Evidence supporting the use of: European Elder
For the health condition: Congestion

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Synopsis

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

European Elder (Sambucus nigra) has a longstanding history of use in traditional medicine, particularly for the relief of respiratory symptoms such as congestion. The flowers and berries have been included in folk remedies across Europe for centuries, often prepared as teas, syrups, or tinctures to alleviate symptoms of colds, influenza, and sinus congestion. The traditional rationale for elder's use in congestion centers on its purported diaphoretic (sweat-inducing) and anti-catarrhal (mucus-reducing) properties, which were thought to help "break up" phlegm and make it easier to expel. Scientific evidence supporting these traditional uses is limited but not absent. Some small clinical studies and in vitro research suggest that elderberry extracts may reduce the duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms, possibly due to anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects. However, direct evidence for a decongestant effect is weak. Most clinical trials focus on symptom reduction in influenza and do not isolate congestion specifically. Reviews of the literature, such as those by the Cochrane Collaboration, generally conclude that while elderberry appears safe and may be beneficial for upper respiratory symptoms, high-quality evidence for its use as a decongestant is lacking. In summary, elder is primarily used for congestion based on traditional practice, with limited but suggestive scientific evidence. The overall evidence rating is therefore modest.

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