Evidence supporting the use of: Elderberry
For the health condition: Cough (general)

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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 respiratory ailments, including coughs. Folk remedies from Europe and North America often included elderberry syrups or teas as a treatment for colds, flu, and associated coughs. The berries and flowers of the elderberry plant were traditionally believed to have immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties, which could help relieve cough symptoms. The traditional use of elderberry for cough is well documented in herbal medicine texts and ethnobotanical surveys.

From a scientific standpoint, evidence specifically supporting elderberry's effectiveness for general cough is limited. Some clinical studies have examined elderberry's effects on influenza and cold symptoms, finding modest reductions in symptom duration and severity, which may include cough. The primary mechanism is thought to be elderberry's content of flavonoids, which may have antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects. However, there are few rigorous studies directly investigating elderberry for cough as an isolated symptom. As such, while tradition strongly supports its use for cough, scientific validation remains limited and indirect.

In summary, elderberry's use for cough is primarily justified by traditional usage, with only low to moderate scientific evidence supporting its efficacy for general cough symptoms.

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benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta-pinene
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black pepper
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carrot
cassia bark
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cinnamon
clove
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green tea
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orange
oregano
parsley
pear
perilla
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platycodon root
plum fruit
polygala root
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pumpkin
raspberry
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elecampane
coltsfoot
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dodder
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eucalyptus
menthol oil
peach
abies spectabilis
horehound
soursop
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Aralia
Apple Cider Vinegar
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Anamarrhena
Alpha-terpineol
Ambergris
Ardisia
Angelica
acacia
Agave
Allicin
Anamu
Abrus
Alchornea
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Albizia
Aconite
Asafoetida
Ajuga
Andrographolide
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Agarwood
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Atractylone
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black salt
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banana
Bassia scoparia
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cola nut
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