A medical expert has shared a key ingredient that can help speed up recovery from the flu, but there’s a catch.
As winter brings colds, sniffles and flu, we all try to avoid germs, but sometimes catching a bug is inevitable. However, a doctor has shared lesser-known supplements that can reduce the duration of illness, including one hailed by some as a “cure” for the common cold.
On TikTok, Dr Stephen Cabral noted the increase in patients falling ill due to colder weather and wanted to ensure everyone had the tools to prevent a minor cold from worsening.
He said: “If you feel a cold or virus coming on, there are certain supplements that can help to stop it in its tracks. An elderberry tea and echinacea tea, all of those would be remarkable because elderberry has already been scientifically proven to shorten the duration of a flu. Literally.”
But there’s a catch. If you’re susceptible to colds, it’s best to start taking elderberry supplements proactively to help your body combat any flu-like viruses. Don’t expect it to work as effectively if you start taking it after you’ve fallen ill.
Elderberries, a globally recognised medicinal plant, can be harmful if consumed raw, causing symptoms such as nausea and diarrhoea. Despite Dr. Stephen Cabral’s claim that elderberries have been scientifically proven to reduce the duration of flu, medical evidence supporting this is limited.
Current research suggests that elderberries may contain properties that combat the flu virus and alleviate cold and flu symptoms, but no definitive discoveries have been made. A 2011 study found that liquid elderberry extract inhibited the growth of certain strep bacteria and influenza viruses in a lab setting.
Alongside elderberry, Dr. Cabral also recommends L-Lysine, an essential amino acid that forms protein building blocks and must be obtained from food or supplements.
He further suggests zinc, vitamin C, and quercetin, which aids zinc absorption into body tissues and prevents viral replication from overwhelming the immune system.
Lastly, he advises taking liquorice root, which supports adrenal glands in maintaining energy levels, reduces testosterone synthesis (particularly in women), and helps decrease body fat mass.
