Evidence supporting the use of: Essential oil (unspecified)
For the health condition: Colds (antiviral)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Essential oils have a long history of use in traditional medicine systems for supporting the treatment of colds and respiratory infections. Various plant-derived essential oils, such as eucalyptus, peppermint, tea tree, and thyme, have been used in practices such as steam inhalation, topical application, or diffusing, with the belief that they can help relieve symptoms like congestion and cough. The rationale typically cited in traditional contexts is based on the aromatic and perceived antimicrobial properties of these oils, which are thought to help clear airways, soothe irritation, and promote a sense of well-being.

Some essential oils do exhibit in vitro antiviral or antibacterial activity, but the clinical evidence supporting their efficacy in treating or preventing colds in humans remains limited. Most available studies are small, not well-controlled, or focused on surrogate outcomes (such as symptom relief rather than viral clearance or recovery time). Systematic reviews generally conclude that while essential oils may provide subjective relief for some users, robust scientific validation is lacking. Therefore, their use for colds remains primarily grounded in tradition rather than strong scientific support.

More about Essential oil (unspecified)
More about Colds (antiviral)

Other ingredients used for Colds (antiviral)

allspice
aloe 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
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allyl isothiocyanate
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berry
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Camellia sinensis
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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
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Essential Oil Blend
Flavonoids
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Products containing Essential oil (unspecified)

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.