Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Elder flower (Sambucus nigra) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine for treating symptoms associated with upper respiratory tract conditions, including allergic rhinitis. In European folk medicine, elder flower infusions or teas have been used to address runny nose, sneezing, and other allergy-like symptoms, likely due to their purported anti-inflammatory and diaphoretic properties. The traditional rationale is that elder flower helps to "open" the sinuses and promote sweating, thereby relieving congestion.

However, direct scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of elder flower specifically for allergic rhinitis is limited. Most modern research on elder focuses on its antiviral effects, particularly against influenza and the common cold, rather than its use in allergies. Some phytochemical studies suggest elder flower contains flavonoids and phenolic compounds with potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, which could theoretically offer benefit in allergic conditions. Nonetheless, there are no robust clinical trials or high-quality studies that specifically validate its use for allergic rhinitis.

In summary, the use of elder flower for allergic rhinitis is primarily justified by tradition, with only weak indirect scientific support. The evidence rating is therefore low, reflecting a reliance on historical use rather than modern clinical validation.

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