Elderberry has shown antiviral activity and thus may be useful for some people with common colds. Elder flowers are a traditional remedy for helping to break fevers and promote sweating during a cold.^5,6 In a double-blind trial, administration of an elderberry extract decreased the number of days with cold symptoms by 52% and decreased average symptom severity by 58%, compared with a placebo, in people travelling on intercontinental flights. The amount used was 600 to 900 mg per day of an extract standardized to contain 22% polyphenols and 15% anthocyanins. Treatment was begun ten days prior to the flight and was continued for four to five days after arrival at the destination.⁷

The effect of a syrup made from the berries of the black elderberry on influenza has been studied in a small double-blind trial.⁸ People receiving an elderberry extract (four tablespoons per day for adults, two tablespoons per day for children) appeared to recover faster than did those receiving a placebo.

Herbs that support a person’s immune system in the fight against microbes and directly attack microbes include the following: barberry, echinacea, elderberry, goldenseal, licorice, Oregon grape, osha, and wild indigo.^9,10