HEALTH
Flu activity has increased dramatically across the country in recent weeks. Media outlets seem to be covering new stories related to flu cases daily. The CDC states that flu vaccination is the most important preventative measure for avoiding influenza. Additionally, the CDC reports that antiviral drugs are the most important way to treat influenza. Below are some other suggestions from the CDC for avoiding the flu.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
• If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.
Now that the CDC guidelines for flu prevention and treatment have been addressed, I’d like to share a homemade remedy that I use.
Elderberry has been suggested in the treatment of many ailments (ranging from cancer, AIDS, Alzheimer’s and others). These health claims are not supported by clinical trials and are not recommended. Elderberries have recently gained popularity for their use in prevention and treatment of colds and the flu. There are some promising studies however, more research is needed. Here’s what we do know. Elderberry is thought to contain immune boosting properties, which may help your body fight disease (enhanced cytokine production, delivery of antioxidant flavonoids, and viral suppression). I will not describe these processes in today’s blog. Elderberries are a rich source of multiple vitamins including A and C. They can be used to make an immune boosting syrup, added to baked goods or used in an herbal tea. The syrup is great on pancakes!
Here is the syrup recipe that I have used (kid and spouse approved!).
Ingredients:
• 2/3 cup of whole European elderberries (Sambucus nigra)
• 3 ½ cups water
• Cinnamon stick or teaspoon of cinnamon powder (sometimes I add more)
• ½ tsp. cloves or clove powder (roughly 3 cloves)
• 2 tbsp. ginger root (fresh or dried)
• 1 cup raw honey (I use local wildflower honey)
*Don’t like an ingredient? Just omit it
Instructions:
• Combine all ingredients EXCEPT honey in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Simmer covered for 45-60 minutes (liquid should be reduced by about half). Let cool until able to be handled.
• Mash the berries and strain into a glass bowl or jar
• Once cooled to room temperature add the honey and mix well
• Store in the refrigerator and take daily for an immunity boost!
There are no trials for dosing information. In my household (teenagers and adults) we take aprx. 1 tablespoon daily as an immune booster - actually we use shot glasses so depending who’s pouring, the dose varies. If someone were to become sick with a cold or the flu, the dose would remain the same with the frequency increasing to every 2-3 hours. I have read that some individuals do a ½-1 teaspoon daily for children.
Elderberries or other herbs are not a substitute for medical treatment when needed and you must check with a doctor of health care professional for any illness or before using any remedy.
Cheers!
