Evidence supporting the use of: Reishi mushroom
For the health condition: Colds (general)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) has been traditionally used in East Asian medicine for centuries to support immune health and general wellness, including the prevention and treatment of colds. Historical texts from China, Japan, and Korea document its use as a tonic for longevity and resistance to illness. The mushroom is believed to enhance "Qi" and promote balance in the body, which in traditional understanding could help protect against respiratory infections such as the common cold.

From a scientific perspective, laboratory and animal studies suggest that reishi contains compounds (such as beta-glucans and triterpenes) that can modulate the immune system, potentially increasing the activity of certain immune cells. However, clinical studies in humans are limited and generally small in scale. Some randomized controlled trials have shown that reishi extracts may influence immune parameters, but there is insufficient direct evidence to support its effectiveness specifically for the prevention or treatment of the common cold in humans.

In summary, while reishi mushroom is deeply rooted in traditional use for supporting immunity and warding off illness, robust clinical evidence for its efficacy against colds is lacking. Most current use for this purpose is based on historical practice rather than strong scientific validation.

More about reishi mushroom
More about Colds (general)

Other ingredients used for Colds (general)

3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoic acid
Abies spectabilis
Abrus
Acacia
Aconite
Aerva lanata
Agastache
Ajuga
Alcohol
Algae
Allicin
Alliin
Allium tuberosum
Allspice
Allyl isothiocyanate
Allyl sulfide
Aloe vera
alpha-terpineol
alpinia galangal
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Amomum
Amor seco
anamu
Andrographis
andrographolide
Angelica
anthocyanins
apple
apple cider vinegar
arabinogalactan
Aralia
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Asam gelugor
Asarum heterotropoides
ash
aster root
Asteraceae
astragalus
atractylodes
atractylone
avens
Baccharoides anthelmintica
bael
Baikal Skullcap
balsam
bamboo
banyan
Baphicacanthus cusia
barberry
Barleria
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Bassia scoparia
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bee hive
bee pollen
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Belamcanda
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Blepharis
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Broussonetia
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Bupleurum
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bасора
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capillary artemisia
capsaicin
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capsicum
cardamom
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Carthamus
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cassia bark
caterpillar mushroom
cayenne pepper
Celosia
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Chinese mountain ant
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Chlorophytum
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fulvic acid
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Ilex
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Isatis
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L-cysteine
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lactiplantibacillus plantarum
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Laggera pterodonta
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Quillaja
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