Evidence supporting the use of: Bayleaf
For the health condition: Colds (prevention)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Bayleaf (Laurus nobilis) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in Mediterranean and South Asian cultures. Traditionally, bay leaves have been used in remedies for respiratory ailments, such as colds and coughs. Folk medicine often recommends bayleaf infusions, teas, or steam inhalation as a means to alleviate symptoms of colds, possibly due to its aromatic essential oils, which include compounds like eucalyptol (1,8-cineole), thought to have mild expectorant properties.
However, scientific evidence supporting bayleaf's efficacy for the prevention or treatment of colds is minimal. Few in vitro studies have shown antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory properties of bayleaf extracts, but these findings have not been translated into robust clinical evidence in humans, especially concerning cold prevention or treatment. No significant randomized controlled trials or systematic reviews have confirmed its effectiveness for this purpose. As a result, while its use is rooted in tradition, the actual evidence base is weak, and bayleaf should not be relied upon as a primary or proven intervention for colds.
Other ingredients used for Colds (prevention)
allspicealoe vera
green chiretta
anthocyanins
arabinogalactan
astragalus
waterhyssop
bamboo
basil
berry flavor
beta-pinene
Beta-Glucan
black cumin
black currant
black pepper
black tea
blackberry
bасора
camu camu
capsaicinoids
caterpillar mushroom
chamomile
chlorella
cinnamon
citrus bioflavonoids
citrus oil
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
clove
coconut milk
colostrum
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
grape
greek mountain tea
onion
green tea
greens blend (proprietary)
Indian tinospora
honeysuckle
lactobacillus brevis
lemon
licorice root
lovage
marshmallow
moringa
mustard seed
nettle
spruce
orange
oregano
oregon grape
pear
phenolic acids
pineapple
plantain
pollen
pomegranate
pumpkin
quercetin
reishi mushroom
rhizome
rose hips
rosemary
sage
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vegetable blend (proprietary)
vitamin C
vitamin D
seaweed
yeast
zinc
sarsaparilla
squawvine
tangerine
xanthium (cockleburs)
papaya
mugwort
nut grass
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
pistacia integerrima gall
blackboard tree
peony
buckthorn
lemongrass
yerba santa
chrysanthemum
siler root
flowering quince
sweet flag
hyacinth bean
eucalyptus
menthol oil
aster root
goji berry
paw paw
algae
indigo leaves
cayenne pepper
Aralia
Avens
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agastache
Ardisia
acacia
Allicin
Abrus
Amomum
Asarum heterotropoides
Ajuga
Andrographolide
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Andrographis
Asteracea
Allyl Sulfide
allyl isothiocyanate
Alliin
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Arani
Atractylone
Black Seed
Bermuda Grass
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Blackthorn
Blepharis
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Bayleaf
Black galingale
Bitter Grass
Bael
berry
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Bioflavonoids
black salt
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bassia scoparia
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Coconut
Chinese Silkvine
Curry leaf
Cinnamomum
Coriander
Capillary Artemisia
Citron
Curcuminoid
Citrus
Capsaicin
Chinese Raisintree
Chlorophytum
Cowherb
Cistus
Cinnamaldehyde
Costus
Celosia
Currant
Dianthus
Dragonhead
Dodeca-2E, 4E, 8Z, 10Z/Etetraenoic Acid Isobutylamide
European Elder
Echinacea
Elder
Essential Oil Blend
European-Five Finger Grass
Flavonoids
Goldthread
Garlic
Mustard
Sandalwood
Sumac
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Bayleaf
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Anxiety
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Asthma
Belching
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (prevention)
Canker Sores
Chest Pain
Cholesterol (high)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cuts
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dizziness
Edema
Emotional Sensitivity
Fever
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Heart (weakness)
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Hypertension
Indigestion
Inflammation
Insomnia
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Jaundice (adults)
Kidney Stones