I have been flat on my back ill with the Flu. I had severe lower back pain. Why did the Flu affect my back and how long should I wait to go back to work. Today, is the first day I've been downstairs in 2 days.
There are some concerns about Sambucol:
Theoretical Cautions and Contraindications :
Short-term use of elder flowers has not been associated with adverse effects. Theoretically, long-term use and/or high doses of elder flowers may alter lithium and/or digoxin levels due to diuretic properties. Use with caution in individuals taking diuretics. Elder has anti-inflammatory properties and when used with other anti-inflammatory agents, may lead to additive effects. Use with caution in individuals using oral hypoglycemic medications or insulin. Elder may also lower blood sugar. The flavonoid quercitin, found in elder, has been reported to inhibit xanthine oxidase, and may affect caffeine and theophylline levels. Use with caution in individuals taking methylxanthines (caffeine, theophylline). Use with caution in individuals taking cancer chemotherapy agents; preliminary research suggests that elder may increase the possible adverse effects of chemotherapies.
General Warnings :
Use all herbal supplements with extreme caution in children <2 years of age and in pregnancy or lactation. Some herbs are contraindicated in pregnancy or lactation; make sure to observe warnings. Use with caution in individuals on medication and with pre-existing medical conditions. Always review for potential herb-drug interactions (HDIs) and other warnings. Large and prolonged doses may increase the potential for adverse effects. Herbs may cause transient adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, and GI distress due to a variety of chemical constituents. Use caution in individuals having known allergies to plants.
Theoretical Interactions :
Diuretics, digoxin, lithium, laxatives, oral hypoglycemic medications, insulin, methylxanthines, cancer chemotherapy agents, decongestants, anti-inflammatory medications
References
Bradley PR, ed, The British Herbal Compendium, Vol 1, London, England: British Herbal Medicine Association, 1992, 84-6.
Brown D, “Echinacea Root Fails to Prevent Upper Respiratory Tract Infections,” HealthNotes Rev Complement Alternative Med, 1999, 6(1):6-7.
Natural Standard Research Collaboration, Chief Editors: Ulbricht C, Basch E, Natural Standard Herb and Supplement Reference - Evidence-Based Clinical Reviews, USA: Elsevier/Mosby, 2005.
Newall CA, Anderson LA, and Phillipson JD, Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health Care Professionals, London, England: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 104-5.
Yesilada E, Utson O, Sezik E, et al, “Inhibitory Effects of Turkish Folk Remedies on Inflammatory Cytokines: Interleukin-1Alpha, Interleukin-1Beta and Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha,” J Ethnopharmacol, 1997, 58(1):59-73.
Zakay-Rones Z, Varsano N, Zlotnik M, et al, “Inhibition of Several Strains of Influenza Virus In-vitro and Reduction of Symptoms by an Elderberry Extract (Sambucus nigra) During an Outbreak of Influenza B Panama,” J Altern Complement Med, 1995, 1(4):361-9.
Thats so funny you should mention elderberries Lauren! My grandma has been banging on about how good they are for you for years!! I've found some stuff called Sambucol which is really good. I haven't been ill at all during the Christmas period when everyone seemed to have something!
Happy New Year!!
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lauren78 is right, when a cold isn't getting better after 2 weeks, and has fever/chills/chest pain I worry more about a bacterial infection. Go see your doctor.
That sounds very serious. Go see a doctor ASAP!!!
In the mean time, take some Vitamin C or black elderberries extract and sleep, sleep, sleep. I am sure some of the doctors who monitor the site will give you other advice very quickly.
Get better soon.