Elderberry Lozenges – An Alternative to the Prevention and Treatment of the H1N1 Virus



The H1N1 virus is unusual in that it is made from genetic material from all three influenza viruses that attack birds, swine, and humans. Most seasonal flu viruses contain only human and avian, or human and swine genes. Eating pork and poultry have nothing to do with getting infected. The last major H1N1 influenza infestation was the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, which infected one-third of the world’s population and killed an estimated 100 million people. With the recent spread of H1N1 worldwide, prevention and treatment are more important now than ever.

Traditionally, fighting flu infections meant people simply went to bed, stayed hydrated, and hoped for the best. Unlike many other diseases, the H1N1 virus hits healthy individuals harder than the young and elderly. This occurs because the immune system in healthy individuals works so hard to kill off the virus that it can cause severe respiratory distress and can sometimes be fatal.

Fighting Flu With Preventative Measures

It is far easier to avoid getting the H1N1 flu than it is to treat it. Individuals able to take any of the influenza vaccines are encouraged to do so. Both the seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccines must be taken to be protected, although there is no guarantee that the flu shots or nasal sprays will be enough. Basic hygiene and common sense actions should be followed by everyone during the flu season including:

a. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or use a hand sanitizer.

b. Avoid people who appear ill.

c. Stay home if you are sick.

d. Cough and sneeze into a tissue or the crook of your arm, instead of using your hands.

e. Wash fresh produce with soap and water and avoid those products in restaurants.

f. Disinfect your home, car, and work place, regularly.

Eating a healthy diet and staying hydrated will all also help individuals fighting flu. If there is a significant flu outbreak in your region, it is better to stay home and follow health and government advisories regarding schools and other public areas.

The Science Behind Elderberry Lozenges

Elderberry lozenges, made from elderberry extract, have been scientifically proven to help prevent influenza viruses from attaching to host cells, thereby preventing infection. Since there are many fraudulent flu products available today that make claims of curing the flu, it’s important to investigate their efficacy before taking them.

Scientific research that demonstrates the effectiveness of elderberry lozenges made with elderberry extract is widely accepted. This research was conducted at the University of Oslo, reported on at the 15th Annual Conference on Antiviral Research, and published in the Journal of Alternative Complementary Medicine. The placebo controlled, double blind study demonstrated that elderberry extract effectively blocks a virus’ ability to attach itself to a host cell, thereby preventing infection.

In addition to preventing infection, the antioxidant properties of elderberry extract greatly reduced the severity and duration of flu symptoms. Instead of being ill for an average of six days, people who took elderberry extract were found to cut that time down to only two days. Also, the headache, muscle and joint pain, and fever common to those with the flu were significantly less than for those who did not use elderberry extract.

Fighting Flu With Old And New Methods

Modern medicine has provided us with countless benefits, treatments, and preventative measures against many illnesses and diseases. Flu shots and nasal sprays, antiviral medications, and good hygiene help fighting flu infections. Alternative, more traditional methods, that have been proven effective with modern scientific research, can also help when fighting flu.

Elderberry extract has been used for hundreds of years as both a healthful food and a medicinal treatment. The elderberry extract that is used to make delicious syrups, cordials, marshmallows, marmalades, and wine, is also used to make elderberry lozenges to treat and prevent influenza. It is also used for its antioxidant properties to lower cholesterol, treat bacterial and viral infections, to improve vision, and to treat respiratory problems. While you can certainly grow your own elderberry shrubs, products such as elderberry lozenges have perfected the processes required for consistent and reliable results.

With both the seasonal flu and H1N1 flu virus upon us, taking extra steps to avoid infection are more important than ever. Keeping healthy requires good hygiene, common sense preventative actions, and making use of the recent discoveries surrounding the effectiveness of elderberry extract in both the prevention and treatment of influenza.

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September 29th, 2009 in Flu | tags: , , , , , , ,

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