A traditional tonic for colds

Q: I am hearing about elderberry syrup as an immune booster. Do you have any pros or cons?

A: Elderberry juice or extract is a traditional tonic for colds and coughs. Researchers have found that the extract from one Sambucus species has antiviral activity against coronavirus in test tubes (Frontiers in Pharmacology, Jan. 11, 2021). Other research has found that an extract of the flowers, in combination with beta-glucan and vitamin D3, may help reduce inflammation (Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, December 2020).

Don’t try to make your own elderberry extract. Unripe or uncooked berries, along with the rest of the plant, contain cyanide and are poisonous.

Q: My husband and I have been taking glucosamine and chondroitin for about six months to ease arthritis pain. After a cholesterol screening, we were surprised to learn that my husband’s already high cholesterol had risen 67 points, from 243 to 310. Mine remained unchanged.

Have you heard from others with a similar story?

A: We have heard from many other readers that glucosamine appeared to raise their cholesterol. However, this effect has not been confirmed in the medical literature.

Q: My son had angular cheilitis for a couple of years. Sometimes it would get so bad that the corners of his mouth would bleed during the night.

I read about using Aquaphor, an over-the-counter lip balm, for this. It worked beautifully!

A: Sometimes these sores at the corners of the mouth are caused by yeast overgrowth. Sealing out moisture can help, and your lip moisturizer should do that. Reducing sugar in the diet may make skin less vulnerable to yeast infections.