Evidence supporting the use of: William's Elder
For the health condition: Cough (general)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
William's Elder, commonly referring to Sambucus nigra (elderberry), has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine for treating coughs and other respiratory ailments. Historical texts and folk practices in Europe and North America document the use of elderberry flowers and sometimes berries as infusions, syrups, or teas to relieve symptoms of colds, flu, and cough. The rationale was partly based on the plant's purported ability to soothe mucous membranes and its diaphoretic (sweat-inducing) properties, believed to help "break" fevers and ease respiratory discomfort.
Scientifically, elderberry extracts have been studied mainly for their antiviral effects, particularly against influenza viruses, with some evidence suggesting a reduction in duration and severity of flu symptoms. However, robust clinical trials specifically investigating elderberry's efficacy in treating cough, especially as a standalone symptom, are scarce. The available evidence for cough relief is thus largely anecdotal or based on traditional use rather than rigorous scientific validation. Some laboratory studies have identified anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds in elderberry, such as flavonoids, that might theoretically help with cough by reducing irritation in the respiratory tract, but direct clinical evidence is limited.
In summary, the use of elder (William's Elder) for cough is primarily justified by traditional practices, with minimal scientific validation for this specific indication.
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benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta-pinene
black cumin
black currant
black pepper
radish
Indian frankincense
carrot
cassia bark
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Chinese salvia root
cinnamon
clove
cowage seed
turmeric
elderberry
fennel
garlic bulb
ginger
glehnia root
grape
greek mountain tea
onion
green tea
heartwood
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jujube
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licorice root
lovage
marshmallow
nettle
ophiopogon root
orange
oregano
parsley
pear
perilla
phellodendron amurense
platycodon root
plum fruit
polygala root
pomegranate
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raspberry
spearmint leaf
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abies spectabilis
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banana
Bassia scoparia
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cola nut
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Dragonhead
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Desmodium
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