Elderberry Syrup Isn't Everything (Replay)

While our Fallow Month of August has ended, we've got one more replay for you!  

(If you don't know or don't remember what a Fallow Month is, listen to the full explanation in episode 212! Or if you'd prefer some reading, check out Katja's piece If You Really Want to Learn Herbalism, Stop Studying.)

This week we're airing a replay of episode 265: Elderberry Syrup Isn't Everything.

Elderberry syrup isn’t everything an herbalist has to offer to someone suffering from a cold, the flu, COVID, RSV, or any of the many other respiratory ailments to which we humans are susceptible. Despite being the first thought to come to many minds when asked if they’re prepared for winter illnesses, we’d encourage you to broaden your view both of what elder does, and what herbs can do in these situations.

Elderberry is famous for inhibiting viral replication, most notably of the flu virus, by interfering with its capacity to replicate. Elderberry constituents have been shown in petri-dish studies to bind the neuraminidase ‘spike’ on the virus. It can therefore reduce the virus’ capacity to ‘break into’ our cells and convert them into virus-making factories.

Sounds good! Note, however, that this particular mode of action was identified through in vitro studies. The limitation here is that the required concentration of those constituents may not be attained in our bloodstream when we ingest elderberry syrup. It may not reach the tissues which are under attack by the virus. So while this is an interesting mechanism of action – and one we’ve ourselves taught about often when discussing elderberry – we now consider it as potentially less relevant to the general impacts of elderberry on viral illness.

So what matters more? The effects of elderberry on inflammatory patterns in the body. An efficient immune response includes inflammatory and anti-inflammatory actions, both at the right times and in the right amounts; elderberry supports this. And here’s the good news: so do other berries! Every berry with deep pigmentation – blueberry, blackberry, raspberry, cranberry, serviceberry, aronia berry, and many more – will work to improve inflammation management within the body. At the same time, they’ll enhance vascular integrity and flexibility (particularly important given the capacity of COVID to damage these tissues).

So elder isn’t the only berry who can help us. And berries aren’t the only supportive herbs, either – nor are herbs the end of our options! First of all, elder offers flowers as much as berries, and those are helpful for managing fever.

Working with elder in formula with other herbs – like our homemade winter elixir – is an excellent way to enhance its actions. But there are also plenty of good herbs beyond elderberry syrup, including pungents like ginger, decongestants like sage, expectorants like elecampane, and aromatics like pine. Last but by no means least: nourishing food, gentle movement, and restorative sleep can each be just as important as any herbal remedies we choose.

If you live in the northern hemisphere, cold & flu season is just around the corner! No matter where you live, it’s good to have the knowledge and skills you need to take care of these common problems at home. Herbal Remedies for Cold & Flu teaches you everything you need to know to conquer a cold or fight off the flu. We teach you how to work with herbs that are safe and effective for all aspects of the illness. These strategies can also be very effective when coping with COVID, RSV, and other respiratory infections, too! Our focus is on finding ways to support what your body is already trying to do as it works to restore balance.

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