Evidence supporting the use of: Southern Elder
For the health condition: Cough (spastic)

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Synopsis

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

Southern Elder (Sambucus nigra, often simply referred to as elderberry) has a long history of traditional use in European herbal medicine for the treatment of coughs, particularly spastic or irritating coughs. Historical texts and ethnobotanical literature frequently mention elderflower infusions and elderberry syrups as remedies for respiratory ailments, including colds, coughs, and bronchitis. The flowers, in particular, have been used as a soothing tea or extract to help relieve spastic coughs and mild upper respiratory tract inflammation, likely due to their mild anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties as described in traditional sources.

However, scientific validation for these uses is limited. While some laboratory studies suggest elderberry extracts can have antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects, specific evidence addressing their action on spastic cough is lacking. Most clinical research has focused on elderberry’s ability to reduce the duration of influenza symptoms, not directly on its effect on cough reflex or spasm. Consequently, the use of Southern Elder for spastic cough relies primarily on historical herbal practice and empirical use rather than robust modern clinical data. The evidence rating is moderate (2/5), reflecting frequent traditional use and some plausible phytochemical basis but a lack of direct, high-quality clinical evidence for this specific indication.

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Products containing Southern Elder

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