Evidence supporting the use of: Balsam
For the health condition: Chills
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Balsam, derived from various resinous plants such as Balsamum or Balsam of Peru, has a long history of use in traditional medicine. In several folk medicine systems, balsam was applied for its purported warming, stimulant, and expectorant properties, which may have included addressing symptoms like chills, often as part of broader cold or flu treatments. The rationale was that balsam's warming nature could help "drive out" coldness from the body, a concept common in traditional humoral medicine and herbalism. However, there is no robust scientific evidence to support the use of balsam specifically for treating chills. Modern clinical research has not validated its efficacy for this symptom, and no pharmacological studies directly link balsam with relief from chills or shivering. Its traditional use likely stems from general warming or stimulating effects attributed to aromatic resins, rather than any demonstrated ability to treat chills per se. Therefore, while its application is rooted in historical practice, the evidence supporting balsam's use for chills is weak and not substantiated by scientific research.
Other ingredients used for Chills
AconiteAllspice
alpinia galangal
anamu
Angelica
Arani
Ardisia
Arisaema
ash
Asteraceae
atractylodes
atractylone
avens
balsam
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bassia scoparia
bermuda grass
betel
bishop\'s weed
bitter grass
black galingale
black nightshade
blackboard tree
blackthorn
Bombax
Borassus aethiopum
borneol
Broussonetia
bupleurum falcatum
bur-reed
Butea monosperma
bасора
Caesalpinia crista
cajuput
capillary artemisia
Chinese raisintree
Chinese silkvine
chirata
chrysanthemum
Cinchona
clove
cowherb
elderberry
essential oil blend
Eupolyphaga sinensis
European five-finger grass
fang-feng
flat-stem milk-vetch
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
Glechoma hederacea
Gnaphalium
Greek mountain tea
green chiretta
heal-all
Hedyotis
Helicteres isora
Herb Robert
herbal blend (proprietary)
Horsemint
Huang hua
hyacinth bean
Indian kinotree
indigo leaves
inula racemosa
Isatis
Laggera pterodonta
Lebbek
lemongrass
lodhtree
long pepper
Melia
Mugwort
Mustard
mustard seed
Neem tree
nut grass
Osha
Osmanthus
Oxystelma
pear
peony
Petiveria
Polygonatum
polymorpha
prepared aconite tuber
Pyrrosia
rhizome
schizonepeta
Servicetree
Sesbania
Sete sangrias
Sichuan Lovage
Sickle-leaf hare's ear
Sicklepod
siler root
Smartweed
Southern Tsangshu
squawvine
Sword Bean
Szechuan lovage
Tagetes
Thaumatococcus daniellii
thyme
Viola
Wax Gourd
Wulinshen
xanthium (cockleburs)
zanthoxylum
Zedoary
Other health conditions supported by balsam
Abdominal PainAbrasions
Abscesses
Acid Indigestion
Afterbirth Pain
Anxiety
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bedwetting
Belching
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Canker Sores
Carbuncles
Chest Pain
Chills
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Conjunctivitis
Cuts
Dandruff
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Emphysema
Fever
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Infection
Inflammation
Influenza
Insomnia
Itching
Laryngitis
Leucorrhea
Liver Detoxification
Menstrual Irregularity
Migraine
Nausea and Vomiting
