Sambucol Black Elderberry immune system booster Original Review

My son had to withdraw from college last year because he got so sick that he fell behind in his classes.  Once he was sick, it seemed like he couldn't get better and seemed to catch any germ that came his way.  He went to a few doctors and they ran numerous  tests including tests for scary stuff like mono and chronic bronchitis. The tests all came back negative.  He went to an allergist who also ran tests.  They found allergies, but nothing that would necessitate medicating.  Frustration set in and the nagging thought that I needed to find a way to boost his immune system. I didn't know how to go about it.

I was introduced to Sambucol Original Formula, a clinically tested supplement made from elderberries. The anti-oxidants of elderberries helps combat the illness and regular use could be taken as a preventative measure. I am no stranger to using elderberries as a homeopathic medicine.  I make an elderberry jam that I mix into nettle tea for colds and upper respiratory sickness. I trust them so trying Sambucol just felt right. (And the product is recommended by Andrew Weil, M.D.)

Sambucol comes in a chewable tablet and a liquid for those who prefer it.  I sent both kinds off to my son in Utah and decided that my husband and I would try it as well.  We all made it through the winter unscathed!  My son made it through school and I am very happy!  Thank-you, Sambucol.

My Experience:

I chewed a tablet, a couple times a day for a few weeks.  I felt like I had more energy which isn't one of the benefits touted by Sambucol but I did feel better.

In time, I started to feel as though I was going to get sick.  I doubled up on the tablets and I believe it helped me fight off what was trying to prey on my system because I never got sick.  [I later read that I should have been taking two tablets anyway- always good to read the box.]

My Viewpoint:

I was mainly interested in trying to find a product to boost my youngest son's immune system but, in the process, boosted my own.  I like the product and will continue to use it.

Sambucol also comes in a kids formula.  I wish it had existed when my children were small.

Postscript:

While the original formula [as researched by Patty] is mostly sugar water and vitamin C, the immune formula has different ingredients-

Liquid Ingredients-

3.8g of Black Elderberry Extract per 10ml
Sorbitol, purified water, artificial raspberry flavour, citric acid,
potassium sorbate (to retard spoilage)

Free from Gluten.
Free from artificial colours

Chewable Tablet Ingredients-

Elderberry dried extract 80 mg
Vitamin C 100 mg
Zinc (as zinc citrate) 5.3 mg
Echincea 10 mg

Other Ingredients
Sorbitol, xylitol, natural flavors, solida, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, maltodextrin, tapioca starch

Free from artificial colors

A page of frequently asked questions about Sambucol:

http://www.sambucolusa.com/faqs.htm