Not a day goes by that my sons school doesn't update me on the how many students are out sick or if a faculty member won't be back for weeks. 

My mom calls me daily, at the most inopportune times, to ask me in a panic if I have raw onions out in every room of our house to catch germs ( I can just imagine my 4 year old hiding onions never to be found for months if he got his hands on them). 

The conversation around illness and prevention is literally a way of life now.  Attending school, work, events, travel...everything revolves around virus and illness prevention. 

I'm all for prevention and immunity boosting but I need it to be ultra simple, which is why elderberry gummies have been so beneficial to me and our family and why they are a must add to your supplement routine, especially right now!  

Why Take Elderberry?

When taking elderberry you want to consider what is being extracted from the elderberry fruits  (also called Sambucus). 

The small purple round fruits, contain high amounts of vitamin A, C, folate, as well as potassium, calcium, and iron. This combination of micronutrients make the elderberry plant a powerful immune booster

Elderberries also contain natural substances called flavonoids.

What's really great about flavonoids is they are plant-based compounds that have these powerful antioxidant properties. 

Elderberry has a lot of incredible benefits but some of my favorites are that they reduce inflammation, promote healthy arteries, fight aging by preventing--and repairing--cellular damage, and they give the immune system a real nice boost! 

Honestly for me that was reason enough to start taking them daily but here is a deeper dive on some more.

 

1. Headache

I was never one to suffer from constant migraines, but as a mom of two, when I do get a headache I need to eliminate it quickly because there is literally no downtime.

Elderberries have been proven to have a positive effect on people who suffer from headaches and migraines because of the high folate content in the fruit.  The Journal of Head and Face pain actually published an article that showed regular consumption of the folate can reduce the frequency and severity of the headaches and also prevent related symptoms during a cold, flu, or period of weakened immune system. 

Folic acid is not only great for headaches, but it is also essential for breastfeeding moms who tend to take it during pregnancy; but really could use it when breastfeeding. 

Folic acid is really important when breastfeeding because your child can be nourished through breast milk and it promotes the production of healthy cells for your body.  

 

2. Fatigue

Fatigues is hard because as a mom you have no downtime to catch up on rest; and you are left feeling run down- basically the flu without the flu. 

While there is no cure for #momlife.. there is some relief.

Elderberry balances out the immune system; fixing imbalances that contribute to fatigue and feeling run down.

More and more research is starting to be done; but I firmly believe that a stronger immune system makes for a better functioning human. 

 

3. Sore throat and Cough

Black elderberry fruit has been shown in studies to reduce the symptoms and duration of many viruses; (remember they are powerful immune system boosters) which are likely the cause of your sore throat or cough. 

It's important to note that the best benefits are seen when elderberry is taken preventative or within 24-36 hours after symptoms begin. 

 

4. Sinus Infections

Elderberry reduces inflammation in the body. Many of elderberry's health benefits are linked to anthocyanins. As an antioxidant, anthocyanins work by clearing the body of free radicals that damage cells . 

With elderberry’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it makes sense that it can help sinus issues.

A sinus infection after all, is a condition in which the cavities around the nasal passages become inflamed.  Eldeberry can be a great natural remedy for reducing this inflammation.

5. Covid-19, Colds, Viruses

Elderberry has traditionally been used to prevent and treat the flu, colds and viruses because of its incredible antioxidant and immune boosting properties. 

With the conversation in the world really being focused on Covid-19 right now, many studies are being done to show how elderberry can be of benefit both preventative and if should you contract the virus. 

If you are looking to minimize the duration or impact of any of the above symptoms there really is no better time than now to be boosting your immune system... especially with so many immune attacking variants coming out.  

I personally take 1-2, (ok usually it's 2 because they taste so good) of the baby blues berry boost immunity boosting elderberry gummies with 100 mgs of black elderberry fruit along with immunity boosting vitamin c and zinc.  The gummy is a delicious and easy way for me to get the health benefits of elderberry without the hassle of a tea or syrup.

Cheers to to good health this year!