Evidence supporting the use of: Juice (unspecified)
For the health condition: Colds (antiviral)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Juice, in the general sense (such as orange juice or other fruit juices), is traditionally used to support or treat colds, particularly because of its vitamin C content and perceived immune-boosting properties. This practice is rooted in folk medicine and has been popularized throughout the 20th century, especially with orange juice, as a remedy to reduce the duration or severity of cold symptoms. The tradition largely stems from the association of vitamin C with immune function, popularized by figures such as Linus Pauling in the 1970s. However, scientific evidence supporting the use of juice, specifically as an antiviral treatment for the common cold, is limited.
Clinical studies on vitamin C supplementation have shown only modest benefits, primarily in reducing the duration and severity of cold symptoms rather than preventing colds outright. Moreover, these studies typically use vitamin C supplements, not juice. Juice itself often contains lower and variable amounts of vitamin C, and it is also high in sugars, which may not be ideal during illness. There is no strong evidence that juice, as opposed to vitamin C specifically, has direct antiviral activity against cold viruses. Thus, while juice is widely used by tradition as a remedy for colds, the scientific support for its efficacy as an antiviral is weak.
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 Juice (unspecified)
AnemiaAppetite (deficient)
Bladder Infection
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Digestion (poor)
Dizziness