One of the best anti-virals is zinc. The problem with zinc is that it doesn’t readily absorb into the cells like other minerals do. You need something else to open up the cells so the body can use zinc. Quercetin is one of the things that will open up the cells and used in conjunction with zinc, will help you get the full benefits of zinc. Zinc and Vitamin C have been shown to help with COVID prevention and possibly faster recovery as well. In researching this, I realized that elderberries are a great source of Quercetin and C.
Elderberry has been used in folk medicine for centuries to treat influenza, colds, and sinusitis, and has been reported to have antiviral activity against influenza and herpes simplex. Rich in vitamin C, Querciten, and Anthocyanins Elderberries boost the immune system and may even have cancer-prevention qualities. The Anthocyanins found in elderberries may aid in the prevention of breast cancer, according to a laboratory study published in Phytotherapy Research in 2010. (More details here)
Elderberries are indigenous to and grow wild in Northwest Georgia and other places across the United States. They are generally ready for harvest in late July through August. Elderberries must be cooked because of their cyanide content if not cooked. Eating them raw can cause intestinal upset or result in cyanide poisoning. After cooking or steaming the juice from the berries, they are harmless.
A Norway study in the flu season of 1999-2000 investigated the efficacy and safety of oral elderberry syrup for treating influenza A and B infections. Sixty patients (aged 18-54 years) suffering from influenza-like symptoms for 48 hours or less were enrolled in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study during. Patients received 15 ml of elderberry or placebo syrup four times a day for 5 days, and recorded their symptoms using a visual analogue scale. Symptoms were relieved on average 4 days earlier and use of rescue medication was significantly less in those receiving elderberry extract compared with placebo. (More on the Norway Study)
Those with autoimmune diseases should avoid elderberries. From my research it seems that elderberries could make a good immune system booster for preventing COVID-19, but should probably be avoided once symptoms of COVID appear. While undocumented in reality, there is some concern that the Elderberry’s ability to create a strong immune system response might over-inflame the lungs with too many immune cells that could possibly damage the lungs.
Loved your Elderberry video Marnie!
Thank you, Elaine!