Evidence supporting the use of: Atractylodes
For the health condition: Colds (decongestant)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Atractylodes, particularly Atractylodes macrocephala (Bai Zhu) and Atractylodes lancea (Cang Zhu), is widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to support the treatment of colds, specifically as a component in formulas aimed at alleviating symptoms such as nasal congestion and dampness. In TCM theory, Atractylodes is believed to strengthen the spleen, dry dampness, and expel wind-cold pathogens from the body, which is thought to help the body recover from colds and respiratory illnesses. The herb is commonly included in formulas like “Cang Er Zi San” and “Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang,” which are prescribed for symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and general malaise associated with common colds.
However, scientific evidence supporting the use of Atractylodes as a decongestant or for treating colds is limited. Most available studies focus on its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, which could, in theory, help with symptoms of colds, but direct clinical trials in humans for these specific uses are lacking. The evidence base, therefore, remains largely traditional, with anecdotal reports and centuries of use in TCM rather than robust modern scientific validation. Thus, while Atractylodes continues to be used in traditional herbal practice for colds and congestion, more research is needed to confirm its efficacy and mechanisms in this context.
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 atractylodes
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Appetite (deficient)
Asthma
Backache
Belching
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Chills
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Edema
Fatigue
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Indigestion
Inflammation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)
Menopause
Migraine
Muscle Tone (lack of)
Nausea and Vomiting
Pain (general remedies for)
Sore Throat
Wounds and Sores