Echinacea and elderberry's traditional uses for cold and flu

Elderberry is a purple berry of the European black elder tree that grows in the warmer climates of Europe, Asia, Northern Africa and North America. Both its berries and flowers have traditionally been used to support respiratory health, and to the present day, elderberry is promoted as a supplement for such conditions. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health¹, studies show elderberry is traditionally used in Western Herbal Medicine to relieve flu symptoms and mild inflammation of the upper respiratory tract.

Results of a 2016 study² of international air travellers suggested that those who took elderberry had a reduction of cold duration and severity as opposed to those who didn't.

Clinical studies on the efficacy of standard elderberry extract have also demonstrated a reduction in cold duration and improvement of symptoms, as reviewed and reported in a 2021 paper³ published in the Advances in Traditional Medicine Journal. The paper confirms the efficacy of elderflowers and berries on colds and flu in modern medicine. 

The paper also found that elderberry extract significantly improved clinical flu symptoms such as fever, cough, nasal congestion and mucus discharge.

Echinacea, a native American plant also known as the coneflower, is named from the Greek word echinos, meaning hedgehog, so because of the prickly scales on its conical head, which resemble hedgehog spikes.

According to Mount Sinai Hospital⁴, archaeologists have discovered that the plant may have been used by Native Americans for hundreds of years. 

The hospital also reports that research suggests the above-ground part of the plant is more effective for health benefits, as this part contains polysaccharides known to stimulate the immune system.

Echinacea - Modern Uses

Mount Sinai⁴reports that echinacea is now used in Western Herbal Medicine to help reduce symptoms and shorten the duration of the common cold and flu. 

For example, one study in the Lancet Infectious Diseases Journal⁵ found echinacea to reduce the risk of developing the common cold by more than 50% and to shorten the duration of cold symptoms.

Elderberry - Modern Uses

Clinical studies on the efficacy of standard elderberry extract have demonstrated a reduction in cold duration and improvement of symptoms, as reviewed and reported in a 2021 paper³ published in the Advances in Traditional Medicine Journal. The paper confirms the efficacy of elderflowers and berries on colds and flu in modern medicine.

Taking echinacea during the early stages may be ideal. Mount Sinai⁴ notes several studies have shown that taking it as soon as one feels sick can reduce the severity of a cold and the number of symptoms compared with those who do not.

According to Mount Sinai Hospital⁴, the three species of echinacea commonly used for medicinal purposes are Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea pallida, and Echinacea purpurea. The effectiveness of echinacea depends on which parts are used in the preparation. 

Echinacea is available in extracts, tinctures, tablets, capsules, and ointments. It often appears in other immune formulas of vitamins and minerals and is also available in combination with other immune-boosting herbs, vitamins, and minerals.

It's essential to speak to your healthcare provider about taking any supplements to ensure they are suitable for your health situation, to confirm the dosage, and to get their recommendation of a high-quality product.