Elderberry Cough: prepare syrup

Recent studies have shown that elderberries, or rather, its extract - Sambukol, is an effective tool for the rapid relief of symptoms of influenza. If you start taking Sambukol soon after the first symptoms of flu, the illness can be substantially reduced. However, the experts conducted the study emphasize that the results concerning the elderberry extract, while only preliminary, and the flu is better to take prescription drugs.

In addition, it is important to understand that the elderberry extract intends to treat, and not for prevention. Its mechanism of action is unknown; it is assumed that it deactivates the influenza virus, but what actually happens is unclear.

In traditional medicine decoction of the flowers elderberry has long been used to relieve symptoms of influenza such as cough and fever, as well as for the treatment of sinusitis Sinusitis - difficult to cope alone . In recent years, scientists have begun to explore the elderberry extract to better understand how useful it is in fact the plant.

In 93% of the participants of one study flu symptoms completely disappeared within two days after she started taking elderberry extract. Those who were given a placebo Placebo - an effective tool for self-hypnosis They are recovering an average of six days.

In another study, improvement occurred in approximately 90% of the subjects in the next two or three days. In addition, the elderberry extract did not cause drowsiness, which is a side effect of many drugs against influenza. Those who took a placebo recovered in six days; they needed, usually more painkillers and nasal drops, than patients receiving elderberry extract.

Probably, the reason for a quick recovery of those who took elderberry extract, is that the elder contains antioxidants Antioxidants: the truth about the notorious benefits   - Flavonoids, which stimulate the immune system The immune system - how it works? , Causing it to actively fight the disease. Other substances contained in Buzin - anthocyanins, have an anti-inflammatory effect; perhaps because of this elder it relieves pain and reduces body temperature.

Elderberry extract can be effective and safe from the flu for healthy people, and those whose immune system for whatever reason eased. While we can not claim to be more efficient than conventional antiviral drugs, but it does not cause side effects - at least, in the course of those investigations have not been identified. However, it is more or less confirmed only the effectiveness of the elderberry extract; elderberry teas and tinctures have not been studied, although in traditional medicine they are used quite successfully.

How to cook the syrup

This syrup Elderberry effectively helps to cough, and his cooking is much cheaper than buying a pharmacy drugs, the composition of which is also included elderberry. Cook it - simple.

What you will need:

• 0.5 cups of dried elderberry or 1 cup fresh berries
• 3 cups water
• 0.5 cups of honey
• 0.25 cups of brandy (optional)

In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat and put in the water elderberry. Cook over low heat for 20 minutes. Then strain the contents of the pot into the cup, carefully pressing elderberry, so they gave the juice. Rinse the pan, pour in the liquid and put it on low heat. Boil until the volume of liquid is reduced to about one cup. Remove the pan from the heat and let stand 5 minutes. Pour the liquid into a glass bowl and add honey and brandy. Thoroughly mix all until the honey dissolves. Store the syrup in a sealed vessel in a refrigerator. If you add to the syrup brandy can keep it 2 months - if not two weeks.

At the first symptoms of a cold start to take 3-5 tablespoons of syrup per day and then will be enough 1-2 tablespoons.

The use of elderberry

The healing properties of elderberry were already known centuries ago. It has long tea, wine and syrups used it to treat various ailments; Now in pharmacies appeared supplements Food additives - basic classification   and medicines on the basis of an elder.

How to use it?

Boil dried elder flowers (2-3 pinches per cup of boiling water) and you get tea, rich in potassium, vitamins A and C, bioflavonoids and antioxidants Antioxidants: the truth about the notorious benefits . Elderberry also has diuretic, laxative and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps the immune system The immune system - how it works?   at times when it is especially likely to be ill colds, flu and various infectious diseases. Elderberry is used as a sedative, astringent and expectorant. In 1980, Israel carried out a study of efficiency in the fight against elder viruses. In 20% of subjects after taking the elderberry liqueur for just one day showed improvement of symptoms of flu such as cough, sore throat, muscle aches and fever. 90% of the subjects fully recovered after three days.

Tea can be brewed from elderberry. Add to it a little bit of honey and lemon juice. With a cold or the flu, drink one cup of tea at any time of the day, and another - before going to bed Dreams: how to understand our dreams .

Elderberries effective in high cholesterol. It does not just reduces it - it is due to her declining levels of "bad" cholesterol and "good" normal.

Side effects

Elderberries contain substances called cyanogenic glycosides, a large number of which can irritate the digestive system. Eat elderberry should only be cooked.

Flowers - the most secure part of the plant elder. Generally, they do not eat raw, but in any case must be kept in mind that in some cases they can cause an allergic reaction and digestion problems.

Sometimes elder also cause nausea, diarrhea and heart rhythm abnormalities. It should not take small children, pregnant women and nursing mothers. It is also not recommended for those with kidney disease are.

All other elderberry can help to cure various diseases and improve health.