Evidence supporting the use of: Mushroom (unspecified)
For the health condition: Colds (decongestant)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Mushrooms, as a broad category, have been used in traditional medicine systems—such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)—to support immune health and as remedies for colds and respiratory ailments. In particular, species like shiitake, maitake, and reishi have a history of use to "strengthen qi" and support the body's defenses during illness. However, the use of "mushroom (unspecified)" specifically as a decongestant for colds is not well documented in either tradition or scientific literature. Most traditional uses relate to general immune support rather than directly relieving nasal congestion. Scientific studies are limited and typically focus on isolated compounds (such as beta-glucans) from specific mushroom species and their immunomodulatory effects, rather than acute symptom relief like decongestion. There is no robust clinical evidence that unspecified mushrooms act as decongestants. Thus, while there is some traditional precedent for using certain mushrooms during colds, the evidence for "mushroom (unspecified)" as a decongestant is weak and largely based on broader beliefs about immune support rather than specific, targeted effects on congestion.
More about Mushroom (unspecified)
More about Colds (decongestant)
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 Mushroom (unspecified)
Acquired Immune Deficiency SyndromeAntibiotics (alternatives to)
Asthma
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Autoimmune Disorders
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Energy (lack of)
Fatigue