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Limited evidenceImmunity

Elderflower

The flower of Sambucus nigra, used traditionally as a sweat-inducing remedy for fevers and colds. Almost all clinical data come from a five-herb sinusitis formula in which elderflower is one component.

Evidence last reviewed: August 2026

What the science says

  • Acute viral rhinosinusitis Moderate evidence

    Two randomised placebo-controlled multicentre trials of the herbal product BNO 1016, a dry extract of five herbs including elderflower, reported faster symptom resolution in acute viral rhinosinusitis. Elderflower was never tested separately, so the contribution of the flower itself is unknown.

  • Chronic rhinosinusitis Limited evidence

    A randomised multicentre trial of the same five-herb extract in chronic rhinosinusitis found modest effects, and a systematic review of alternative therapies for chronic rhinosinusitis rated the overall evidence as weak.

  • Colds and fever on its own Limited evidence

    Elderflower as a single ingredient, in tea or extract form, has no randomised human trials for colds or fever. Do not confuse it with elderberry, the fruit, which does have its own small trial base.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseTraditional use is 3-5 g of dried flowers as a tea, two to three times daily. The sinusitis trials used 160 mg of BNO 1016 three times daily, which is a fixed five-herb extract rather than elderflower alone.
SafetyThe flowers are generally well tolerated. Raw or unripe parts of the elder plant (leaves, stems, unripe berries) contain cyanogenic glycosides and should not be used. Possible allergy in people sensitive to other flowering plants. Not enough safety data in pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Scientific references

Where to buy

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