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

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Synopsis

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

Cinnamon has a long history of traditional use in various cultures, particularly in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda, for the prevention and management of colds. In TCM, cinnamon (often in the form of Cinnamomum cassia or "gui zhi") is believed to "warm" the body and support the immune system, helping to ward off "wind-cold" invasion, a term describing early stages of common cold. Similarly, in Ayurveda, cinnamon is thought to stimulate circulation and promote sweating, which is considered helpful in expelling pathogens and easing cold symptoms.

From a scientific standpoint, cinnamon does contain compounds such as cinnamaldehyde and eugenol, which have demonstrated some antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties in laboratory studies. However, clinical research specifically evaluating cinnamon’s effectiveness in preventing or treating common colds in humans is sparse and inconclusive. Most available evidence is limited to laboratory or animal studies and does not directly translate to proven benefit in the prevention of colds in people. Thus, while cinnamon’s traditional use is well established and there is some plausible biological rationale, robust clinical validation is lacking.

In summary, cinnamon’s use for preventing or treating colds is primarily justified by tradition, with limited supporting scientific evidence. Individuals interested in using cinnamon for this purpose should do so as part of a broader health regimen and not as a replacement for evidence-based treatments or preventive measures.

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Other ingredients used for Colds (prevention)

Abrus
Acacia
Agastache
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Alliin
Allium tuberosum
Allspice
Allyl isothiocyanate
Allyl sulfide
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alpinia galangal
American Liverleaf
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Amor seco
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arabinogalactan
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astragalus
atractylone
avens
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bermuda grass
berry
beta-glucan
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bishop\'s weed
bitter grass
black cumin
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black galingale
black nightshade
black pepper
black salt
black seed
black tea
blackberry
blackboard tree
blackthorn
Blepharis
borneol
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bасора
Camellia sinensis
camu camu
capillary artemisia
capsaicin
capsaicinoids
caterpillar mushroom
cayenne pepper
Celosia
chamomile
Chinese raisintree
Chinese silkvine
chlorella
Chlorophytum
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cinnamaldehyde
Cinnamomum
cinnamon
Cistus
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coriander
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curry leaf
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dragonhead
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ferula assafoetida
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forsythia
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Glechoma hederacea
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spruce
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