Summer has not yet come to an end, but with the arrival of September it is important to start thinking about strengthening the immune system so as not to be caught unprepared. The first colds bring with them flu and colds and in particular the airways are the first to be affected. But, help to boost immunity comes from nature. Among the natural remedies for the respiratory tract we can find elderberry, whose extract is able to thin the bronchial secretions and promote the body’s natural defenses .
What is elderberry: properties and benefits for the respiratory tract
The scientific name of the elderberry is Sambucus nigra. A shrub belonging to the Caprifoliaceae family, which does not exceed four meters in height, very common in Italy and Europe. It can be found in the mountains, near woods or hedges, but also in the plains, in uncultivated areas, close to roads or in city parks. Ornamental plant with creamy-white flowers, small, gathered in clusters and very fragrant, with fruits that are black-purple berries.
Elderberry is a well-known plant from the popular peasant tradition that uses almost all its parts for food and health purposes. Flowers, fruits, leaves and bark can be used. For centuries, in fact, flowers and berries have been used as natural remedies for the respiratory tract, especially for fever, cold and cough. This shrub is considered a concentrate of healthy properties , especially for winter discomfort affecting the respiratory system.
Its parts are used for diuretic , detoxifying and emollient purposes of the upper airways . In particular, the juice obtained from squeezing ripe elderberries performs a soothing action on the mucous membranes of the nose and throat irritated by inflammation due to cooling. Furthermore, it is able to promote the dissolution and fluidification of bronchial and nasal catarrh .
It also possesses diaphoretic properties, or that favor sweating in case of feverish states. Its ability to increase body sweating depends on the synergistic activity of flavonoids , alkaloids and tannins . Thanks to the high concentration of vitamin C and antioxidants found in elderberries, this vegetable is considered particularly effective for boosting the immune response . Finally, it is also endowed with an excellent purifying capacity which favors the elimination of toxins .
Natural remedies for the respiratory tract: how to use elderberry
As mentioned previously, elderberry is a plant that is widely used in herbal medicine to promote the well-being of the respiratory system . Its action on the airways is indirect, since once taken, the vegetable increases body sweating, improving the annoyances related to colds, fever and cough.
Elderberry can be taken in the form of an infusion in boiling water, to be consumed preferably in the evening before going to bed. Herbal teas and decoctions of dried leaves and petals are mainly used in the treatment of fever, cough and cold, for their decongestant action on the nasal passages .
The syrupelderberry, on the other hand, and a refreshing and soothing drink on the mucous membranes , considered among the best natural remedies for the respiratory tract . It can be very useful for the nose and throat in the cold season in which, due to sudden changes in temperature and greater exposure to external agents, the respiratory system is more exposed. You can also take some fresh berries in the morning on an empty stomach, thus offering powerful support to the immune system which is much more reactive, even in the case of respiratory tract diseases.
Alternatively, you can use natural elderberry-based food supplements to improve thefunctionality of the upper respiratory tract and favoring the body’s natural defenses . For greater protection of the immune system and the whole organism during the autumn and winter season, it is possible to combine elderberry-based supplements with echinacea , uncaria , zinc and Manuka honey .
Echinacea and uncaria support the immune system. Zinc contributes to the normal function of the immune system and to the protection of cells from oxidative stress. While, Manuka honeyit is considered beneficial for the respiratory tract, especially in case of nasal congestion, but also for its immunostimulating properties.
