Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3

Elder flower (Sambucus nigra) has a long history of traditional use in supporting the respiratory system, including the sinuses. Historically, elder flower has been employed in European herbal medicine as a remedy for colds, sinusitis, and other upper respiratory tract issues. The flowers are known to contain flavonoids, phenolic acids, and other plant compounds thought to possess anti-inflammatory and mild antiviral properties. Traditional herbalists often used hot infusions of elder flower to induce sweating and help reduce fever, as well as to relieve congestion by promoting sinus drainage.

Scientific evidence for elder flower’s efficacy in supporting the sinuses is limited. While some laboratory studies have shown that extracts of elder flower possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, well-designed clinical trials specifically assessing its impact on sinus health are lacking. Most of the available data comes from its inclusion in multi-herb combinations for treating upper respiratory symptoms, making it difficult to attribute effects to elder flower alone.

In summary, elder flower's use for sinus support is primarily based on traditional practices and limited preclinical data. It remains a popular choice in herbal medicine, but robust scientific validation for sinus-specific benefits is not yet established.

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