Evidence supporting the use of: Blackboard tree
For the health condition: Chills
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
The use of the blackboard tree (Alstonia scholaris) to treat or support chills is primarily based on traditional medicine practices rather than modern scientific validation. In Ayurvedic and some Southeast Asian traditional systems, various parts of the blackboard tree—especially the bark—have been used to address fevers and intermittent chills, which are often associated with malaria or other infectious diseases. Traditional healers have prepared decoctions or infusions of the bark, sometimes combining it with other herbs, to reduce symptoms of chills and fever.
However, the supporting evidence for its efficacy in treating chills is limited. While there are some laboratory studies indicating that Alstonia scholaris may possess antipyretic (fever-reducing) and anti-inflammatory properties, robust clinical trials in humans are lacking. Most references to its use for chills are rooted in ethnobotanical surveys and historical texts rather than placebo-controlled research. Some phytochemical studies have identified alkaloids and other compounds with potential pharmacological activity, but these have not been specifically linked to the mechanism of treating chills.
In summary, the use of blackboard tree for chills is justified by traditional usage, with minimal scientific evidence to support its efficacy. The evidence rating is therefore low, acknowledging the absence of rigorous clinical validation despite its historical role in herbal medicine systems.
Other ingredients used for Chills
allspicegreen chiretta
betel
bupleurum falcatum
bасора
clove
elderberry
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
greek mountain tea
mustard seed
pear
rhizome
schizonepeta
thyme
water
squawvine
xanthium (cockleburs)
atractylodes
mugwort
neem tree
nut grass
alpinia galangal
inula racemosa
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
peony
lingusticum wallichii
lemongrass
chrysanthemum
siler root
hyacinth bean
zanthoxylum
herbal blend (proprietary)
indigo leaves
Ash
Avens
Ardisia
Angelica
Anamu
Aconite
Asteracea
Arani
Arisaema
Atractylone
Bermuda Grass
Baphicacanthus cusia
Blackthorn
Broussonetia
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Butea monosperma
Black galingale
Bitter Grass
Bur-Reed
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Borassus aethiopum
Bassia scoparia
Borneol
Chinese Silkvine
Capillary Artemisia
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Cinchona
Chirata
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Essential Oil Blend
European-Five Finger Grass
Mustard
Other health conditions supported by blackboard tree
Abdominal PainAbscesses
Acid Indigestion
Acne
Anemia
Anxiety
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bites and Stings
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Canker Sores
Carbuncles
Chest Pain
Chills
Cholera
Circulation (poor)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Colic (adults)
Colitis
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Constipation (children)
Cuts
Depression
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dislocation
Dyspepsia
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Fever
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Headache (general)
Headache (tension)
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Herpes
Hypertension
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Inflammation
Insomnia
Jaundice (adults)
Malaria
Menstrual Irregularity
Migraine