Evidence supporting the use of: Southern Elder
For the health condition: Congestion (lungs)

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Synopsis

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

Southern Elder (Sambucus australis), closely related to the more widely studied Sambucus nigra (European elder), has a longstanding history of use in traditional medicine, particularly among Indigenous and rural communities in South America. Elder flowers and berries have traditionally been used as remedies for respiratory ailments, including lung congestion, coughs, and colds. The primary traditional application involves preparing infusions or syrups from the flowers, which are believed to act as mild expectorants and diaphoretics, helping to loosen mucus and promote sweating during febrile illnesses.

However, direct scientific studies specifically examining Southern Elder's efficacy for lung congestion are lacking. Most available scientific literature focuses on Sambucus nigra, which has demonstrated some anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties in vitro and in small clinical studies, particularly for influenza and cold symptoms. The phytochemical profile of Southern Elder is assumed to be similar but has not been thoroughly analyzed. Therefore, the use of Southern Elder for lung congestion is justified primarily by traditional practice rather than robust scientific validation. No high-quality clinical trials exist for its use in treating lung congestion, and the evidence remains anecdotal or based on historical ethnobotanical records.

In summary, while Southern Elder is traditionally used to support lung congestion, the scientific evidence supporting this use is weak, and its efficacy remains unproven beyond historical and cultural accounts.

More about Southern Elder
More about Congestion (lungs)

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alpha-pinene
basil
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta-pinene
black cumin
black currant
black pepper
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bupleurum falcatum
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capsaicinoids
chamomile
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Coptis chinensis
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
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forsythia
garlic bulb
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onion
green tea
horseradish
Indian tinospora
licorice root
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mustard seed
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ophiopogon root
oregano
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phellodendron amurense
phenolic compounds
platycodon root
pomegranate
quercetin
rosemary
scrophularia root
shiitake mushroom
spearmint leaf
sphaeranthus indicus
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vitamin C
yellow root
squawvine
boneset
mullein
hyssop
cardamom
atractylodes
capsicum
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ferula assafoetida
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chrysanthemum
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Cinnamaldehyde
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Culvers Root
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Products containing Southern Elder

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