Evidence supporting the use of: Southern Tsangshu
For the health condition: Colds (with fever)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Southern Tsangshu (Atractylodes lancea, often referred to in Chinese as "Cang Zhu") has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for centuries as a remedy for conditions corresponding to "cold-damp" syndromes, which include symptoms similar to colds with fever, chills, headache, and nasal congestion. According to TCM theory, Southern Tsangshu is believed to dispel wind and dampness, strengthen the spleen, and resolve exterior syndromes, making it a common ingredient in classic herbal formulas like Xiang Su San and Jing Fang Bai Du San, often prescribed for early-stage colds and flu-like illnesses.
However, there is limited scientific validation for these effects. Pharmacological studies have shown that extracts of Atractylodes lancea possess anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory properties, which could theoretically support its use for respiratory infections. Despite this, robust clinical trials specifically evaluating its efficacy for treating colds with fever are lacking. Most evidence remains anecdotal or derived from traditional use patterns and preclinical studies.
In summary, the primary justification for using Southern Tsangshu to support/treat colds with fever is rooted in traditional Chinese medical practice, with only modest scientific investigation and little direct clinical evidence. The strength of evidence supporting its use for this condition is therefore rated as 2 out of 5.
Other ingredients used for Colds (with fever)
aloe veragreen chiretta
anthocyanins
basil
bilberry
black cumin
black currant
blueberry
capsaicinoids
chamomile
citrus oil
clove
coconut milk
cowage seed
turmeric
elderberry
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
grape
green tea
lemon
licorice root
pear
plantain
pomegranate
quercetin
rhizome
rosemary
sage
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin C
vitamin D
zinc
xanthium (cockleburs)
mugwort
nut grass
alpinia galangal
pistacia integerrima gall
blackboard tree
boxthorne
buckthorn
yerba santa
sweet flag
hyacinth bean
trichosanthes
aster root
indigo leaves
Avens
Agastache
Ardisia
acacia
Amomum
Asarum heterotropoides
Aconite
Ajuga
Andrographolide
Aerva lanata
Asam gelugor
Andrographis
Asteracea
Amor seco
Arani
Atractylone
Bermuda Grass
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bishop's Weed
Bayleaf
Black galingale
Bitter Grass
Bael
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Bur-Reed
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bassia scoparia
Capillary Artemisia
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Cistus
Common madia
Cinnamaldehyde
Celosia
Chrysophanics
Dragonhead
Eclipta
Little ironweed
Mallow
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Southern Tsangshu
Abdominal PainAnxiety
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Belching
Bladder Infection
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Chest Pain
Chills
Circulation (poor)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Constipation (adults)
Cough (general)
Cuts
Debility
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dizziness
Edema
Emotional Sensitivity
Endurance (lack of)
Energy (lack of)
Fever
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gall Stones
Gas and Bloating