Evidence supporting the use of: Southern Elder
For the health condition: Sinus Infection

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Synopsis

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

Southern Elder (Sambucus canadensis) has a longstanding history in traditional herbal medicine for the management of upper respiratory ailments, including sinus infections. Traditionally, various parts of the elder plant—particularly the flowers and berries—have been used in teas, syrups, and tinctures to help alleviate symptoms such as congestion, inflammation, and general discomfort associated with sinusitis. Folk healers valued elder for its purported anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic, and expectorant properties.

However, modern scientific evidence validating the efficacy of Southern Elder specifically for sinus infections is limited. Some laboratory and clinical studies on European elderberry (Sambucus nigra), a closely related species, have demonstrated antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects, and have shown benefit in reducing the duration or severity of cold and influenza symptoms. These findings are sometimes extrapolated to Southern Elder, but direct clinical trials on its use for sinus infection are lacking.

Overall, while there is a clear tradition of use and plausible mechanisms of action, robust scientific evidence supporting Southern Elder’s effectiveness for sinus infections is limited, and most claims rely on anecdotal or traditional use rather than well-conducted clinical research.

More about Southern Elder
More about Sinus Infection

Products containing Southern Elder

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