Elderflower
Sambucus nigra
T Traditional useElderflower tea is traditionally used to relieve early symptoms of the common cold. The assessment covers the flowers only.
Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim
On this page
At a glance
The EMA classes elder (Sambucus nigra) flower as a traditional herbal medicine for early symptoms of the common cold. The assessment covers dried flowers; raw berries, leaves and bark are outside its scope. The monograph lists no known adverse effects.
Updated: October 15, 2026
✓ This herb record is backed by official European Medicines Agency (EMA HMPC) herbal monographs.
What is it used for?
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Traditionally used to relieve early symptoms of the common cold. [1]
How is it used?
Tea
Pour 150 ml of boiling water over 2–5 g of dried elderflowers.
Amount: 3 times daily
Duration limit: See a doctor if no better within 1 week
[1]Safety & interactions
Minimum age: 12 years
- Not recommended for children under 12.
- See a doctor if you get shortness of breath, fever or pus-like phlegm.
- Not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding because safety has not been shown.
- The assessment covers flowers only; berries, leaves and bark are different.
Drug interactions
No recorded interactions
Side effects
- None known according to the monograph; report any unexpected effect to a doctor
⚕ When to see a doctor
- If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
- If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
- If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs
Did you know?
Elderflower tea is used at the first signs of a cold; only the dried flower has been assessed. [1]
Frequently asked questions
Does elderflower help with colds?
The EMA accepts elderflower as a traditional remedy for early cold symptoms.
How do I make elderflower tea?
Pour 150 ml of boiling water over 2–5 g of dried flowers; drink 3 times a day.
Is it the same as elderberry?
No. The EMA assessment covers dried flowers. Elderberries, leaves and bark are not included.
Can children drink elderflower tea?
Not recommended under 12.
Sources
Cite This Page
Elderflower (Sambucus nigra). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/elderflower/
Related guides and comparisons
Related herbs
Echinacea
A Strong clinical evidenceEchinacea purpurea
Juice pressed from fresh echinacea plants may help with short-term prevention and treatment of colds. Dried echinacea tea is not covered.
Ginger
A Strong clinical evidenceZingiber officinale
Powdered ginger root taken before travel may help prevent motion-sickness nausea; it is also traditionally used for mild indigestion.
Willow Bark
A Strong clinical evidenceSalix spp.
Willow bark extract may help with short-term low back pain. It contains salicylates, so it is unsuitable under 18 and with blood thinners.
Chamomile
T Traditional useMatricaria recutita
A gentle herbal tea traditionally used for bloating and mild stomach cramps, common cold symptoms and mouth or throat irritation.
Garlic
T Traditional useAllium sativum
Garlic powder is traditionally used to help prevent hardening of the arteries, and garlic extract to relieve symptoms of the common cold.
Linden
T Traditional useTilia cordata, Tilia platyphyllos
Linden (lime) flower tea is traditionally used to relieve symptoms of the common cold and mild symptoms of stress in adults and older children.
Other herbs in the same preparation form (Dried Herb & Tea)
Dried Herb & Tea →
Psyllium Husk
A Strong clinical evidencePlantago ovata
Taken with plenty of water, psyllium husk helps soften stools in constipation; keep a gap between it and other medicines.
Senna
A Strong clinical evidenceSenna alexandrina
A stimulant laxative for short-term relief of occasional constipation. No longer than 1 week; not for children under 12, in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
St. John's Wort
A Strong clinical evidenceHypericum perforatum
St John's wort extract may help with mild to moderate depressive episodes, but it seriously interacts with many medicines, including the pill.
Valerian Root
A Strong clinical evidenceValeriana officinalis
Dry extracts of valerian root may help with mild nervous tension and sleep problems; they work gradually, so use them for 2–4 weeks.
