Okay, can elderberry stimulate a cytokine storm? If this question has been on your mind lately (you’re not alone), you’ve come to the right place. We dove into the research and found several recent studies debunking the cytokine storm gossip. Cue back up your daily dose of elderberry gummies.
Break it Down: What is a Cytokine Storm?
A cytokine storm, or cytokine release syndrome (CRS), is an excessive immune response that may occur in late-stage severe illnesses. There’s been a lot of buzz about it lately because CRS was considered a major source of fatalities during the SARS epidemic, and some have recently reported that we may see similar outcomes with COVID-19.
With elderberry, the concern is that the botanical might be bad news for coronavirus patients because it’s alleged to help create this “cytokine storm.” But cytokine storms are rare and the truth is, we don’t have enough data to conclude that any natural product can stimulate one in human physiology.
Ultimately, here’s what we found: elderberry is not likely to cause CRS by itself. In fact, there’s no causative links of elderberry or any herbs associated with CRS.
Cytokine release syndrome is caused by a severe amount of damage to your tissues, activated by your immune cells in the later stages of an infection. At which point, your symptoms should be managed by medical professionals rather than any at-home remedy. But healthy people taking elderberry every day is perfectly okay. Encouraged even!
Should Retailers Recommend Elderberry for Coronavirus?
“Elderberry supplements are positive immune support supplements to recommend,” says New Hope Network, leaders at the forefront of the healthy lifestyle products industry. However—and this is true always, not just in the wake of a pandemic—people with autoimmune diseases should talk to their doctor before taking elderberry or any other natural remedy.
While the full effects of black elder is not yet well known, “antiviral and antimicrobial properties have been demonstrated” in these extracts, and the United States Food and Drug Administration generally recognizes black elder as safe to take. When taken daily, these supplements help support a healthy immune response, which is exactly what we all need right now.
Using Natural Remedies for Coronavirus
Unfortunately, the battle against Coronavirus will last longer than we all initially thought. Maintaining a healthy diet, lifestyle, exercise regime, and working to minimize stress as much as possible during this time is vital to our overall health.
Since there’s still no known effective cure or treatment for COVID-19, experts are pointing to all potential therapeutics, mitigation interventions, and—in particular—prevention strategies that may reduce the incidence or severity of infection as viable options for keeping healthy people healthy.
Wearing your mask in public, social distancing, and taking immune boosters is recommended across the scientific board. But if you do get sick, please call your doctor to discuss your symptoms and treatment options.
Be well!
This article should not be viewed as medical advice. All the information, content, and material you find on this page is for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider.