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Sambucus for Kids HoneyBerry Night Time Cough Syrup

Nature's Way
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(1059 ratings)
European Elder 25 mg
Melatonin 0.5 mg
Product Image
Score71
A child-focused nighttime cough syrup with honey, ivy, and gentle melatonin, but modest immune depth and careful age-based dosing requirements.
How scoring works
Quantity:4 Liquid(s) • (8 servings)
Goals:
Sleep Support
Immunity

Score 71

A child-focused nighttime cough syrup with honey, ivy, and gentle melatonin, but modest immune depth and careful age-based dosing requirements.
How scoring works
$14.76($1.84 per serving)
iHerb
$ 14.76
Vitacost
$ 17.49
Amazon
$ 18.97
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Analysis

Honey and English ivy give the syrup its clearest role when cough discomfort is interfering with sleep. Elderberry, vitamin C, and zinc add modest immune-nutrition context but do not make it a deep immune formula.

A small melatonin amount provides gentle sleep-timing support in a liquid that should be easy to take. Because the serving changes with age, accurate teaspoon measurement matters more than with a fixed gummy.

The bottle contains relatively few servings and is expensive for melatonin alone. It makes the most sense for short-term nighttime use when both cough comfort and sleep timing are relevant.

Who is it for
  • Children within the package’s stated age range
  • Caregivers seeking short-term cough comfort with bedtime support
Best for
  • Nighttime cough-related sleep disruption
  • Short-term liquid use when age directions are followed

Pros

  • Honey and English ivy target cough comfort
  • Low melatonin amount
  • Liquid format
  • Includes vitamin C, zinc, and elderberry

Cons

  • Only a small number of servings
  • High serving cost
  • Elderberry potency is limited
  • Age-based liquid dosing can be mismeasured

Warnings

  • Honey must not be given to a child under one year because of infant botulism risk.
  • Measure the age-specific serving with an appropriate dosing device; do not estimate with a household spoon.
  • Melatonin can cause next-morning drowsiness or vivid dreams and should not be combined casually with other sedating products.
  • Breathing difficulty, dehydration, a persistent high fever, or a worsening cough needs medical assessment rather than repeated syrup dosing.

Nutrient quality

72 High impact

Vitamin and mineral forms are clear, while the elderberry extract lacks marker standardization. Melatonin is gentle, but elderberry, zinc, and vitamin support are modest for targeted use, and the ingredients fit nighttime cough relief better than broad immune or sleep support.

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Ingredient transparency

84 Highest impact

Every listed active has a specific amount and no proprietary blend obscures the formula. Complete intake directions and inactive ingredients are not supplied, leaving part of the label unverified.

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Customer satisfaction

72 High impact

The supplied aggregate satisfaction level is exceptionally strong. The extensive feedback volume makes the aggregate more dependable.

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Value for money

50 Moderate impact

The formula has a clear pediatric purpose, but its modest active depth does not fully support the premium. The small number of servings makes ongoing use expensive, and dedicated cough or sleep products are likely to offer better value for a single goal.

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Goals

Sleep Support
Sleep Support
Impact
High effect
B- Goal FitB+ Strength of SupportC- CoverageD+ Formula Quality
Melatonin · 0.5 mg

The low melatonin amount can support sleep timing, but the syrup is primarily designed for nighttime cough relief in children. Honey and ivy may ease bedtime disruption from coughing, yet they are not broad sleep-quality actives.

The age-based liquid directions and melatonin amount are clearly stated. Because it combines pediatric cough treatment with melatonin, caregivers should use it only for the labeled ages and discuss repeated melatonin use with the child’s clinician.

Study evidence
Melatonin Supportive 181 studies
Immunity
Immunity
Impact
Moderate effect
C+ Goal FitD+ Strength of SupportC CoverageC Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 45 mgZinc · 1.1 mgEuropean Elder · 25 mg

Honey, English ivy, and elderberry create a coherent nighttime cough-support syrup. Vitamin C and zinc add only modest immune nutrition at the listed amounts.

The 0.5 mg melatonin can cause drowsiness and should be used only when nighttime sedation is intended. Honey must not be given to children younger than one year because of infant botulism risk.

