Synopsis

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

Nut grass (Cyperus rotundus), also known as purple nutsedge, has been used in traditional systems of medicine, such as Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and Siddha, to manage a variety of ailments including colds. Its use for colds is primarily grounded in tradition, where it is believed to help reduce fever, relieve congestion, and support the body’s immune response. In these systems, nut grass is often described as having properties that balance bodily energies (like doshas in Ayurveda) and dispel “wind-heat” in TCM, which are sometimes associated with cold and flu symptoms.

There is some preliminary scientific evidence that extracts of nut grass may have mild antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects. A few laboratory studies have demonstrated that certain compounds in nut grass exhibit activity against viruses and bacteria in vitro. However, these studies are limited, and there is a lack of robust clinical trials supporting its use specifically for the treatment or prevention of colds in humans. Thus, while there is a traditional basis for its use in this context, scientific validation remains weak and more research is needed to confirm its efficacy and safety for this purpose.

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