Synopsis

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

Elder flower (Sambucus nigra) has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in Europe, for treating upper respiratory tract infections, including coughs. Traditionally, elder flower preparations—such as teas, syrups, and tinctures—have been believed to possess anti-catarrhal, anti-inflammatory, and diaphoretic properties, making them a common home remedy for colds, flu, and coughs. Folk medicine texts and herbal pharmacopeias from the 18th and 19th centuries in Europe frequently reference elder flower as a remedy for coughs and related respiratory discomfort.

However, scientific validation for these uses is limited. While some in vitro studies suggest elder flower extracts may have anti-inflammatory and mild antiviral activity, high-quality clinical trials specifically evaluating its effectiveness for cough are lacking. The German Commission E, a notable herbal regulatory body, approves elder flower for use in treating colds, but this endorsement is primarily based on traditional use and anecdotal evidence rather than robust clinical data.

In summary, the use of elder flower for cough is chiefly rooted in traditional herbal medicine, supported by centuries of anecdotal use. The current scientific evidence is insufficient to confirm its effectiveness for this condition, and further research is needed to establish its clinical efficacy.

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