Evidence supporting the use of: Southern Elder
For the body system: Mucus Membranes
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3
Southern Elder (Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis) has a long history of traditional use to support the mucus membranes and respiratory health. Herbalists and folk medicine practitioners have commonly used elder flowers and berries for symptoms associated with colds, flu, sinus congestion, and bronchitis. The plant is believed to promote mucous secretion and soothe inflamed tissues of the upper respiratory tract. This traditional use is documented in various ethnobotanical sources and herbal compendia, including the European Medicines Agency herbal monograph and traditional North American herbalism texts.
While there is some emerging scientific interest in elderberry's antiviral properties and ability to reduce cold and flu symptoms, most studies have focused on Sambucus nigra (European elder), and not specifically on Southern Elder. The evidence supporting direct effects on mucus membrane health (such as reducing inflammation or improving function) is largely anecdotal or extrapolated from its general benefit on upper respiratory tract infections. Therefore, the use of Southern Elder for supporting mucus membranes is best characterized as traditional, with moderate supporting evidence from historical use, but limited robust clinical validation specifically for this indication.
Other ingredients that support Mucus Membranes
akkermansia muciniphilaaloe vera
barley
basil
bayberry
beta-carotene
bilberry
bisabolol
blackberry
broccoli
ceramides
chamomile
citrus bioflavonoids
clove
coating
colostrum
Coptis chinensis
dandelion
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
glehnia root
glycerin
goldenseal
onion
horseradish
hypromellose
l-cysteine
l-threonine
lactobacillus crispatus
lactobacillus jensenii
lactobacillus salivarius
lactoferrin
lactoperoxidase
lemon
licorice root
marshmallow
methylmethionine sulfonium chloride (vitamin U)
mint
mixed carotenoids
mucin
n-acetyl-glucosamine
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
nettle
niacin (vitamin B3)
okra
olive
omega-7 fatty acids
ophiopogon root
oregon grape
pear
perilla
plantain
platycodon root
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
raspberry
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
rose oil
sage
slippery elm bark
sorbitol
thyme
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin E
water
xylitol
zhejiang fritillary
zinc
yellow root
boneset
mullein
chickweed
cardamom
lobelia
capsicum
mugwort
malabar nut
hedychium spicatum
tylophora
yarrow
moss
fritillaria
myrrh
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elecampane
coltsfoot
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
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aster root
stillingia
white oak
horehound
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cayenne pepper
Agastache
acacia
Agrimony
Allicin
Alchornea
Asarum heterotropoides
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Acemannan
Adenophora
Asarabacca
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
Bee Propolis
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Bryonia
Bai Ji
Bidens pilosa
Balsam
Boswellic Acid
Bistort
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Barleria
Bougainvillea
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Benzoin
Boswellia
Bethroot
Bletilla
Bioflavonoids
Butterbur
Bee products
Borage
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Bird's nest
Calendula
Colloidal Silver
Cod Liver Oil
Carvacrol
Citrus
Cineole
Cornflower
Cajuput
Cantaloupe
Catechu
Centipeda
Cistus
Cubeb
Cowslip
Cranesbill
Carotene (unspecified)
Chekiang Fritillary
Collinsonia
Chondrus
Devil's Club
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English Horsemint
English Elm
Echinacea
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Glycosaminoglycans
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Other body systems supported by Southern Elder
BloodDigestive System
Gastrointestinal Tract
Immune System
Lungs
Mucus Membranes
Respiratory System
Sinuses
Skin