Evidence supporting the use of: Asteracea
For the health condition: Colds (decongestant)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
The Asteraceae family, also known as the daisy or sunflower family, is one of the largest families of flowering plants and includes genera such as Echinacea and Artemisia, which have a long history of use in traditional medicine for respiratory ailments, including colds and congestion. Specifically, Echinacea species have been widely used in North American indigenous medicine as remedies for coughs, colds, and upper respiratory infections. The traditional use is often as a tea, tincture, or decoction, sometimes touted for both immune support and decongestant effects. However, the term "Asteraceae (unspecified)" is very broad, and while some members like Echinacea have been the subject of research, many other members have not been systematically studied or traditionally used for this purpose. Scientific studies on Echinacea show mixed results regarding its efficacy for cold symptoms, and few, if any, studies focus specifically on decongestant action. Other Asteraceae plants such as Artemisia and Tussilago have some ethnobotanical records of use for respiratory issues, but robust clinical evidence is lacking. In summary, the use of unspecified Asteraceae plants as decongestants for colds is primarily grounded in traditional practices rather than strong scientific validation, and the evidence base is modest at best for any member of this family.
Other ingredients used for Colds (decongestant)
allspicewaterhyssop
basil
beta-pinene
black cumin
black currant
black pepper
radish
capsaicinoids
chen pi
citrus oil
clove
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
greek mountain tea
green tea
horseradish
honeysuckle
lemon
licorice root
mint
mustard seed
oregano
peppermint oil
pineapple
pomegranate
quercetin
rhizome
rosemary
schizonepeta
spearmint leaf
thyme
vitamin C
wasabia japonica
water
zinc
hyssop
cardamom
atractylodes
capsicum
mugwort
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
boxthorne
lemongrass
yerba santa
chrysanthemum
sweet flag
eucalyptus
menthol oil
abies spectabilis
horehound
Sichuan pepper
indigo leaves
cayenne pepper
Alcohol
Agastache
Alpha-terpineol
Asarum heterotropoides
Andrographis
Asteracea
allyl isothiocyanate
Allium tuberosum
Arani
Atractylone
Baphicacanthus cusia
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Black galingale
Bitter Grass
berry
Bee products
Buddha's Hand
Borneol
Coconut
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Capillary Artemisia
Citron
Citrus
Cineole
Capsaicin
Cajuput
Cinnamaldehyde
Costus
Dragonhead
Ephedra
English Horsemint
Echinacea
Elder
Essential Oil Blend
Ephedrine
Mustard
salt
Sandalwood
Sweet Orange alcohol
Other health conditions supported by Asteracea
Abdominal PainAbscesses
Acid Indigestion
Acne
Allergies (respiratory)
Amenorrhea
Anemia
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Anxiety
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Asthma
Athlete's Foot
Backache
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Canker Sores
Cardiovascular Disease
Chills
Circulation (poor)
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Colitis
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (sinus)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cuts
Dandruff
Depression
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema