For hundreds of years, people in England have used the flowers and berries from the Elder plant to treat fevers, colds and a multitude of other health problems. Back then they knew nothing about viruses and how they attacked the body. They only knew that parts of this plant worked very effectively against certain symptoms.

So what makes Elderberry so great for swine flu treatment and prevention? Here are five main reasons:

1. It prevents influenza viruses from entering healthy cells.

2. It tastes good.

3. It is easily attainable.

4. It cuts recovery time from six days to two days.

5. It has no negative side effects

Prevents Cell Entry - Now modern science has shown why Elderberries are so effective, especially against viruses like influenza. Multiple studies have come out in recent years showing that compounds in elderberries prevent influenza viruses from entering cells, especially in the respiratory tract. This is wonderful news, since conventional medicine has few effective treatments for viral infections and flu.

Tastes Good - Elderberries can be somewhat bitter when unripe, but are fairly sweet when ripe. Most preparations taste very pleasant, with a blueberry flavor.

Easy to Find - Because of the scientific research on Elderberry's effectiveness against influenza, most health food stores and many web-based vendors of health products now carry a selection of preparations from different companies. These preparations consist of syrups, extracts, tablets and lozenges. The extract of black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is the most effective.

Cuts Recovery Time - A study done in 2004 at the University of Oslo in Norway showed that 93% of flu patients given extract were completely symptom-free within 2 days; those taking a placebo recovered in about 6 days. So if we've been exposed to flu or feel we are coming down with the flu, taking elderberry will help with prevention and shorten the duration if we, in fact, have a flu virus.

No Negative Side Effects - Russell Greenfield, MD, a leading practitioner of integrative medicine and medical director of Carolinas Integrative Health, says in a news release. "It can be given to children and adults, and with no known side effects or negative interaction." Flu drugs, on the other hand, have been known to have negative side effects. Many countries stopped using swine flu drugs because they had so many serious side effects, especially in children. Also, the swine flu vaccine has had many serious problems and questionable efficacy.

These are just five reasons to consider getting elderberry for flu prevention and your home medicine cabinet. As more research is conducted on the properties and effects of this practical plant, it is likely that more reasons will be unveiled for its use.