Why You and Your Dogs/Cats Should be using Elderberry
Source: Dr Axe.com
Hippocrates, the ancient Greek known as the “father of medicine,” who described the plant as his “medicine chest” because of the wide array of health concerns it seemed to cure. Whether we’re talking cavemen, ancient Egyptians or ancient Greeks, this natural remedy definitely goes way back, which is why it’s no wonder it’s known as one of the top antiviral herbs on the planet.
Health benefits of the elder plant include naturally improving sinus issues, nerve pain, inflammation, chronic fatigue, allergies, constipation and even cancer. When used within the first 48 hours of onset of symptoms, the extract may even help relieve and shorten the duration of cold and flu symptoms as well.
For this reason, the government actually employed the use of elderberry to fight flu during the 1995 Panama flu epidemic.
What Is Elderberry?
Sambucus is a genus of flowering plants in the family Adoxaceae. The different species of Sambucus are commonly called elderberry or elder. The berries and flowers of the elder plant are used as medicine.
Elderberry is native to Europe, Africa and parts of Asia, but it’s become common in the U.S. It has deciduous leaves, white flowers (elderflowers) and berries that turn from green to red to black when ripe. Elder is commonly found growing in woodlands and hedgerows.
Health Benefits and Uses
Provides Cold and Flu Relief
One of the most well-studied elderberry syrup benefits is its powerful immune-boosting properties. The berries contain chemical compounds called anthocyanidins, which are known to have immunostimulant effects.
Research actually shows that elderberry extract is a safe, efficient and cost-effective treatment for cold and flu symptoms.
A 2016 study published in Nutrients showed that elderberry supplementation was able to reduce cold duration and symptoms in air travelers. Travelers using this herb from 10 days before travel until four to five days after arrival overseas experienced, on average, a two-day shorter duration of their colds as well as a noticeable reduction in cold symptoms.
Several studies have found benefits to support the use of elderberry syrup for flu symptoms as well. Specifically, the flavonoids in the extract bind to the H1N1 human influenza virus as well as the H5N1 avian influenza virus.
A 2009 study randomized patients into two groups. One group was given four doses of 175-milligram proprietary elderberry extract daily, and the other group received a placebo for two days. The group treated with the extract showed significant improvement in most flu symptoms, while the placebo group showed no improvement in symptom severity. Researchers conclude that the extract is effective in controlling influenza symptoms.
Another study published in the Journal of International Medical Research showed that when the extract is used within the first 48 hours of the onset of flu symptoms, it can shorten the duration of flu symptoms by an average of four days.
Elderberry Doses
Here is what is published for people
Dosing information is based on limited evidence from clinical trials. For the treatment of influenza, 15 mL of syrup taken 4 times per day for 5 days has been used in clinical trials.
Air travel respiratory health: initially 600 mg/day starting 10 days before travel followed by 900 mg/day starting the day before travel and continued for 4 or 5 days postflight.
For Dogs and Cats
I would dose them at 100mg of eldeberry per 10lbs of body weight twice daily when dealing with a viral infection.
The concentrated elderberry flakes contain 1000mg/scoop- meaning I would give 1/2 of that twice daily to a 50 lb dog ( ie Pippy)
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