Evidence supporting the use of: European Elder
For the health condition: Insomnia
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
European Elder (Sambucus nigra) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in Europe. While the plant’s flowers and berries are most commonly used for their purported immune-boosting, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory effects, there are historical references to elderflower infusions being used to promote relaxation and aid sleep. These uses, however, are largely anecdotal and rooted in folk traditions rather than supported by rigorous scientific research. There is minimal to no clinical evidence directly supporting the efficacy of European Elder for treating insomnia or sleep disorders. The few animal or in vitro studies available have focused primarily on elder’s antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, or antiviral activities, not sedative or anxiolytic effects. Major pharmacological reviews and authoritative sources on herbal medicine (such as the European Medicines Agency and the American Botanical Council) do not list insomnia as an evidence-based indication for European Elder. In summary, while European Elder has a rich tradition of use in herbalism, its application for insomnia is based on traditional practices rather than scientific validation.
Other ingredients used for Insomnia
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)amino acids
ashwagandha
waterhyssop
benegut perilla (proprietary)
black cumin
Indian frankincense
rice
calcium
California poppy
cassia bark
chamomile
cherry
Chinese salvia root
cinnamon
Coptis chinensis
fennel
GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid)
gooseberry
gotu kola
greek mountain tea
heartwood
hops
jujube
kava root
kudzu
l-tryptophan
lactium casein decapeptide
lavender
maca
magnesium
magnolia
marine lipid
melatonin
moringa
motherwort
ophiopogon root
orange
passionflower
perilla
phytocannabinoids
pollen
polygala root
quail egg
reishi mushroom
rose oil
saffron
sage
scrophularia root
skullcap
valerian root
vitamin B6
zinc
catnip
tangerine
anise
blackboard tree
lingzhi
lingusticum wallichii
morus
silk tree
chrysanthemum
amber
ganoderma
lotus seed
anemarrhena asphodeloides
purslane
aster root
peach
wood betony
goji berry
soursop
Aralia
Agastache
Alpha-terpineol
Angelica
Apigenin
Anamu
Albizia
Agarwood
Anemone
Alpha lactalbumin
Agrimonia pilosa
Arani
Atractylone
Betony
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Blackthorn
Balsam
Bayleaf
Big Quaking Grass
Banyan
Brahmi
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Bupleurum
Centella triterpenes
Chinese Silkvine
Clary sage
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Cactus
Cyathula
Citron
Carry Me Seed
Cannabinol
Cymbopogon Martini
Calea zacatechichi
Centella asiatica
Capitate Valerian
Corktree
Cowslip
Cannabidiol
Calamus
Cherimoya
Corydalis
Carthamus
Clerodendrum indicum
Dragonhead
David's Milkberry
Doxylamine succinate
European Elder
Elk antler
Elephant's Head
Embelia
Glycine
jasmine
Lotus
Lily
Little ironweed
Mallow
Milk Protein
Mimosa
Orchid
Poppy
Rose
Spikenard
Sandalwood
Sumac
Sweet Orange alcohol
Vervain
walnut
Other health conditions supported by European Elder
AbscessesAllergies (respiratory)
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Arthritis
Asthma
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Canker Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Cuts
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Eczema
Fever
Glands (swollen lymph)
Gout
Headache (general)
Infection
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Influenza
Insomnia
Itching
Laryngitis
Pain (general remedies for)
Psoriasis
Rhinitis
Rhinitis, Allergic
Rosacea