Evidence supporting the use of: White Tea
For the health condition: Colds (antiviral)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
White tea (Camellia sinensis) has traditionally been consumed in various cultures for its purported health benefits, including the support of immune function and relief from colds. This use is largely based on the custom of drinking warm herbal teas during illness, with the belief that they can soothe symptoms, hydrate, and provide comfort. White tea, being less processed than green or black tea, is particularly valued for its delicate flavor and higher polyphenol content.
From a scientific perspective, white tea contains polyphenols such as catechins that have demonstrated some antiviral and antioxidant properties in laboratory settings. In vitro studies have suggested that these compounds can inhibit the replication of certain viruses, and white tea extracts have shown mild antiviral activity against some pathogens. However, the evidence is limited to preliminary laboratory research; there are no robust clinical trials or human studies directly supporting the use of white tea for the prevention or treatment of colds. Its traditional use as a remedy should not be conflated with proven efficacy against viral infections like the common cold.
Therefore, while white tea is traditionally used to support the body during colds, and some of its components have shown antiviral activity in early studies, the overall scientific evidence supporting its use for this purpose remains weak. More research, especially in human populations, is needed to validate these traditional claims.
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 White Tea
AcneAnxiety
Bronchitis
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cholesterol (high)
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Concentration (poor)
Cough (general)
Diabetes
Fatigue
Free Radical Damage
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Hair (loss or thinning)
Heart (weakness)
Hypertension
Inflammation