Overview
Elderflower is used for common cold, flu (influenza), swelling (inflammation) of the nasal cavity and sinuses (rhinosinusitis), and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
In foods and beverages, elderflower is used as a flavoring component.
In manufacturing, elderflower extracts are used in perfumes.
How does it work ?
Uses & Effectiveness
Insufficient Evidence for
- Common cold.
- Constipation.
- Cough.
- Diabetes.
- Flu (influenza).
- Swelling (inflammation) of the main airways in the lung (bronchitis).
- Swelling (inflammation) of the nasal cavity and sinuses (rhinosinusitis).
- Swelling (inflammation) of the voice box (laryngitis).
- Minor bleeding.
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
- Sore eyes.
- Other conditions.
Side Effects
Elderflower is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when used in excessive amounts. Some parts of the elder tree contain a cyanide-producing chemical which can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Cooking removes this chemical.
Special Precautions and Warnings
Elderflower is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when used in excessive amounts. Some parts of the elder tree contain a cyanide-producing chemical which can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Cooking removes this chemical.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if elderflower is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Diabetes: There is a concern that elderflower might lower blood sugar levels. If taken with diabetes medications, it might make blood sugar levels go too low. If you have diabetes and use elderflower, be sure to monitor your blood sugar levels carefully.
Surgery: Elderflower might lower blood sugar levels. There is some concern that it might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop using elderflower at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Interactions
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with ELDERFLOWER
Elderflower might decrease blood sugar levels. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar. Taking elderflower along with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed.
Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others.
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
Dosing
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.
This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.