Which is better echinacea or elderberry?

Ah, natural remedies. Humans have been using plants and herbs for medicinal purposes since ancient times! Today we’re going to discuss two popular natural remedies: Echinacea and Elderberry – often used for flu and cold symptoms.

But which one is the better option? Is it ‘E’ or ‘Elder’? Let’s take a deeper look!

What is Echinacea?

Echinacea, also known as Coneflower or Purple Coneflower (sounds like some kind of superhero plant!), is a flowering plant that’s native in North America. It has spiky petals with purplish-pink flowers – so pretty you would want to pop it in your vase! But wait, there’s more…

Fun fact: did you know that Native Americans used echinacea hundreds of years ago? They used it as a remedy for insect bites, toothaches, coughs and sore throats!

Today many people use echinacea to boost their immune system – at least those who are into this kind of thing.

What about Elderberry?

Next up on our list is elderberry! Not quite as easy flowing off the tongue but just as interesting nonetheless!

The elder plant produces dark purple fruit called elderberries which can be turned into juices, jams or preserves. Don’t let its unassuming appearance fool you though – these little berries pack quite a punch when it comes to health benefits.

Fun Fact’: According to legend , if you stand under an elder tree on midsummer night eve (“Midsummer Night Dream”, anyone?),It might transport  you somewhere completely different.

Moving swiftly back onto topic; People often turn towards elderberry supplements contain extract from black currant-like fruits ;I suppose it’s somewhat similar taste wise and numerically fitting given that we’re comparing two “Es”!

But do they actually work?

Great question! With so many conflicting opinions, it’s difficult to know where the truth lies.

Let’s explore both options in a little more detail:

Echinacea – How it works

Studies are divided on whether echinacea is effective for cold and flu symptoms. Some research has found that taking echinacea supplements can reduce the duration of a cold by a day or two ,which might not sound like much but when you feel like death & every hour feels like an eternity- A DAY IS HUGE!

On the flip side though,you also have some people who claim that echinacea doesn’t really affect their colds at all – personally speaking,my Aunt Lynn swears by them!

Possible explanations behind its effectiveness include:
Echinacea has been found to stimulate the immune system!
It contains flavonoids; which are antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties .(You don’t need to google this term because I’m about to!)

Flavonoids – compounfs often found present in plants ,that usually gives vibrant pigments ;think anthocyanins & quercetin!

Elderberry – Science Behind It

A different story from what we can see here! The dosage of elderberry sick shoppers sipping down seems like living testimony! Scientifically there have been several studies (amidst criticisms) linking benefits ranging from defeating viruses against influenza subtypes virus reducing however dimming down duration if infected. What makes elderberries potent fighters against these pesky germs?

Can thank Anthocyanins, antioxidant compounds associated with skin-cell damage prevention along with providing purple coloration around fruits+vegetables.

You could consume straight up capsulated elderberry concentrate such as Sambucol:one study being skeptically questioned showed that drinking may prove helpful battling out infections just within hours of consuming !

Although studies concluded elderberry better suited for flu and influenza symptoms more so than colds.

And the overall winner is?…

To be honest, it’s difficult to say! Studies on both remedies are somewhat divided: some people find that taking echinacea helps their symptoms while others feel no change whatsoever. Similarly, research has found positive effects from consuming elderberries but with limitations as well;more effectively targeting viral molecules and being deemed successful at keeping pesky viruses from growing in numbers!

Here are a few things worth considering:

Do Your Research: if you’re deciding to try either of these supplements make sure  to read up on its effectiveness because everyone’s body works differently!

Consulting A Doctor: necessarily we don’t have the means of knowing whether something could react badly when consumed alongside medications or maybe specific allergies.Make sure consulting your general physician before confirming any new addition into your routine.

Conclusion

Well folks, the “battle” between Echinacea & Elderberry really wasn’t worlds apart – they work differetly catering to different symtptoms nonetheless equally effective subjectively!

Elderberry triumphs over specifics while Echinacea caters towards symptom relief !

At this point ,I suppose it depends,”are you saying ‘yes-we-can’?”or would rather crumble under winter cold weather?

Either way finding special remedies undoubtedly add a little spark +magic during times which may not always be too magical.Perhaps trying out and seeing what sticks might provide an even better direction in terms of natural remdies …

But as wise men once said ,”When life gives you lemons…make lemonade!”

Keep calm,but spare yourself the thing,and stay safe!

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