Evidence supporting the use of: Elderberry
For the health condition: Chills

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Synopsis

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

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) has a long history of use in traditional medicine for treating symptoms associated with colds and flu, such as chills. In various European folk traditions, elderberry preparations—such as teas, syrups, and infusions—were commonly used to "sweat out" fevers and alleviate discomfort from shivering and chills. The rationale was based on elderberry’s perceived ability to promote perspiration (diaphoretic effect), which was believed to help break fevers and thus relieve chills. Historical herbal texts, such as those by Nicholas Culpeper and traditional European pharmacopeias, mention elderberry as a remedy for feverish conditions, which often include chills as a symptom.

However, while there is some modern scientific interest in elderberry for its potential antiviral and immune-modulating effects—particularly concerning influenza—there is little direct research specifically linking elderberry to the treatment of chills as an isolated symptom. Most contemporary studies focus on elderberry’s effects on the overall duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms, rather than chills alone. Thus, while traditional use is well documented, scientific validation for elderberry’s use specifically for chills remains limited, and the evidence supporting this application is relatively weak (rated 2 out of 5).

In summary, elderberry’s use for chills is primarily rooted in traditional herbal medicine practices, and although there may be indirect benefits due to its broader effects on cold and flu symptoms, direct scientific evidence for this specific application is lacking.

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