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

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Synopsis

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

Southern Elder (Sambucus nigra), commonly known as elderberry, has a long history of traditional use in European herbal medicine for supporting respiratory health, including the treatment of sinus congestion. Historical records and folk medicine suggest elderberry flowers and berries have been used as remedies for colds, influenza, and sinus congestion due to their purported anti-inflammatory and diaphoretic properties. Elderflower teas and infusions were especially popular for alleviating symptoms such as nasal congestion and sinus discomfort.

However, while there is robust traditional support for elderberry's use in treating upper respiratory symptoms, modern scientific validation specifically for sinus congestion is limited. Some laboratory and clinical studies suggest elderberry extracts may reduce duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms, which can include congestion, likely due to their content of flavonoids and anthocyanins with possible anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects. Yet, these studies generally address broader respiratory illness, not specifically sinus congestion. There is insufficient high-quality evidence from randomized controlled trials directly investigating Southern Elder’s effectiveness against sinus congestion alone. Thus, its use for this purpose is primarily supported by tradition, with only modest scientific backing for general respiratory support.

More about Southern Elder
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