How to Treat Colds and Flu Effectively, without conventional medication: Harnessing the Power of Elderberries, Ivy Leaf and Essential Nutrients
As the seasons change and cold and flu viruses make their rounds, many people seek remedies to ease their symptoms and support recovery. While over-the-counter medications can provide relief, they often come with unwanted side effects. Fortunately, there are powerful alternatives that not only effectively soothe symptoms but also strengthen the immune system. Among these, elderberry, ivy leaf and essential vitamins and minerals stand out for their scientifically supported benefits.
Elderberries, the dark purple fruit of the European elder tree, have long been used in traditional Herbal Medicine to relieve common cold and flu symptoms such as coughs, sore throats, and mucus buildup in the respiratory tract.¹ Their popularity is not just rooted in folklore—modern research supports their effectiveness.
Studies have shown that elderberries possess a wide range of health-promoting properties, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. These benefits are largely attributed to their rich content of biologically active compounds such as polyphenols, phenolic acids, flavonols, and anthocyanins. In simple terms, when a flu virus enters your body, it needs to latch onto your cells to multiply and spread. These special plant compounds in elderberry can stick to the virus and prevent it from entering cells and multiplying, which may help slow down or reduce the severity of infections. Additionally, elderberries are a good source of essential vitamins like Vitamin C and Vitamin A, as well as minerals such as magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, and manganese.2,3
Adding to this growing body of evidence, a 2021 systematic review that analysed five randomized controlled trials found that elderberry supplementation may significantly reduce the severity and duration of colds and flu. Importantly, these benefits were achieved without the adverse side effects often associated with conventional treatments.⁴
Another time-honoured herbal remedy is ivy leaf. Ivy leaf preparations have a long history of use as a herbal treatment for relieving phlegm buildup and chesty coughs.5 Scientific studies suggest that ivy leaf cough syrup may improve breathing and reduce cough symptoms in children. Doctors have also reported improved sleep and overall quality of life in children treated with ivy leaf, with minimal side effects.6 Research in adults with colds has shown that ivy leaf treatment may be helpful to use for relief of symptoms instead of inappropriately prescribed antibiotics.7
Complementing the power of elderberries ivy leaf are several key nutrients that play a vital role in immune health. Vitamins A, B2, C, D, and the mineral zinc work synergistically to maintain the integrity of the body’s physical barriers to infection, such as the skin and respiratory tract linings. These nutrients are also essential for the development and function of immune cells and antibodies. Their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties help protect the body from infection and regulate inflammation, making them crucial allies in the fight against seasonal illnesses.8
While it is always wise to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications, incorporating elderberry, ivy leaf and immune-supportive nutrients through supplements and herbal preparations can be an effective way to bolster your defenses during cold and flu season. These ingredients can also help to gently and effectively manage symptoms, without the side effects and risks associated with other medication, making them suitable for both children and adults.
Cough PLus syrup references and legals
1. Health Canada: Natural health product monograph for Elder – Sambucus [Online]. Available from: https://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/atReq?atid=elder.sureau&lang=eng. Accessed 1 March, 2025.
2. Sanlier N, Ejder ZB, Irmak E. Are the effects of bioactive components on human health a myth?: Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) from exotic fruits. Curr Nutr Rep. 2024;13:815–827. doi: 10.1007/s13668-024-00572-6.
3. Marțiș GS, Mureșan V, Marc RM, Mureșan CC, Pop CR, Buzgău G, Mureșan AE, Ungur RA, Muste S. The physicochemical and antioxidant properties of Sambucus nigra L. and Sambucus nigra Haschberg during growth phases: From buds to ripening. Antioxidants. 2021;10:1093. doi: 10.3390/antiox10071093.
4. Wieland LS, Piechotta V, Feinberg T, Ludeman E, Hutton B, Kanji S, Seely D, Garritty C. Elderberry for prevention and treatment of viral respiratory illnesses: a systematic review. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2021 Apr 7; 21:112. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-021-03283-5
5. European Medicines Agency: Ivy leaf – Hedera helix L., folium [Online]. Accessed 1 March, 2025.
6. Seifert G, Upstone L, Watling CP, Vogelberg C. Ivy leaf dry extract EA 575 for the treatment of acute and chronic cough in pediatric patients: review and expert survey. Curr Med Res Opin. 2023;39(10):1407-1417.
7. Kostev K, Völp A, Ludwig F, Strehl C, Seifert G. Association between ivy leaves dry extract EA 575 prescriptions and antibiotic use, sick leave duration, and repeated infections in adult patients. Postgrad Med. 2022 Apr;134(3):333-340.
8. de Faria Coelho-Ravagnani C, Campos Corgosinho F, La Flor Ziegler Sanches F, Marques Maia Prado C, Laviano A, Felipe Mota J. Dietary recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nutr Rev. 2021 Apr;79(4):382-393. doi: 10.1093/nutrit/nuaa067.
[S0] Vital® COLD & FLU PLUS effervescent tablets. Each effervescent tablet contains 1300 mg Sambucus nigra L. (Elderberry fruit) [as 65 mg of a 20:1 extract]; 1000 mg Vitamin C; 12 mg Zinc; 11 mg Vitamin B2; 300 µg RE Vitamin A and 10 µg Vitamin D3. Combination product – Western herbal medicine / Health supplement. This unregistered medicine has not been evaluated by the SAHPRA for its quality, safety or intended use. Vital Health Foods (Pty) Ltd, Reg. no.: 51/03081/07. Vineyard Office Estate, 99 Jip De Jager Drive, De Bron, Cape Town, 7530, South Africa. Tel no.: 0800 22 3311. Please refer to the detailed professional information (PI) for full prescribing information.
[S0] Vital® COUGH PLUS syrup. Each 5 ml syrup contains 1440 mg Sambucus nigra L. (Elderberry fruit) [as 45 mg of a 32:1 extract] and 150 mg Hedera helix L. (Ivy leaf)[as 30 mg of a 5-7,5:1 extract]. Western herbal medicine. This unregistered medicine has not been evaluated by the SAHPRA for its quality, safety or intended use. Vital Health Foods (Pty) Ltd, Reg. no.: 51/03081/07. Vineyard Office Estate, 99 Jip De Jager Drive, De Bron, Cape Town, 7530, South Africa. Tel no.: 0800 22 3311. Please refer to the detailed professional information (PI) for full prescribing information.
