Influenza

Amazing Elderberries!

The juice of the black elderberry (Sambucus Nigra) has been used since the 17th century as a tea
and cordial to sooth sore throats, speed recovery from cold and flu and relieve respiratory distress.

Elderberries have been shown in studies (see below) to be clinically effective in shortening the
duration of influenza A and B infections, and help make symptoms less severe. Elderberries
contain a considerable amount of vitamins A, B and C, as well as flavonoids, carotenoids and
amino acids. Elderberry is also helpful in easing inflammation.

We have recently learned from the study at left that Elderberries may very likely stop or slow the
progress of the H1N1 swine flu. We think it is likely that taking a small dose of elderberry daily
could reduce your odds of catching the flu if you were exposed. Please do not count on elderberry
or any other alternative approach as your only flu support. Consult a healthcare practitioner
within 48 hours of the start of flu symptoms.

CITATIONS:

Randomized Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Oral Elderberry Extract in the Treatment of Influenza A and B Virus
InfectionsJ Int Med Res 2004;32(2):132-140, Z Zakay-Rones1, E Thom, T Wollan3, J Wadstein

Inhibition of several strains of influenza virus in vitro and reduction of symptoms by an elderberry extract (Sambucus
nigra L.) during an outbreak of influenza B Panama.J Altern Complement Med. 1995 Winter;1(4):361-9. Zakay-Rones
Z, Varsano N, Zlotnik M, Manor O, Regev L, Schlesinger M, Mumcuoglu M.

Common Sense Health Tips for Surviving and Thriving in the
New Flu Season

1. Put some extra healing energy into the ordinary things you do to keep yourself healthy from day
to day -- eat whole organic food, exercise, spend 15 minutes in the sun for the vitamin D, walk out
in the fresh air, breathe deep and relax. These are huge health measures you can take, no matter
what else is going on in your life .

2. You've heard it before: WASH YOUR HANDS. This really is the
most effective single thing you can do. Wash often, with alcohol-based
hand cleaner or soap and water. While you're at it, use a little alcohol
gel hand cleaner to wipe down a doorknob, keyboard, remote control or
telephone receiver, wherever you are. Viruses can survive on these
surfaces. Make sure the kids wash hands too, whenever they've been
away from the house. Cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue. At left is
a little device we have in the bathrooms at our house, to make it easier
for kids to remember how long to wash or brush.

3. Don't let the hysterical press coverage and rumors about the flu stress you out. Stress takes a
physical toll on your immune system. If you find yourself getting anxious, turn off the TV and
computer, and go out in nature or play with the kids instead of fixating on your worry.

4. Have a plan. Pay attention to local news enough to know what is being recommended in your
area, and be prepared, just in case. Our plan includes eating our vegetables, washing our hands
carefully, and keeping some Elderberry Comfort around the house.

5. Anyone who feels sick should stay home. This isn't the time to be a hero. If you're not ill enough to
be in bed, you can always do some restful work from home, or take a day to relax.

EXCERPT FROM ARTICLE PUBLISHED ON MERCOLA.COM, 10/31/2009:

"A recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that of the 36 children
who died from H1N1 from April to August, six had no chronic health conditions. But all of them had a co-
occurring bacterial infection.

The most common co-occurring infection that causes flu-related deaths is staphylococcus aureus. A third of
the population carries it, most in their nose or on their skin.

The flu causes upper respiratory damage, which allows the staph to make its way into the lungs."

This information is relevant to those of us with very sensitive and immune-challenged children, such
as those with autism, because our kids are so vulnerable to multiple infections, often at a subclinical
level. This knowledge gives us one more tool for fighting the serious complications of this current flu
virus, to try to make sure that no more children will die of secondary bacterial infections.

Based on this new information, we have a set of recommendations for which of our products may be
helpful to support children and adults at elevated risk for H1N1 flu, as follows:

BEST-ODDS ANTI-FLU PLAN

1. Elderberry comfort, 1 dropper a day while healthy, to help slow the flu if they get exposed.
Since you can have the flu for 3 days before showing symptoms, it makes sense to keep a low
level of elderberry in the system throughout flu season.

2. Rotation of Pau D'Arco and Lomatium, 10 days each, at full children's dose, then 10 days off.
Continue until flu season is over. This helps weaken staph aureus or other resident bacterial
infections.

3. At first sign of flu symptoms, go to your doctor and get medication. Do not delay -- get in
within 48 hours of first symptom, as the medication must be started within 48 hours to work
effectively.

4. You may also increase to full children's dose of Elderberry Comfort and add full doses of both
Lomatium and Pau D'Arco at this time, to help optimize odds of weakening infections and help
strengthen lung health, if your practitioner agrees.