to keep them from releasing histamine. It is also a potent antioxidant that is said to help reduce inflammation. Quercetin is best used as a long term remedy. Start taking it about 4-6 weeks before allergy season to help prevent allergy symptoms.
Though Quercetin is naturally found in foods, it is very difficult to get the amount needed to relieve allergies from food alone. A supplemental dose can be helpful for preventing allergies or helping acute symptoms.
Fruits and vegetables are the primary dietary sources of quercetin and other flavonoids.
- citrus fruits
- dark berries such as;blueberries, blackberries, and bilberries
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Have You Found Anything Else To Be Helpful In Dealing With Asthmatic Children
Daniele is a homeschooling Mama of five kiddos and a voracious reader of books. Passionate about her faith, home and family, she blogs about the intentional life over at;Domestic Serenity;and writes for other online and print publications. Daniele thinks life is more enjoyable with a cup of herbal tea in hand!
What Are The Health Benefits Associated With Elderberry Syrup
Elderberries are rich in nutrients that support the immune system. Theyre high in vitamin C, which Rothenberg says plays a key role in many systems of the body, including a balanced immune function, a healthy cardiovascular system and clear skin. Plus, elderberries are loaded with vitamin A, which is shown to regulate immune response, and flavonoids, a chemical found in plants, including anthocyanins, which give them their signature dark purple color. These antioxidants offer immune and anti-inflammatory benefits.
In addition to any immunity properties, elderberries aid digestion due to their high fiber count. Researchers have shown a strong connection between the gut and the immune system over time, as a certain diet can help keep your immunity in check as well.
A 2016 study published in the journal Nutrients found that elderberry supplements reduced the duration and severity of colds in air travelers. Other research has shown elderberry extract can help fight pathogenic bacteria and the flu virus. Elderberry may also lower cholesterol, Alschuler adds. There are quite a number of studies that have found elderberry to reduce symptoms caused by flu and cold infections, she says. The use of elderberry can shorten the duration of upper respiratory tract infections from common cold viruses.
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Can Diabetics Take Elderberry Syrup
Naturally, elderberries are tart in flavor.
Most commercially produced Elderberry syrup contains lots of added sugar or glucose syrup that can crash your diet and throw your blood sugar level off balance. So, if you have diabetes, go for a home-made elderberry syrup that contains little or no added sugar, and you know what was added into it.
If you are going for the commercially produce elderberry syrup, look for brands with low sugar content, do not take more than the recommended dose, and consume it as part of a balanced diet.
Top 10 Allergy Remedies #4 Neti Pot
A neti pot is a container designed to rinse debris or mucus from your nasal cavity.;Many people with sinus symptoms from allergies;and environmental irritants also have begun to regularly use the Neti Pot or other nasal irrigation devices, claiming that these devices alleviate congestion, and facial pain and pressure. Research backs up these claims, finding that nasal irrigation can be an effective way to relieve sinus symptoms when used along with standard sinus treatments. For some people, nasal irrigation may bring relief of sinus symptoms without the use of medications.
A neti pot is a simple device that looks like a small teapot. Warm, sterile water is mixed with pure salt in the pot. While tilting your head slightly to one side, place the spout in your nostril on top and let the saline solution drain through your bottom nostril.
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Reverse Signs Of Aging
You do not need to splurge on a plethora of anti aging products anymore. A small quantity of elderberry juice is important if a healthy and glowing skin is what you want. Elderberries are an ideal source of polyphenols, antioxidants, vitamins, carotenoids, phytochemicals, and flavonoids. They act as vital building blocks for a radiant and glowing skin.
Daily intake of small quantities of elderberry juice along with a healthy and balanced diet will protect your skin cells from degenerating and keep your skin soft and smooth and give it a natural and youthful glow. It will also make your skin firmer and prevent sagging. You can reverse skin aging by making elderberry juice your elixir.
Therefore, you should definitely try and incorporate elderberries in your diet. Consuming small quantities of this berry will provide you the many health benefits listed above. The bottom-line is that elderberries are great for your overall health and you should consume more of them.
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Help Manage Your Cats Condition
Although there are several home remedies for cat asthma, medication is still the most important part of your cats asthma treatment. These natural remedies should be used to help manage your cats condition but should not be used as standalone treatment.
If you are concerned with side effects of medication, talk to your vet about using inhaled medications in conjunction with the;AeroKat* Chamber;to keep your cat safe.
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How To Make Elderberry Syrup At Home Elderberry Syrup Recipe
There are different methods and recipes for making elderberry syrup. This syrup is basically prepared by crushing and cooking the berries. Then, strain the juice into a pot and cooking it until it thickens. Finally, you can add a sweetener such as sugar, glucose syrup, or honey to complete the process.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger root
- 1 cup raw honey
Preparation
- With the exception of the honey, put all the other ingredients in a pot and bring to a boil over low-medium heat.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for about 45 minutes to one hour.
- Stir occasionally, and while stirring, crush the elderberries using the back of your spoon.
- When the liquid thickens, remove the pot from the stove.
- Allow it to cool down for a few minutes, and using a sieve, strain the mixture.
- Add the honey into the warm mixture is warm, and stir until it dissolves. Pour the syrup into a sterilized sealed glass jar or bottle.
The syrup can be kept in the fridge for several weeks.
Take 1 tablespoon four times a day, or half the amount for children.