Travel and Elderberry - Why I Never Leave Home Without It!

If you’ve ever caught a cold right after a flight or come home from vacation feeling totally wiped out, you are not alone. I’ve been there. Between the dry airplane air, being packed into small spaces with strangers, and the stress that comes with traveling, your immune system is basically running on empty.

That’s why I always bring our elderberry tinctures with me when I travel—and I make sure my whole family takes it before and after we fly.

Not only is elderberry a natural way to support your immune system, but there’s also some solid science behind why it works so well. Let me break it down for you, in plain English.

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🌿 First of All, What Is Elderberry?

Elderberry is a tiny dark purple berry that comes from the elder tree (officially called Sambucus nigra). People have been using it for centuries to help fight off colds and flu, and today it’s one of the most popular natural remedies out there.

I use it in syrup form because it tastes great, it’s easy to take, and most importantly—it works. 

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📊 The Proof: What Science Says About Elderberry and Travel

Let’s talk about that one time science made me feel totally validated. 😄

A group of researchers conducted a double-blind, placebo controlled study on 300 people who were flying overseas (those long flights that just zap your energy). Half of them took elderberry, and the other half took a placebo.

Here’s what happened:

• The people who took elderberry got sick less often

• When they did get sick, they felt better 2 days sooner

• Their symptoms were way less intense

✅ Here’s the study if you want to check it out yourself: Tiralongo et al., Nutrients, 2016

Another study out of Norway showed that flu patients who took elderberry syrup recovered 4 days faster than those who didn’t.

✅ That one’s here: Zakay-Rones et al., Journal of International Medical Research, 2004

And get this—scientists reviewed multiple studies and came to the same conclusion: elderberry helps cut down the length and severity of colds.

✅ Review link: Hawkins et al., Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 2019

So yeah, this little berry is kind of a big deal.

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✈️ Why Elderberry is a Lifesaver When You Fly

Let’s face it—airplanes are basically flying germ boxes. The air is recycled and dry, you’re touching tray tables and bathroom handles, and you’re sitting shoulder to shoulder with strangers.

Elderberry helps your body fight back. It supports your immune system so that:

• You’re less likely to get sick while you travel

• If you do get sick, it doesn’t hit as hard

• You bounce back faster so you can actually enjoy your trip

For me and my family, it’s an easy way to stay ahead of the curve—especially with kids in tow!

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🕒 When (and How) to Take It

If you want elderberry to work its magic, you’ve got to start it before your trip. Here’s what we do in our house:

You can take it straight, add it to tea or water, or even sneak it into juice for picky kids (or husbands 😉). It tastes like sweet, tart berries and goes down easy.

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 Is It Safe?

Totally—as long as it’s made the right way.

Raw elderberries can be toxic, but the syrup you buy (especially ours at Katy Elderberry) is carefully cooked and strained so it’s 100% safe. It's something I feel good giving to my kids and taking myself.

Of course, if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or on medications, it’s always smart to talk to your doctor first.

✅ For the science-y folks, here’s a good safety study: Ulbricht et al., Integrative Medicine, 2014

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The Bottom Line

Elderberry syrup and our tinctures are one of the easiest, most natural ways to stay healthy while you travel. I’ve seen it work again and again—and the research backs it up.

So here’s your travel checklist:

• ✅ Phone charger

• ✅ Toothbrush

• ✅ Snacks

• ✅ ELDERBERRY TINCTURE

Before your next trip, grab a bottle for yourself (and one for your travel buddy too!).

👉 KATY ELDERBERRY   is our small-batch, family-made elderberry syrup that we use in our own home. It’s made with love, real ingredients, and no junk—just the way nature intended. 💪🌿

Here’s to healthy travels and strong immune systems!