Elderflower Tea

Overview and identity

Elderflower tea is made from the flowers of Sambucus nigra L. It is not the same as elderberry: the berries are a different part, and raw or unripe berries and other tree parts are poisonous. See Elderberry. [1]

What EU regulators concluded

On the basis of long-standing use, elder flower preparations can be used for relief of early symptoms of the common cold, for adults and adolescents over 12. [1] In the EU, the herbal medicines committee (HMPC) accepts this kind of use as "traditional use": the effectiveness is considered plausible and the product has been used safely for at least 30 years (at least 15 within the EU), although clinical trial evidence is insufficient. That is a regulatory category, not proof from trials. [1] The committee noted the lack of clinical studies with elder flower. [1] We do not present elderflower tea as a way to prevent or treat infections.

What the EU monograph describes for the tea (not a recommendation)

For adolescents, adults and the elderly it describes either an infusion of 2 to 5 g of the herb in 150 ml of boiling water three times daily, or a decoction of 3 to 6 g of the comminuted herb in 200 ml of water divided into 2 doses a day, with a doctor to be consulted if symptoms persist longer than 1 week. Use in children under 12 is not recommended. [1]

Safety

• Contraindication: hypersensitivity to the active substance. [1]
• Consult a doctor if breathlessness, fever or purulent sputum occurs. [1]
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: safety has not been established, and use is not recommended. [1]
• Interactions: none reported at the time of the monograph. [1]