Evidence supporting the use of: Gallesia
For the health condition: Colds (decongestant)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Gallesia, particularly Gallesia integrifolia, is a plant native to South America that has been used in traditional medicine, especially in Brazil and surrounding regions. The bark and roots are often cited in ethnobotanical sources as treatments for respiratory ailments, including colds, coughs, and as a decongestant. The folk use is typically based on empirical tradition rather than rigorous clinical studies. Historical reports document the preparation of teas or decoctions from Gallesia parts for alleviating symptoms related to colds and nasal congestion.
Phytochemical studies of Gallesia integrifolia have identified the presence of sulfur compounds, which are known for their antimicrobial and expectorant properties in other plants (such as garlic). This provides a plausible mechanism for its traditional use, but direct evidence confirming efficacy or safety in humans is lacking. No randomized controlled trials or clinical studies specifically evaluating Gallesia for colds or as a decongestant appear in the scientific literature as of June 2024.
In summary, the use of Gallesia for colds is primarily supported by traditional knowledge and phytochemical rationale, but not by high-quality scientific research. The evidence rating is therefore low, reflecting the absence of clinical validation.
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 Gallesia
AsthmaBronchitis
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Edema
Fever
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Influenza
Kidney Infection
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)
Malaria