MIAMI, Updated 6:46 p.m. EST January 17, 2001 -- If you're still waiting for your flu vaccine, there may be a natural alternative.
For centuries, Europeans used the extract of the black elderberry plant to cure colds, coughs and respiratory infections.
Now researchers say that science is backing up their claims. They've created a product called Sambucol. It's an extract of the berry that they say boosts the immune system.
"We have proven scientifically that Sambucol can stop the flu in two to three days," said Dr. Madeleine Mumcuoglu, a virologist. "We have proven it by laboratory studies and by clinical studies."
Researchers say that it's important to take the herbal remedy at the onset of flu symptoms.
"If they start to get a scratchy throat, I'll give it to my kids and within a couple of days they don't have a scratchy throat anymore," Mumcuoglu said.
Sambucol is available at most health and nutrition stores.
History Of The Black Elderberry
