Evidence supporting the use of: Thatch screw-pine
For the health condition: Colds (decongestant)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Thatch screw-pine (Pandanus tectorius) has been traditionally used in some cultures, particularly in parts of Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, to treat colds and as a decongestant. Historical records and ethnobotanical surveys indicate that various parts of the plant, notably the leaves and roots, have been used in folk remedies for respiratory ailments, including colds, coughs, and nasal congestion. Preparations often involve infusions or decoctions, which are administered either orally or through inhalation of steam.
However, scientific validation for these uses is limited. There are very few pharmacological studies investigating the decongestant or cold-relieving properties of Pandanus tectorius. Some studies have identified the presence of bioactive compounds (such as flavonoids and phenolics) in the plant, which may contribute to general health benefits or possess mild anti-inflammatory effects, but direct evidence supporting its efficacy specifically as a decongestant or for treating colds is lacking. As such, while the use of Thatch screw-pine for colds is well-documented in traditional medicine, it has not yet been substantiated by rigorous scientific research. The evidence rating is therefore low, reflecting limited validation beyond traditional use.
More about Thatch screw-pine
More about Colds (decongestant)
Other ingredients used for Colds (decongestant)
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echinacea purpurea
elderberry
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
greek mountain tea
green tea
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licorice root
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mustard seed
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rosemary
schizonepeta
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hyssop
cardamom
atractylodes
capsicum
mugwort
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
boxthorne
lemongrass
yerba santa
chrysanthemum
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eucalyptus
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horehound
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indigo leaves
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Alcohol
Agastache
Alpha-terpineol
Asarum heterotropoides
Andrographis
Asteracea
Allyl isothiocyanate
Allium tuberosum
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Atractylone
Baphicacanthus cusia
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Black galingale
Bitter Grass
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Bee products
Buddha's Hand
Borneol
Coconut
Clerodendrum trichotomum
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Citron
Citrus
Cineole
Capsaicin
Cajuput
Cinnamaldehyde
Costus
Dragonhead
Ephedra
English Horsemint
Echinacea
Elder
Essential Oil Blend
Ephedrine
Fruit
gamma-terpinene
Gallesia
Honey
Honey loquat syrup
Horsemint
Isatis
Litsea
Laggera pterodonta
Limonene
Luffa
Labrador Tea
Ligusticum
Mustard
Monoterpenes
Mushroom
Mucolase
Osha
Orris
Oxystelma
Phenylpropanoids
Pepper
Paris polyphylla
Piper nigrum
Petiveria
Ravinsara
Reed Herb
Smartweed
Salvia
Sickle-leaf hare's ear
salt
Sambucus nigra
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Sandalwood
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Terpenoids
Tea
Thymus
Thymol
Tayuya
Visnea Mocanera
Viola
Zingiberene
Other health conditions supported by Thatch screw-pine
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Appetite (deficient)
Asthma
Backache
Bites and Stings
Bladder Infection
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Chest Pain
Chills
Cholera
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Constipation (children)
Cough (general)
Cuts
Debility
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dizziness
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Edema
Fever
Gas and Bloating