Evidence supporting the use of: American Elder
For the health condition: Sore Throat
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
American Elder (Sambucus canadensis) has been traditionally used in North American herbal medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including symptoms of colds and sore throat. Native American tribes and early settlers utilized different parts of the elder plant—flowers, berries, and bark—for their perceived medicinal properties. Preparations such as elderflower teas and syrups have been used as soothing remedies for sore throats, often attributed to the plant's purported anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects. However, the evidence supporting these uses remains largely anecdotal and rooted in ethnobotanical tradition.
Scientific research on American elder specifically for sore throat relief is minimal. Most available studies either focus on European elder (Sambucus nigra) or examine general antiviral and immune-supporting properties of elderberry extracts. While some laboratory and clinical research suggests that elderberry extracts may reduce the duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms, there is insufficient high-quality clinical data directly linking American elder to effective sore throat treatment. Consequently, the use of American elder for sore throat is justified more by tradition than by rigorous scientific validation.
Other ingredients used for Sore Throat
allspicealoe vera
alpha-pinene
betel
bisabolol
black pepper
chamomile
dog rose
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
glehnia root
honeysuckle
Japanese sophora
licorice root
marshmallow
mint
spruce
platycodon root
sage
slippery elm bark
vitamin C
zhejiang fritillary
zinc
yellow root
boneset
mullein
hyssop
cardamom
atractylodes
hedychium spicatum
inula racemosa
anise
pistacia integerrima gall
chaff flower
yarrow
fritillaria
yerba santa
elecampane
coltsfoot
flowering quince
sweetgums
camphor oil
wood betony
horehound
Sichuan pepper
Agastache
Alpha-terpineol
acacia
Agrimony
Alchornea
Amomum
Asarum heterotropoides
Alchemilla
Asafoetida
Andrographis
Alsonia scholaris
allyl isothiocyanate
Adenophora
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
Bee Propolis
Bryonia
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bougainvillea
Buddha's Hand
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Carvone
Cistus
Cubeb
Carlina
Calamus
Culvers Root
Dodeca-2E, 4E, 8Z, 10Z/Etetraenoic Acid Isobutylamide
English Horsemint
Elder
Goldthread
Orsa salt
Spikenard
Other health conditions supported by American Elder
Allergies (respiratory)Cold Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Fever
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Influenza
Pain (general remedies for)
Sinus Infection
Sore Throat
Sweat Baths (herbs for)
Urinary Tract Infections
Wounds and Sores