Synopsis

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

Elder flower (Sambucus nigra) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in Europe, for relieving symptoms of upper respiratory tract conditions, including nasal congestion. It has been commonly included in folk remedies such as teas and syrups intended to ease colds, sinusitis, and influenza. The traditional belief is that elder flower acts as a diaphoretic (promoting sweating) and may help "open" the respiratory passages, thus reducing symptoms of congestion. Some modern herbal blends and over-the-counter cold remedies in Europe still contain elder flower for these reasons.

However, scientific evidence supporting its efficacy for congestion specifically is limited. Most clinical research on elder focuses on elderberry (the fruit) rather than the flower. A few small studies and reviews have noted elder flower’s mild anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but robust, placebo-controlled trials for congestion are lacking. The German Commission E has approved elder flower for use in treating colds, but this approval is based heavily on traditional use and pharmacological plausibility rather than strong clinical trial data. As such, while elder flower is widely used and recommended in traditional European herbalism, its evidence base remains primarily historical and anecdotal rather than scientifically validated.

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Other ingredients used for Congestion

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