--- title: "Elderflower: Benefits, Uses & Side Effects | Herbadex" description: "Elderflower tea is traditionally used to relieve early symptoms of the common cold. The assessment covers the flowers only." language: en url: https://herbadex.com/en/herb/elderflower/ source: Herbadex (https://herbadex.com) --- [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) # Elderflower Sambucus nigra T Traditional use Elderflower tea is traditionally used to relieve early symptoms of the common cold. The assessment covers the flowers only. [Immunity](https://herbadex.com/en/for/immunity/) Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim Pregnancy **⚠ Avoid** Breastfeeding **⚠ Avoid** Children **⚠ Avoid** Drug interactions **No recorded interactions** ## 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. **Parts used:** flowers **Key constituents:** Flavonoids (Rutin) & Phenolic Acids 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 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. \[1\] ### 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 1. [European Union herbal monograph on Sambucus nigra L., flos – Revision 1](https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-sambucus-nigra-l-flos-revision-1_en.pdf) EMA HMPC · 2018 ### Cite This Page Elderflower (Sambucus nigra). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/elderflower/ ## Related guides and comparisons - [Same Name, Different Plants](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/same-name-different-plants/) ## On this page At a glance What is it used for? How is it used? Safety & interactions Did you know? Frequently asked questions Sources Related herbs ## Related herbs ### [Echinacea](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/echinacea/) A Strong clinical evidence Echinacea purpurea Juice pressed from fresh echinacea plants may help with short-term prevention and treatment of colds. Dried echinacea tea is not covered. 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