Evidence supporting the use of: Nardostachys
For the health condition: Congestion
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Nardostachys jatamansi, commonly known as spikenard, is an herb extensively used in traditional Ayurvedic and Unani medicine. Its use for treating or supporting relief from congestion is rooted primarily in historical and ethnobotanical practices, rather than robust scientific validation. In traditional medicine systems, Nardostachys has been employed for its calming, sedative, and anti-inflammatory properties, and is often used in formulations meant to address respiratory issues, including coughs, colds, and congestion. The aromatic rhizome and essential oil are believed to have expectorant effects, helping to clear mucus from the respiratory tract, although the specific mechanisms remain largely speculative and unsubstantiated by modern pharmacological studies.
A review of contemporary scientific literature reveals limited direct evidence for its effectiveness in treating congestion, with most studies focusing on its neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities rather than respiratory benefits. While in vitro and animal research suggest the plant’s extracts may have general anti-inflammatory actions, clinical trials validating its efficacy specifically for congestion in humans are lacking. Thus, use of Nardostachys for congestion is supported by traditional usage and anecdotal reports, but not yet by rigorous scientific investigation.
Other ingredients used for Congestion
AconiteAgastache
Akebia
Alcohol
Allicin
Allspice
alpha-terpineol
anise
Arisaema
asafoetida
Asarum heterotropoides
atractylodes
atractylone
balsam
Barleria
basil
bayleaf
bee products
berry
beta-pinene
betel
birch
bishop\'s weed
bitter grass
black currant
black pepper
black salt
blackboard tree
Bombax
borneol
buckthorn
Buddha\'s hand
cajuput
Camellia sinensis
cardamom
cayenne pepper
chamomile
Chinese raisintree
cineole
Citrus
Clerodendrum trichotomum
coltsfoot
cowherb
Echinacea
echinacea purpurea
Elder
elderberry
Ephedra
ephedrine
essential oil blend
eucalyptus
European Elder
ferula assafoetida
Gallesia
gamma-terpinene
garlic bulb
ginger
green tea
heal-all
honey
Horsemint
horseradish
hyssop
Isatis
Ivy
joe-pye
lemongrass
licorice root
Ligusticum
long pepper
malabar nut
mallow
Meadow sage
Menthol oil
Monoterpenes
Mugwort
Nardostachys
Orris
Osha
Piper retrofractum
Platycodon
pomegranate
Pyrrosia
quercetin
ravinsara
rosemary
Sambucus nigra
Sassafras
Servicetree
Sesquiterpenes
Sichuan pepper
spearmint leaf
squawvine
sweet flag
Szechuan lovage
Tayuya
thyme
Thymus
Trichosanthes
turmeric
Vasicine
Vasicinone
Vervain
vitamin C
Wasabi
Yerba buena
Yerba santa
Zinc
Other health conditions supported by Nardostachys
Abdominal PainAnxiety
Backache
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Canker Sores
Chest Pain
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Congestion
Congestion (sinus)
Cuts
Depression
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Edema
Epilepsy
Eye Problems
Fatigue
Fever
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Headache (general)
Headache (tension)
Indigestion
Inflammation
Insomnia
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Liver Detoxification
Memory and Brain Function
Migraine
Nausea and Vomiting
Pain (general remedies for)
Stress
Ulcers
Wounds and Sores