Study evidence
European Elder Mixed 5 studies
Melatonin Supportive 10 studies
Vitamin C Supportive 53 studies
Zinc Supportive 73 studies

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
Calories
25 Calorie(s)
Total Carbohydrates
6 Gram(s)
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
 45 mg
Zinc (Zinc Gluconate)
 1.1 mg
Organic Honey
3.5 Gram(s)
organic Apple Cider Vinegar
500 mg
English Ivy (leaf) extract (Hederacoside C)
 35 mg
organic Black Elder (Sambucus nigra L.) extract (BioActives, Elderberries)
 25 mg
Melatonin
0.5 mg
Gluten Free Dairy Free Women Organic Children 4+ Vegetarian
Report overview
European Elder (BioActives, Elderberries) · 25 mg OverallScore59
A+ Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityF Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyF Value

The BioActives elderberry extract provides a recognized branded source, although no active-marker percentage is shown. The disclosed 25 mg serving is substantially below a functional botanical amount. The cost efficiency per active elderberry weight is poor. The added 0.5 mg melatonin may cause drowsiness and should not be combined casually with other sedating products.

View ingredientView products
Melatonin · 0.5 mg OverallScore55
F Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityB+ Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyF Value

The liquid format should be easy to take and supplies a low melatonin amount suited to gentle sleep support. Age-based teaspoon directions require careful measurement, especially because the serving changes between younger and older children. Its cough-focused ingredient blend and very high serving cost make it a poor value when melatonin is the main goal.

View ingredientView products
Loading alternative details
82 Performance

Kids Black Elderberry Alcohol Free

Herb Pharm
<p>A child-focused alcohol-free liquid supplies a large stated black-elderberry extract amount with little carbohydrate. Compared with the original, it omits melatonin and nighttime cough ingredients, so it is not a complete like-for-like replacement.</p>
86 Performance

Melatonin Lozenge 2.5 mg

Nature's Way
<p>A clearly stated melatonin amount provides direct sleep support in a simple lozenge. Compared with the original, it omits elderberry and nighttime cough ingredients, so it is not a complete like-for-like replacement.</p>
82 Performance

Immune Support

NATURELO Premium Supplements
<p>Elderberry, echinacea, vitamin C, and zinc create a clearly disclosed immune-focused formula with stronger core amounts. Compared with the original, it omits melatonin and nighttime cough ingredients, so it is not a complete like-for-like replacement.</p>
83 Budget

Elderberry 500 mg

NOW
<p>The serving cost is lower than the original. A single elderberry concentrate supplies a much larger stated elderberry amount in a simple formula. Compared with the original, it omits melatonin and nighttime cough ingredients, so it is not a complete like-for-like replacement.</p>
88 Budget

Melatonin 1.0 mg Orange Flavor

Source Naturals Sleep Science
<p>The serving cost is lower than the original. A low melatonin amount offers focused sleep support with a simple one-ingredient formula. Compared with the original, it omits elderberry and nighttime cough ingredients, so it is not a complete like-for-like replacement.</p>
79 Budget

Elderberry + with Zinc

Paradise
<p>The serving cost is lower than the original. Elderberry extract and zinc citrate provide a concise, clearly disclosed immune-support pairing. Compared with the original, it omits melatonin and nighttime cough ingredients, so it is not a complete like-for-like replacement.</p>
81 Value

Elderberry Liquid for Kids

NOW
<p>A child-focused elderberry concentrate is paired with zinc bisglycinate and a small amount of astragalus. The lower serving cost improves value relative to the original. Compared with the original, it omits melatonin and nighttime cough ingredients, so it is not a complete like-for-like replacement.</p>
86 Value

Melatonin 1 mg Fast Dissolve Strawberry Natural Flavor

Natrol
<p>A low melatonin amount provides direct sleep support in a fast-dissolve format. The lower serving cost improves value relative to the original. Compared with the original, it omits elderberry and nighttime cough ingredients, so it is not a complete like-for-like replacement.</p>
78 Value

Elderberry

Havasu Nutrition
<p>A single elderberry extract supplies a substantially larger stated amount than the original combination products. The lower serving cost improves value relative to the original. Compared with the original, it omits melatonin and nighttime cough ingredients, so it is not a complete like-for-like replacement.</p>
Report alternatives

Sources

Published studies used for the product analysis and the top-ranked studies for each ingredient and goal.

