Evidence supporting the use of: Himalayan Fir
For the health condition: Colds (antiviral)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Himalayan Fir (Abies spectabilis) has a longstanding place in traditional medicine systems of the Himalayan region, including Ayurveda and local ethnomedicine. Traditionally, its resin, bark, and leaves have been used to manage respiratory ailments such as coughs, colds, and bronchitis. The rationale for its use includes its aromatic properties, which may help relieve congestion, and its perceived ability to reduce symptoms associated with respiratory infections.
However, direct scientific validation for its antiviral activity against common cold viruses is minimal. Some phytochemical studies have identified bioactive compounds such as terpenoids, flavonoids, and essential oils in Himalayan Fir, which possess mild antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. A few preliminary laboratory studies suggest that essential oils from related Abies species exhibit some antiviral and antibacterial activities, but robust clinical evidence specific to Abies spectabilis and its efficacy against cold viruses is lacking.
In conclusion, the use of Himalayan Fir for colds is rooted primarily in traditional knowledge, with limited scientific backing. While its traditional use persists, especially in Himalayan communities, the evidence supporting its antiviral effect in the context of colds is not strong and is rated as low (2/5) due to the absence of direct clinical trials or comprehensive pharmacological studies.
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 Himalayan Fir
ArthritisAsthma
Backache
Bronchitis
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Cuts
Dandruff
Diarrhea
Edema
Fever
Gas and Bloating
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Infection
Inflammation
Insomnia
Itching
Jaundice (adults)
Lice