Evidence supporting the use of: Bitter grass
For the health condition: Colds (with fever)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Bitter Grass (most commonly referring to Andrographis paniculata, also known as "King of Bitters") has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and Southeast Asian herbalism. It is traditionally used to support the body during colds, especially when fever is present. Historical texts and ethnobotanical surveys frequently cite Andrographis as a "cooling" herb used to "clear heat" and reduce feverish symptoms, making it a popular remedy for upper respiratory tract infections in these traditions.
Scientific studies on the efficacy of Andrographis for treating colds have yielded some supportive evidence, particularly regarding symptom relief and reduction in the duration of colds. However, much of the evidence remains inconclusive or of moderate quality, and the specific use of "bitter grass" as a fever reducer during colds is still primarily rooted in traditional practice rather than robust scientific validation. Systematic reviews, such as those published in the Cochrane Database, note that while Andrographis may modestly improve cold symptoms, the quality and consistency of the research are not strong enough for unequivocal endorsement. Thus, the justification for its use is still primarily based on tradition, with scientific support remaining preliminary.
Other ingredients used for Colds (with fever)
AcaciaAconite
Aerva lanata
Agastache
Ajuga
Aloe vera
alpinia galangal
Amomum
Amor seco
Andrographis
andrographolide
anthocyanins
Arani
Ardisia
Asam gelugor
Asarum heterotropoides
aster root
Asteraceae
atractylone
avens
Baccharoides anthelmintica
bael
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
basil
Bassia scoparia
bayleaf
bee products
bermuda grass
bilberry
bishop\'s weed
bitter grass
black cumin
black currant
black galingale
black nightshade
blackboard tree
blueberry
boxthorne
buckthorn
bur-reed
capillary artemisia
capsaicinoids
Celosia
chamomile
Chinese raisintree
chrysophanics
cinnamaldehyde
Cistus
clove
coconut milk
common madia
cowage seed
cowherb
dragonhead
Eclipta
elderberry
flavoglycosides
forsythia
fruit
gamma-terpinene
garlic bulb
ginger
Glechoma hederacea
Gnaphalium
grape
green chiretta
green tea
hemp
honey
Horsemint
hyacinth bean
Indian fagonia
indigo leaves
Isatis
isoquinoline alkaloids
Laggera pterodonta
lemon
Lewis's monkey flower
licorice root
Ligusticum
linalool
little ironweed
lodhtree
long pepper
luffa
mallow
Melia
Monoterpenes
Mugwort
Mushroom
nut grass
Onosma bracteatum
Oroxylum indicum
Oxystelma
Pansit-pansitan
Paris polyphylla
pear
Peucedanum
Phenylpropanoids
Piper nigrum
pistacia integerrima gall
plantain
pomegranate
quercetin
rhizome
rosemary
sage
Salvia
Scabrous Gentian
Sesbania
Sesquiterpenes
Shogaol
Sickle-leaf hare's ear
Smartweed
Solanaceae
Solanum indicum
Southern Tsangshu
Sphaeranthus indicus
Sweet Annie
sweet flag
Tamaricaceae
Tayuya
Tea
thyme
Thymus
Trichosanthes
turmeric
Umckaloabo
Vervain
Viola
vitamin C
vitamin D
Water Pepper
Winter Savory
xanthium (cockleburs)
Yerba santa
Zinc
Zingerone
Zingiberene
Other health conditions supported by bitter grass
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Appetite (deficient)
Belching
Bites and Stings
Blood Poisoning
Boils
Bronchitis
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Canker Sores
Chest Pain
Chills
Cholera
Cholesterol (high)
Cold Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Colic (adults)
Colic (children)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (lymphatic)
Congestion (sinus)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cuts
Dandruff
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Edema
Fever
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gall Stones
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Hangover
Headache (general)
Hepatitis
Herpes
