Evidence supporting the use of: Cowherb
For the health condition: Abscesses
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Cowherb (Vaccaria segetalis, also known as Wang Bu Liu Xing in Traditional Chinese Medicine) has traditionally been used in Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of various conditions involving swelling, inflammation, and abscesses. Its seeds are most commonly employed, and classic TCM texts describe their use to "promote the movement of blood" and "reduce swelling," which encompasses the treatment of abscesses and other localized inflammatory conditions. The rationale lies in its purported ability to disperse stagnation and alleviate accumulations of pus.
However, the scientific validation for these uses is limited. There are few modern pharmacological studies specifically addressing the effect of Cowherb on abscesses. Some research has suggested anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties in extracts of the plant, but these studies are preliminary and generally not focused on abscesses in clinical settings.
Therefore, while Cowherb continues to be incorporated into traditional herbal formulas for abscesses in East Asian medicine, its use is primarily justified by tradition rather than robust scientific evidence. The evidence rating is moderate within the context of traditional medicine but weak from a modern scientific perspective due to the lack of clinical data.
Other ingredients used for Abscesses
activated charcoalaloe vera
bayberry
berberine
bergamot
black walnut
bromelain
burdock
chamomile
cowage seed
turmeric
curcumin
echinacea purpurea
garlic bulb
ginger
goldenseal
green tea
lavender
LH01-myoviridae
licorice root
magnesium
oregano
plantain
protein
scrophularia root
trypsin
vitamin C
bentonite
xanthium (cockleburs)
papaya
shen-chu
nut grass
clerodendrum indicum
punarnava
paederia foetida
blackboard tree
privet
boxthorne
pau d'arco
myrrh
siler root
amber
trichosanthes
sheep's sorrel
assam indigo
eucalyptus
stillingia
paw paw
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
indigo leaves
geranium
arnica
Ash
Asclepias cordifolia
Aquilegia viridiflora
Ardisia
acacia
Agave
Allicin
Antirrhinum majus
Achyranthes
Anamu
Abrus
Alchornea
Aucubin
American Liverleaf
Aquilegia formosa
Andrographis
Alkanet
Alsonia scholaris
Ampelopsis
Asteracea
Abuta
Alkanna
Amor seco
Arisaema
Bee Propolis
Bai Ji
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Black-Eyed Susan
Balsam
Butea monosperma
Barleria
Brazillian peppertree
Bloodroot
Banyan
Bletilla
Boxwood
Bur-Reed
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Black root
Bassia scoparia
Boerhavia diffusa
Coconut
Calendula
Croton seeds
Calotropis gigantea
Colloidal Silver
Capillary Artemisia
Cinquefoil
Cymbidium goeringii
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Cynoglossum grande
Celandine
California Pitcher Plant
Centipeda
Carrapichinho
Cedrus libani
Ceanothus integerrimus
Cynodon dactylon
Chiococca alba
Cocklebur
Castor Oil
Copaiba Oil
Cynanchum
Clerodendrum indicum
Casearia sylvestris
Catlaw Buttercup
Chrysophanics
Didymocarpus
DIVI-DIVI
Dragon's Blood
Davilla rugosa
European Elder
Erigeron
Elephant Vine
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Erodium cicutarium
Echinacea
Elephant's Head
Euphorbia
European-Five Finger Grass
Garlic
Little ironweed
Mallow
Oak
Other health conditions supported by Cowherb
Abdominal PainAbrasions
Abscesses
Allergies (respiratory)
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Canker Sores
Carbuncles
Cardiovascular Disease
Chest Pain
Chills
Cholera
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Colic (adults)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestive Heart Failure