Evidence supporting the use of: Korean Angelica
For the health condition: Cold Sores

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Korean Angelica (Angelica gigas Nakai) has a long history of use in traditional East Asian medicine, particularly in Korea, China, and Japan. Traditionally, this herb has been used for a variety of ailments including women’s health disorders, circulatory issues, and as a general tonic. However, there is limited specific traditional documentation linking Korean Angelica directly with the treatment or prevention of cold sores (herpes simplex labialis). The rationale for its use comes primarily from its general application in traditional medicine for “wind-heat” conditions and its use as an anti-inflammatory and immune-supportive herb.

From a scientific perspective, while Angelica gigas contains bioactive compounds such as decursin and decursinol angelate, which have demonstrated some antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties in vitro, there is no robust clinical or preclinical research specifically investigating its efficacy against herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), the causative agent of cold sores. Thus, the use of Korean Angelica for cold sores is based mainly on traditional herbal practices rather than scientific validation. The evidence supporting its use for this purpose is weak, and its effectiveness remains unproven by modern studies. As such, this herb should not be relied upon as a primary or proven therapy for cold sores.

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