  1. Efficacy on sleep parameters and tolerability of melatonin in individuals with sleep or mental disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
    Salanitro M; Wrigley T; Ghabra H; de Haan E; Hill CM; Solmi M; Cortese S · Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews · 2022
    Meta-analysis1,998 participants34 studies pooledSleep Support forMelatonin
  2. Elderberry for prevention and treatment of viral respiratory illnesses: a systematic review.
    Wieland LS; Piechotta V; Feinberg T; Ludeman E; Hutton B; Kanji S; Seely D; Garritty C · BMC complementary medicine and therapies · 2021
    Systematic review5 studies pooledImmunity forEuropean Elder
  3. Effects of melatonin on postoperative sleep quality: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and trial sequential analysis.
    Tsukinaga A; Mihara T; Takeshima T; Tomita M; Goto T · Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthesie · 2023
    Meta-analysis516 participants8 studies pooledSleep Support forMelatonin
  4. Select Dietary Supplement Ingredients for Preserving and Protecting the Immune System in Healthy Individuals: A Systematic Review.
    Crawford C; Brown LL; Costello RB; Deuster PA · Nutrients · 2022
    Systematic review39 studies pooledImmunity forEuropean Elder
  5. Unintended consequences: college students' melatonin usage, sleep disturbance, and depressive symptoms.
    Peltz JS; Rogge R · Sleep and biological rhythms · 2025
    Cohort study331 participantsSleep Support forMelatonin
  6. Meta-analysis: melatonin for the treatment of primary sleep disorders.
    Ferracioli-Oda E; Qawasmi A; Bloch MH · PloS one · 2013
    Meta-analysis1,683 participants19 studies pooledSleep Support forMelatonin
  7. Exogenous melatonin as a treatment for secondary sleep disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
    Li T; Jiang S; Han M; Yang Z; Lv J; Deng C; Reiter RJ; Yang Y · Frontiers in neuroendocrinology · 2019
    Meta-analysis205 participants7 studies pooledSleep Support forMelatonin
  8. Melatonin Treatment for Sleep Disorders in Parkinson's Disease: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review.
    Ma H; Yan J; Sun W; Jiang M; Zhang Y · Frontiers in aging neuroscience · 2022
    Meta-analysis7 studies pooledSleep Support forMelatonin
  9. Effects of Melatonin Treatment on Perioperative Sleep Quality: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis with Trial Sequential Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
    Gao Y; Chen X; Zhou Q; Song J; Zhang X; Sun Y; Yu M; Li Y · Nature and science of sleep · 2022
    Meta-analysis725 participants10 studies pooledSleep Support forMelatonin
  10. Melatonin treatment for age-related insomnia.
    Zhdanova IV; Wurtman RJ; Regan MM; Taylor JA; Shi JP; Leclair OU · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 2001
    Randomized trial30 participantsSleep Support forMelatonin
  11. Efficacy of melatonin with behavioural sleep-wake scheduling for delayed sleep-wake phase disorder: A double-blind, randomised clinical trial.
    Sletten TL; Magee M; Murray JM; Gordon CJ; Lovato N; Kennaway DJ; Gwini SM; Bartlett DJ; Lockley SW; Lack LC; Grunstein RR; Rajaratnam SMW; Delayed Sleep on Melatonin (DelSoM) Study Group · PLoS medicine · 2019
    Randomized trial116 participantsSleep Support forMelatonin
  12. The Effectiveness of Melatonin for Sleep Disturbances in Parkinson' Disease: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
    Yousef O; Abouelmagd ME; Khaddam H; Shbani A; Yousef R; Meshref M; Hanafi I · Journal of sleep research · 2026
    Meta-analysis409 participants8 studies pooledSleep Support forMelatonin
  13. Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) supplementation effectively treats upper respiratory symptoms: A meta-analysis of randomized, controlled clinical trials
    Jessie Hawkins, Christy Baker, Lindsey Cherry, Erich Dunne · Complementary Therapies in Medicine · 2019
    Meta-analysis180 participants4 studies pooledImmunity forEuropean Elder
  14. Elderberry Supplementation Reduces Cold Duration and Symptoms in Air-Travellers: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.
    Tiralongo E; Wee SS; Lea RA · Nutrients · 2016
    Randomized trial312 participantsImmunity forEuropean Elder
  15. Randomized study of the efficacy and safety of oral elderberry extract in the treatment of influenza A and B virus infections
    Z Zakay-Rones, E Thom, T Wollan, J Wadstein · Journal of International Medical Research · 2004
    Randomized trial60 participantsImmunity forEuropean Elder
  16. Exogenous melatonin boosts vaccine-induced immunity in individuals with high pre-existing influenza immunity.
    Oda K; Danko J; Villasante E; Bergmann-Leitner E; Lee R; Wijayalath W · Frontiers in immunology · 2025
    Randomized trialImmunity forMelatonin
  17. Evaluation of melatonin effectiveness in the adjuvant treatment of ulcerative colitis.
    Chojnacki C; Wisniewska-Jarosinska M; Walecka-Kapica E; Klupinska G; Jaworek J; Chojnacki J · Journal of physiology and pharmacology : an official journal of the Polish Physiological Society · 2012
    Randomized trial60 participantsImmunity forMelatonin
  18. Pineal-opioid system interactions in the control of immunoinflammatory responses.
    Lissoni P; Barni S; Tancini G; Fossati V; Frigerio F · Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences · 1995
    Clinical trial130 participantsImmunity forMelatonin
  19. Influenza vaccine response is predicted by chronotype and differentially associated with pre- and post-vaccination sleep.
    Harrison EM; Lee RU; Porter CK; Isidean SD; Easterling AP; White L; Boulifard DA; DeTizio K; Liang Z; Sedegah M; Danko J; Glickman GL · Brain, behavior, & immunity - health · 2026
    Randomized trialImmunity forMelatonin
  20. Mechanisms and clinical evidence to support melatonin's use in severe COVID-19 patients to lower mortality.
    Tan DX; Reiter RJ · Life sciences · 2022
    Narrative review19 participantsImmunity forMelatonin
  21. Vitamin C and contribution to the normal function of the immune system: evaluation of a health claim pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
    EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) · EFSA journal. European Food Safety Authority · 2026
    Guideline / consensusImmunity forVitamin C
  22. Therapeutic effects of high-dose vitamin C supplementation in patients with COVID-19: a meta-analysis.
    Sun L; Zhao JH; Fan WY; Feng B; Liu WW; Chen RQ; Ban C; Dang AG; Wang M; Luo KT; Zhou GY; Yu FF; Ba Y · Nutrition reviews · 2024
    Meta-analysis2,334 participants14 studies pooledImmunity forVitamin C
  23. Effect of micronutrient supplements on influenza and other respiratory tract infections among adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
    Abioye AI; Bromage S; Fawzi W · BMJ global health · 2021
    Meta-analysisImmunity forVitamin C
  24. New evidence for antioxidant properties of vitamin C.
    Vojdani A; Bazargan M; Vojdani E; Wright J · Cancer detection and prevention · 2001
    Randomized trial20 participantsImmunity forVitamin C
  25. Enhanced Vitamin C Delivery: A Systematic Literature Review Assessing the Efficacy and Safety of Alternative Supplement Forms in Healthy Adults.
    Calder PC; Kreider RB; McKay DL · Nutrients · 2025
    Systematic review13 studies pooledImmunity forVitamin C
  26. Nutrient supplementation for prevention of viral respiratory tract infections in healthy subjects: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
    Vlieg-Boerstra B; de Jong N; Meyer R; Agostoni C; De Cosmi V; Grimshaw K; Milani GP; Muraro A; Oude Elberink H; Pali-Schöll I; Roduit C; Sasaki M; Skypala I; Sokolowska M; van Splunter M; Untersmayr E; Venter C; O'Mahony L; Nwaru BI · Allergy · 2022
    Meta-analysis199,055 participants115 studies pooledImmunity forZinc
  27. Zinc supplementation reduces the incidence of acute lower respiratory infections in infants and preschool children: a double-blind, controlled trial.
    Sazawal S; Black RE; Jalla S; Mazumdar S; Sinha A; Bhan MK · Pediatrics · 1998
    Randomized trial609 participantsImmunity forZinc
  28. A randomized controlled trial of zinc supplementation in the treatment of acute respiratory tract infection in Thai children.
    Rerksuppaphol S; Rerksuppaphol L · Pediatric reports · 2020
    Randomized trial64 participantsImmunity forZinc
  29. The effect of zinc and vitamin A supplementation on immune response in an older population.
    Fortes C; Forastiere F; Agabiti N; Fano V; Pacifici R; Virgili F; Piras G; Guidi L; Bartoloni C; Tricerri A; Zuccaro P; Ebrahim S; Perucci CA · Journal of the American Geriatrics Society · 1998
    Randomized trial136 participantsImmunity forZinc
  30. The role of specific nutrients in preventing immune system and blood cell disorders: an umbrella review.
    Vecchietti A; Strano P; Minutolo G; Grieco V; Cappuccio G; Granvillano G; Confalonieri L; Briganti GL; Raso E; Chimienti M; Pellegrini M; Mercogliano M; Spatari G; Lugli C; Urbano T; Lorenzon A · Journal of preventive medicine and hygiene · 2026
    Systematic review13 studies pooledImmunity forZinc
  31. Nightly treatment of primary insomnia with prolonged release melatonin for 6 months: a randomized placebo controlled trial on age and endogenous melatonin as predictors of efficacy and safety.
    Wade AG; Ford I; Crawford G; McConnachie A; Nir T; Laudon M; Zisapel N · BMC medicine · 2010
    Randomized trial791 participantsSleep Support forMelatonin
  32. Effects of exogenous melatonin on sleep: a meta-analysis.
    Brzezinski A; Vangel MG; Wurtman RJ; Norrie G; Zhdanova I; Ben-Shushan A; Ford I · Sleep medicine reviews · 2005
    Meta-analysis284 participants8 studies pooledSleep Support forMelatonin