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

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Synopsis

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

Vervain (Verbena officinalis and related species) has a long history of traditional use in European herbal medicine, including as a remedy for respiratory conditions such as colds and coughs. Historically, vervain was often brewed as a tea or infusion and taken to "ward off" or alleviate symptoms of colds, sore throats, and fevers. Folk medicine systems attributed to it "expectorant" and "diaphoretic" properties, suggesting it could promote sweating and help clear mucus.

However, modern scientific evidence substantiating vervain’s efficacy for the prevention or treatment of colds is scant. Few clinical studies have investigated vervain specifically for colds or upper respiratory tract infections. Much of its traditional reputation relies on anecdotal reports and historical texts rather than controlled research. The herb does contain some bioactive compounds, such as iridoids and flavonoids, which have been studied for general anti-inflammatory or immunomodulatory effects in vitro or in animal models, but these findings have not been directly translated into proven clinical benefits for colds in humans.

In summary, vervain’s use for cold prevention is primarily supported by traditional use, with little to no scientific validation. The evidence rating is therefore low (1), reflecting historical use without strong modern research support.

More about Vervain
More about Colds (prevention)

Other ingredients used for Colds (prevention)

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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 compounds
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
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berry
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Terpenoids
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Umckaloabo
Vervain
Viola
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Wulinshen
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Zingiberene
Zingerone

Products containing Vervain

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