Elderberries (Sambucus) have been a folk remedy for centuries in North America, Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa, hence the medicinal benefits of elderberries are being investigated and rediscovered. Elderberry is used for its antioxidant activity, to lower cholesterol, to improve vision, to boost the immune system, to improve heart health and for coughs, colds, flu, bacterial and viral infections and tonsillitis. Bioflavonoids and other proteins in the juice destroy the ability of cold and flu viruses to infect a cell. People with the flu who took elderberry juice reported less severe symptoms and felt better much faster than those who did not.

http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-elderberry.html

Recommendations for the Sick Season

Cold/Flu Prevention and Treatment, A Naturopathic
Prespective By Nasha Winters, ND, L.Ac., Dipl.OM

Here’s what I suggest:

• Limit sugar in the diet.
• Increase hydration.
• Get outside in the fresh air at least once a day and breathe deeply.
• Exercise.
• Get adequate amounts of sleep.
• Keep kids home at the FIRST SIGNS of a cold/flu so they can rest to prevent it from becoming more problematic and to prevent spreading to their peers.
• Wash hands diligently. Plain soap and water is all you need.
• Have effective tools to address stress.
• Most importantly, optimize your Vitamin D levels as it naturally drops because of less sunshine in the winter. Just because we live in the SW does not mean we are all optimal in our vitamin D levels. Those with darker skin are at higher risk for having low Vitamin D.

Vitamin D3 Recommendations

Age
American Academy of Pediatrics: Recommended Daily Dose Immune Boosting Doses: Every Few Days In Sick Season or Daily Dose when Sick*
0-6 Months 400 IU
7-12 Months 400 IU 800 IU
1-8 Years 600 IU 1,200 IU
9-18 Years 600 IU 2,000 IU

• based on a recent literature review, these recommendations are
lower than what Nasha Winters recommends.

•Homeopathic Oscillococcinum has been a safe and effective remedy for years for influenza. Dose once a month during flu season, once a week if the flu is active in your area. It is best dosed right at the onset of the flu. This is best for influenza and influenza symptoms i.e. body aches, significant coughing, runny nose, fever…. This IS NOT a good treatment for the common cold.

• Sambucas Nigra (Elderberry) is also one of my favorite and tastiest methods of preventing and treating the flu, as it is an excellent antiviral. Deb Swanson at Dancing Willow Herbs processes tincture, syrup and chews for you and your family. It can be taken preventatively as well as when you are ill. See next page.

Elderberry Recommendations:

Dr. Chaudhuri is very comfortable with Elderberry being dosed every few days in the sick season, daily if it appears that ‘everyone is sick’ or your child’s body is stressed out. If your child has chronic medical issues please consult us. (Children with asthma and allergies are fine to take this with all of their medications.)

Nasha Winters Recommendations:

Prevention Dosing:
6 months to 1 year: Elderberry glycerate 5 drops twice a day
Please note that it would be appropriate to treat this as a new food for the youngest infants i.e. try one dose and wait 3-5 days to ensure no reaction before starting another new food and/or starting a daily regimen.
** Please make sure you obtain the glycerate version WITHOUT honey from Dancing Willow for children under 1 year of age.

One year and older:
• 20 lbs to 30 lbs: Elderberry syrup 1/2 tsp twice a day
• 30 lbs to 90 lbs: Elderberry syrup 1 tsp twice a day

Adults including pregnant and breastfeeding mothers:
Elderberry syrup 1 to 2 tsp twice a day
Treatment Dosing: (as soon as a child appears to be starting a cold):
6 months to 1 year: Elderberry glycerate 10 drops every 4 hours
As above, please note that it would be appropriate to treat this as a new food for the youngest infants i.e. try one dose and wait 3-5 days to ensure no reaction before starting another new food and/or starting a daily regimen.
**Please make sure to obtain the glycerate version WITHOUT honey from Dancing Willow for children under 1 year of age.

One year and older:
• 20 lbs to 30 lbs: Elderberry syrup 1/2 tsp every 4 hours
• 30 lbs to 90 lbs: Elderberry syrup 1 tsp every 4 hours
Adults including pregnant and breastfeeding mothers:
Elderberry syrup 1 to 2 tsp every 4 hours