The common cold is one of the most frequent ailments in winter. Fatigue, cough, stuffy nose, sore throat, and slight fever are typical symptoms. These symptoms often appear when the immune system is weakened, leaving respiratory viruses more susceptible.
For centuries, medicinal plants have been used to relieve these ailments. Among them, black elderberry ( Sambucus nigra ) holds a prominent place thanks to its flowers and berries, which are rich in natural active ingredients that strengthen the immune system and help fight infections.
The benefits of black elderberry for the immune system
Black elderflowers
Rich in flavonoids, organic acids, mucilage and minerals, black elderflowers possess beneficial properties:
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Sweat-inducing agents : they promote perspiration and help lower fever.
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Soothing : they calm irritations of the respiratory tract,
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Defensive : they support the immune system against seasonal viruses.
Black elderberries
Black elderberries , with their intense purple color, are a true source of antioxidants and vitamins:
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Vitamin C to strengthen natural defenses,
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Anthocyanins to protect cells from oxidative stress,
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minerals (potassium, calcium, zinc, iron) to restore energy to the body.
They are traditionally used in syrup, juice or herbal tea to relieve colds, flu and respiratory infections .
Black elderberry and colds: a natural ally in winter
Remedies made from black elderberry – flower infusions, syrups or berry juice – are recommended for:
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to relieve colds and coughs,
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to soothe sore throats,
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reduce fever and chills,
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accelerate healing during winter infections.
👉 Black elderberry is not only a remedy against symptoms: it also acts preventively , by stimulating immunity and limiting the spread of viruses.
How to use black elderberry?
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Flowers : harvested in the middle of summer, they are prepared as an infusion or homemade syrup.
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Berries : picked when fully ripe at the end of summer, they are used to prepare juices, jams or dried for winter herbal teas.
⚠️ Unripe berries are toxic, so you should always wait until they are completely black and detached from the bunch.
👉 For a practical and delicious solution, you can also enjoy the benefits of black elderberry with our black elderberry syrup, available in our shop. It can be consumed neat, diluted in water, added to a hot herbal tea, or even used as a natural coulis.
Boost your immunity with black elderberry
Whether consumed as an infusion, juice, or syrup, black elderberry is an effective natural remedy for boosting the immune system and fighting colds and flu. Its flowers and berries are true allies during winter, helping to maintain good health and prevent respiratory infections.
With black elderberry, nature offers us gentle yet powerful protection against winter ailments.
Sources:
- Herbs for Children's Health , Zbigniew T. Nowak.
- Plants & Health – Resist with Elderberry Available here
Under no circumstances should the information and advice offered on the MerveilleNature website be considered a substitute for a consultation or diagnosis made by a doctor or healthcare professional, who are the only ones able to properly assess your state of health.
