Elderberry May Kill Avian Flu

This could be major. Elderberry extract may kill the avian flu virus, specifically Sambucol.

Dr Madeleine Mumcuoglu, the Israel-based developer of Sambucol, said the good results confirmed her earlier findings on the product, which is currently marketed around the world as a natural supplement for fighting common flu. ...

“But I'm very happy with these results, especially as the work was done by Dr John Oxford, a reputable specialist in flu,” she added.

Dr Mumcuoglu stressed that the results could in no way demonstrate a benefit for humans infected with the bird flu strain that has killed more than 70 people, mostly in South East Asia, since the outbreak began in 2003. Nor will she be able to test it in a human trial.

But she is looking into starting an animal trial using ferrets, which have similar flu symptoms to humans.

I can personally attest to how well elderberry syrup works; when I got the flu last week--and it was the real flu, not what most of us call the flu--I got rid of it in less than a week by taking elderberry syrup (specifically Sambucol but elderberry syrup in general is a Good Thing) and oregano spirits, and John and the kids didn't get it from me because I dosed them with Sambucol every time I dosed myself.

What makes me especially alert about this study, though, is that avian flu can kill the young and strong by creating what's called a "cytokine storm"; basically the immune system is revved up to the point of killing its owner. Elderberry syrup usually works by boosting the immune system, which isn't such a good idea in this case.

But if elderberry syrup is actually anti-viral, not just immune-boosting, that's extremely good news. As an herbal student I've been researching anti-virals in case of pandemic; if a pandemic does hit, the medical system is going to be overwhelmed and we'll all need whatever help we can get for ourselves and our families, friends and neighbors. I've been putting my hopes in kimchi (shown in South Korea to be effective against bird flus) and turmeric (a traditional anti-viral), but if further trials on elderberry continue to be promising, I'll be a lot more optimistic if we find ourselves out on our own. Meanwhile, I'm planting two more elderberry bushes in our yard this year--it's that valuable a plant, bird flu or no bird flu.

Via Natural Health Information Center.

Categories: Sambucol, elderberry, flu, avian, bird, H5N1, medicine, health