Evidence supporting the use of: Elder
For the health condition: Sore Throat

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Synopsis

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

Elder flower (Sambucus nigra) has a long history of traditional use in European herbal medicine for treating symptoms of the common cold, including sore throat. Historical records and folk medicine practices often cite elder flower infusions or teas as remedies for soothing the throat, reducing inflammation, and promoting sweating to relieve feverish conditions. The traditional rationale is based on elder flower's purported anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic (sweat-inducing), and mild antiviral properties.

From a scientific perspective, there is limited direct evidence specifically assessing elder flower's effectiveness for sore throat. Some laboratory and animal studies have found that extracts of elder flower possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, which could theoretically benefit sore throat sufferers. However, clinical trials on elder flower for sore throat are lacking, and most research focuses on elderberry (the fruit) rather than the flower.

In summary, the use of elder flower for sore throat is primarily justified by tradition and historical use, with modest support from laboratory studies but little direct clinical evidence. Thus, the evidence rating is 2 out of 5.

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