Flu season is here. You are likely to be pressured to have a vaccine by your doctor and the mass media. You already know that the vaccine carries significant risk, both to your immune system and to your brain. More flu vaccines means more risk of Alzheimer’s from the aluminum and chemical additives.
Ive told you how vitamin D can reduce your risk of contracting the flu. Ive also told you how you can mitigate your symptoms with oxidation therapy. But that requires you seeing your integrative physician. With the arrival of flu season, you should know plenty about an herb that can cut your misery dramatically without having to visit the doctor. Its called elderberry.
Elderberry (Sambucus) is a genus of between 5-30 species of shrubs or small trees. People have used one variety of elderberry, Sambucus Nigra, in medicine for many centuries. It was used as a healer in the 5th century BC. Famous Greek physicians, including Hippocrates, mentioned it. And country doctors often refer to it as the medicine chest.
Elderberry wine was traditionally used for influenza and the ill effects of the chills. The juice of the black elderberry has historically been an invaluable remedy.
Dr. Madeleine Mumcuoglu is a world-renowned Algerian born (but now Israeli) virologist. She devoted much of her career to studying this unique plant. She discovered the key active ingredient in elderberry. She found it effective against the flu virus, confirming centuries of observation. On her arrival in Israel, she joined a major university and continued her research.
Her work culminated in a product called Sambucol. Its a patented natural formula that contains a potent antiviral compound, AntiVirin, isolated from the black elderberry. It also contains three flavonoids — naturally occurring plant antioxidants. In 1992, Dr. Mumcuoglu decided to commercialize her elderberry supplement and studies began.
Dr. Mumcuoglu first tested her research on patients in the Southern Israel flu epidemic of 1992 and 1993. The results rival anything we have today. Within 24 hours, 20% of those patients taking the extract had dramatic improvements in symptoms, such as fever, muscle aches and pains, and coughing.
By the second day, 73% improved. And, by day three, 90% improved. Compare that to only 16% with two-day improvement in the untreated group. Most of the untreated people took almost a week to begin feeling better.
After this study, researchers in Norway conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Sambucol cut the duration of the flu by approximately four days. The use of symptom suppressing drugs (pain relievers, etc.) significantly dropped in the group receiving Sambucol over those taking the placebo. The study concluded that Sambucol stimulates the healthy immune system. It increases production of inflammatory cytokines. These are the chemicals used by your immune cells to talk to each other. In 1995, another study showed that Sambucol was able to inhibit replication of many different human and animal flu strains.
Here is how: Flu viruses have spikes on them that allow them to clump, attack, and enter your cells. Once inside, they reproduce and explode the host cell releasing thousands of newly made viruses, ready to repeat the process. Dr. Mumcuoglu says that Sambucol blunts these spikes. That stops them from entering your cells, slowing the invasion process. With the invasion slowed, and your immune system revved up, your body quickly mobilizes to purge the virus. The science suggests that regular use could prevent flu and other infections diseases year round.
What about the feared avian flu? Remember, the bird flu has killed over 50% of the people infected with it. Its called H5N1 and its almost identical to the flu strain that killed millions worldwide in the great influenza outbreak of 1918.
Retroscreen Virology is an institute associated with the University of London. It said that Sambucol was at least 99% effective against the H5N1 infection. It significantly neutralized the infectivity of the virus in cell cultures. This simply adds to the previous data that elderberry extract is generally effective against flu, no matter the strain, even the feared H5N1 strain. This does not confirm that Sambucol will cure H5N1 in humans. But it sure suggests that it will help if you get it.
I’ve always said that prevention is best. But, as mentioned, I do not recommend the flu vaccine to prevent the flu. Its just too dangerous. And, more importantly, its a crap shoot. Thereis no way of knowing in advance which flu strain will make the worldwide rounds. The flu vaccine must be developed months in advance of any outbreak. So the vaccine might fight the wrong strain. You can get a shot that misses the mark by miles. The only thing that you will reap is the toxicity.
Vitamin D is a must. I recommend at least 5,000 IU daily year round, but especially in the winter. If you are at risk, you might even consider 10,000 IU. I have seen no evidence of toxicity at that dose. You can find additional information about vitamin D on my website (see page 6 for information). Advanced Bionutritionals carries a fantastic vitamin D3 product. Its a small pill, making it very easy to take. And it has 5,000 IU per pill. So you can get all your daily needs in one small pill.
Based on this wonderful information about Sambucol, you can add to your flu prevention strategy significantly. Sambucol does not require an IV or a doctors visit. Its widely available at health food stores and on the Internet. Prices may vary, but Ive seen four ounces sell for $11.99 online. With a preventive dose at one teaspoon twice per day, one bottle will last 12 days. If you are sick with the flu, two teaspoons, four times daily is recommended. Then, one bottle will last about three days and your cost will go up. However, these studies suggest that you will beat the flu after just two bottles (around $25)
Ref: J Altern Complement Med., 1995 Winter;1(4):361-9.