Evidence supporting the use of: Capsaicin
For the health condition: Colds (prevention)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Capsaicin, the active compound in chili peppers, has a long history of traditional use in various cultures for the relief of cold symptoms, particularly nasal congestion. Folk remedies have included spicy foods or capsaicin-containing preparations, under the belief that they can "clear out" the sinuses or stimulate sweating to "break" a cold. The proposed mechanism is that capsaicin, when ingested or inhaled, can temporarily stimulate mucus secretion and promote nasal drainage, offering short-term relief of congestion.

However, scientific research supporting capsaicin for the prevention or treatment of the common cold is minimal and of low quality. Most evidence is anecdotal or based on small, uncontrolled studies. A few clinical studies have explored nasal sprays containing capsaicin for non-allergic rhinitis, but not specifically for viral colds. These suggest some symptomatic relief in chronic nasal congestion, but not prevention or direct treatment of viral infections. No large-scale, well-controlled trials have demonstrated that capsaicin can prevent colds or significantly alter their duration or severity.

In summary, while capsaicin's use for colds is rooted in traditional practices, scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness for cold prevention is lacking.

More about Capsaicin
More about Colds (prevention)

Other ingredients used for Colds (prevention)

allspice
aloe 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
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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
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tangerine
xanthium (cockleburs)
papaya
mugwort
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alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
pistacia integerrima gall
blackboard tree
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eucalyptus
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algae
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Ardisia
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Abrus
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Bidens pilosa
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Bishop's Weed
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Baccharoides anthelmintica
Bioflavonoids
black salt
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bassia scoparia
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
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Chinese Silkvine
Curry leaf
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Capillary Artemisia
Citron
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Chlorophytum
Cowherb
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Cinnamaldehyde
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Celosia
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Products containing Capsaicin

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