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Take a Spoonful of Elderberry Syrup to Halt a Cold in Its Tracks

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The benefits of elderberry syrup extend far beyond just being a yummy cocktail flavoring. In fact, this rich purple liquid could be the key to getting over a cold or flu faster.

We’re smack dab in the middle of cold and flu season, so chances are you’re in desperate need of relief. Fortunately, elderberry is the natural remedy that tastes good, too. This flu-fighting berry can speed your recovery, as evidenced by an April 2016 study published in the journal Nutrients. Researchers wanted to see whether giving air travelers elderberry proved beneficial in terms of physical, respiratory, and mental health. The 312 participants in the study were divided into two groups, with one group receiving elderberry and the other receiving a placebo. The results showed that not only were there more participants in the placebo group who reported having a cold, but those same participants also noted a longer and more severe sickness than the participants who received the elderberry. 

So, what makes this fruit such an effective cold- and flu-stopper? Elderberry is rich in vitamins C, A, and B6, as well as the antioxidant beta carotene for a healthy immune system. It’s also full of nutrients like fiber, iron, and potassium, which also give your immune system a boost and reduce the duration of your cold or flu. No wonder more and more people are trying elderberry for colds!

Elderberry syrup has a sweet-yet-tart flavor with earthy undertones, making it easy to swallow. Just be sure to check that you’re buying a sugar-free version ($13.21, Amazon). There are also elderberry gummies ($12.10 for 60, Amazon), elderberry lozenges ($11.39 for 48, Amazon), and elderberry capsules ($6.68 for 100, Amazon) if you’d prefer. 

And once you’re feeling better, you can use that leftover elderberry syrup in a refreshing cocktail. Then, you can cheers to your speedy recovery!

We write about products we think our readers will like. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the supplier.

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