Evidence supporting the use of: Berries (unspecified)
For the health condition: Colds (antiviral)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Berries, as a general category, have been traditionally consumed in various cultures to support the immune system and to help with colds. This traditional use is particularly noted with certain types of berries such as elderberry (Sambucus nigra), which has a long history in European folk medicine for treating colds and flu-like symptoms. The rationale behind their use stems from the high content of vitamin C, antioxidants, and other bioactive compounds that are thought to enhance immune function and potentially inhibit viral replication. However, when the term "Berries (unspecified)" is used, it is important to note that not all berries have the same phytochemical profiles or historical use in treating colds.
Some scientific studies have examined the effects of specific berries, like elderberry, and found modest evidence for reduced duration and severity of cold symptoms, but the data is limited and cannot be generalized to all berries. For most common berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), there is little to no direct scientific evidence supporting their use specifically for treating colds in an antiviral capacity, though their general nutritional benefits are acknowledged. As such, the use of unspecified berries for colds is rooted in traditional use, with low to moderate evidence, primarily derived from specific berry types and not the category as a whole.
More about Berries (unspecified)
More about Colds (antiviral)
Other ingredients used for Colds (antiviral)
allspicealoe vera
anthocyanins
arabinogalactan
waterhyssop
basil
berry flavor
beta-pinene
bilberry
bisabolol
black cumin
black currant
black garlic
blueberry
Indian frankincense
cat's claw
catechins
cinnamon
citrus bioflavonoids
citrus oil
clove
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
green tea
honeysuckle
knotweed
lactoferrin
lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
lemon
licorice root
luteolin
mastic gum
monolaurin
oregano
perilla
phellodendron amurense
phenolic acids
pineapple
pomegranate
quercetin
resveratrol
rhizome
rosemary
schizonepeta
shiitake mushroom
spirulina
thyme
vitamin C
vitamin D
wasabia japonica
zinc
xanthium (cockleburs)
hyssop
papaya
mugwort
neem tree
nut grass
alpinia galangal
commiphora
buckthorn
pau d'arco
morus
lemongrass
chrysanthemum
ganoderma
morinda
oriental arborvitae
zanthoxylum
fulvic acid
goji berry
indigo leaves
soursop
Ash
Agastache
Autumn elaeagnus
Alpha-terpineol
Apigenin
Allicin
Anamu
AHCC
Andrographolide
Amentoflavone
Asam gelugor
Acacetin
Aureobasidium pullulans
Andrographis
Asteracea
Allyl Sulfide
allyl isothiocyanate
Alliin
Allium tuberosum
Atractylone
Bee Propolis
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Broussonetia
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Black galingale
Bitter Grass
Bee hive
Basidiomycota
berry
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Baicalin
Bassia scoparia
Borneol
Caffeic Acid
Camellia sinensis
Coconut
Curry leaf
Chinese Mountain Ant
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Coriolus mushroom
Carrageenan
Carvacrol
Capillary Artemisia
Citron
Citrus
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Cistus
Common madia
Cinnamaldehyde
Costus
Celosia
Chondrus
Deoxyandrographolides
David's Milkberry
European Elder
Echinacea
Elder
Essential Oil Blend
Flavonoids
Flavonones
Goldthread
Garlic
Galangal
Sandalwood
Other health conditions supported by Berries (unspecified)
Alzheimer's DiseaseAnemia
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Arthritis
Blood Clots (prevention of)
Bruises (prevention)
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (general)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Depression
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Edema
Energy (lack of)
Fatigue
Free Radical Damage
Gout
Headache (general)
Heart (weakness)
Hemorrhoids