Evidence supporting the use of: Cinnamomum tamala
For the health condition: Colds (antiviral)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Cinnamomum tamala, commonly known as Indian bay leaf or tejpatta, has a long history of use in traditional Ayurvedic and Unani medicine, including for the treatment of colds and respiratory ailments. Traditional texts and ethnobotanical surveys note its use as a remedy for coughs, colds, and flu-like symptoms, often administered as part of herbal teas or decoctions. The rationale in traditional practice is based on its warming properties and aromatic compounds, believed to help clear congestion and support respiratory health.
Modern scientific evidence directly supporting the antiviral effects of Cinnamomum tamala against cold viruses (such as rhinoviruses or coronaviruses) is limited. Some in vitro studies have identified that extracts of C. tamala possess antimicrobial and mild antiviral properties, attributed to phytochemicals such as cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, and other essential oils. However, these studies are preliminary, often conducted in laboratory settings rather than in humans, and do not specifically target common cold viruses.
In summary, the use of Cinnamomum tamala for colds is primarily justified by traditional medicinal practice, with some suggestive—but not definitive—scientific evidence for general antimicrobial activity. There is currently insufficient clinical research to strongly validate its antiviral efficacy against cold viruses in humans.
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 Cinnamomum tamala
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Asthma
Bronchitis
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (general)
Constipation (adults)
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Edema
Fever
Gastritis
Gout
Headache (general)
Headache (tension)
Hypertension
Indigestion
Inflammation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Liver Detoxification
Memory and Brain Function
Migraine
Nausea and Vomiting
Pain (general remedies for)
Parasites (general)
Rashes and Hives
Stress