Evidence supporting the use of: Southern Elder
For the health condition: Herpes

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Synopsis

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

Southern Elder (Sambucus nigra and related species) has a longstanding history in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in Europe and North America, where elderberry and elderflower preparations have been used for a range of ailments, including viral infections. The use of elder for herpes specifically (herpes simplex virus, HSV) is primarily rooted in traditional herbal practice rather than robust scientific evidence. Historical uses often involved topical applications of elder flower infusions or poultices for skin eruptions and inflammations, which included symptoms resembling herpes lesions. Early herbal texts and folk medicine accounts reference elder’s anti-inflammatory and soothing properties for skin conditions.

Modern scientific research on elderberry focuses mostly on its potential antiviral activity against influenza and other respiratory viruses, with few studies addressing HSV directly. Some in vitro studies suggest that extracts of Sambucus species may have general antiviral effects, but there is limited or no direct clinical evidence supporting its efficacy against herpes simplex virus in humans. Therefore, while elder is still mentioned in some herbal traditions for herpes, its use for this condition is not well validated by scientific research. The evidence supporting its effectiveness for herpes can be considered weak and largely anecdotal.

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