Elderberry (N/A)
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is a plant not traditionally classified as an Ayurvedic herb, but it holds a significant place in European and Native American traditional medicine, particularly for respiratory ailments. Modern medical research primarily fo...
Botanical name: Sambucus nigra.
Classical attributes
- Virya: []
- Vipaka: []
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: balancing
- pitta: balancing
Clinical evidence
Meta-analyses of multiple randomized, controlled clinical trials, including studies involving air travelers, consistently show that elderberry supplementation substantially reduces the duration and severity of upper respiratory symptoms, including those of common cold and influenza. Early studies demonstrated symptom relief several days earlier than placebo groups. In vitro research further supports direct antiviral activity against influenza viruses and immune-modulating effects through cytokine production.