Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra), long used in folk medicine to treat infections, is also being studied for its effect on immune health.
An important note: Research has shown that various plant-based supplements may have an immune-stimulating effect. Do not forget that all medicines and food supplements also have side effects. What helps one person may be contraindicated for another for one reason or another. Much of the potential benefit of various food supplements (including baking soda, ginger, bee products and the like) has not been thoroughly tested in humans, which underlines the need for further research on the subject.
In studies, elderberry extract showed a powerful antibacterial and antiviral effect particularly against the bacterial pathogens responsible for upper respiratory tract infections and against strains of the influenza virus. What is more, elderberry boosts the immune response and helps shorten the duration and severity of colds, as well as easing the symptoms that come with viral infections.
A review of five randomly selected controlled trials involving 180 people found that elderberry supplements significantly reduce upper respiratory symptoms caused by viral infections. On top of that, a 2004 study found that people with influenza who took 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of elderberry syrup four times a day needed less medication and felt relief four days earlier than those who did not take the syrup.
Elderberry supplements are available both as a liquid and in capsule form.
Take care and stay healthy!
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