Evidence supporting the use of: Ligusticum
For the health condition: Colds (antiviral)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Ligusticum (often referring to Ligusticum porteri, also known as Osha or "bear root") has a long history of traditional use among Native American and Hispanic herbalists in North America for the support and treatment of colds, coughs, and other respiratory infections. The root has been used in teas, tinctures, and poultices as a general "cold remedy," believed to help clear respiratory passages and fight off infection. The traditional rationale includes its pungent, aromatic compounds, which were thought to act as expectorants and to have antimicrobial properties.
Scientific validation for these uses is limited. Some in vitro studies have indicated that extracts from Ligusticum species may have mild antibacterial and antiviral effects, and certain compounds such as ligustilide and phthalides have shown some biological activity. However, there are no robust clinical trials in humans demonstrating efficacy for the prevention or treatment of colds or viral infections. Therefore, while its use is well-documented in traditional herbal medicine, current scientific evidence is insufficient to conclusively support these claims. The rating reflects strong tradition but weak scientific support.
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
Fruit
Flavonoids
Flavonones
Flavones
Goldthread
Glyceryl monolaurate
gamma-terpinene
Garlic
Gallesia
Gallotannin
Glycyrrhetinic Acid
Galangal
Glycyrrhizin
Honey
Hedyotis
Houttuynia
Honey loquat syrup
Himalaya Berry
Isatis
Indian Kinotree
Litsea
Lomatium
Lichen
Laggera pterodonta
Ligustilides
Luffa
Ligustrum
Labrador Tea
Liverwort
Ligusticum
Melia
Mangostin
Mushroom
Sophora
Sandalwood
Other health conditions supported by Ligusticum
Abdominal PainAngina
Arthritis
Backache
Bladder Infection
Blood Clots (prevention of)
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cardiovascular Disease
Circulation (poor)
Circulation (to the brain)
Cold Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (lymphatic)
Congestion (sinus)
Constipation (adults)
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cuts
Dandruff
Digestion (poor)
Dizziness
Edema
Emotional Sensitivity