Evidence supporting the use of: Isatis
For the health condition: Colds (with fever)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Isatis (Isatis tinctoria, commonly known as woad or by its Chinese name, Ban Lan Gen) has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), particularly for the treatment of colds, influenza, and other febrile illnesses. In TCM, Isatis root is believed to "clear heat" and "resolve toxicity," making it a common ingredient in herbal formulations aimed at managing symptoms associated with upper respiratory tract infections, including fever, sore throat, and general malaise. The traditional use is well-documented in classical TCM texts and continues to be popular in China and other East Asian countries.
Regarding scientific evidence, several in vitro and animal studies have indicated that Isatis extracts may have antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, high-quality clinical trials in humans are limited, and the available studies tend to be small or methodologically weak, making it difficult to draw firm conclusions about efficacy. Systematic reviews generally conclude that while there is promise, current scientific data is insufficient to fully validate its effectiveness for treating colds with fever. Thus, its use for this purpose is primarily justified by tradition, with some preliminary but inconclusive scientific support.
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 Isatis
AbscessesAcne
Adenitis
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Bronchitis
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Carbuncles
Chills
Cholera
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (lymphatic)
Congestion (sinus)
Contagious Diseases
Cuts
Diphtheria
Eczema
Epstein Barr Virus
Eye Infections
Fever
Gangrene
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Gonorrhea
Herpes
