Evidence supporting the use of: Isatis
For the health condition: Congestion (lungs)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Isatis, particularly Isatis tinctoria (woad) and Isatis indigotica, is a well-known herb in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), where it is commonly referred to as "Ban Lan Gen" (root) and "Da Qing Ye" (leaf). In TCM, Isatis is traditionally used to "clear heat" and "remove toxins," and is often incorporated into formulas intended to treat conditions associated with fever, sore throat, and respiratory infections. It is sometimes used to support the lungs and relieve symptoms such as congestion, especially in the context of viral infections like influenza or the common cold.
Scientific studies on Isatis have focused mainly on its potential antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, with some in vitro and animal evidence suggesting activity against certain viruses and inflammatory pathways. However, clinical trials specifically evaluating Isatis for lung congestion or respiratory symptoms in humans are lacking. Its use for lung congestion remains primarily supported by traditional usage rather than robust modern scientific validation. Therefore, while historical and anecdotal use for lung congestion is well-established in TCM, high-quality clinical evidence is still insufficient, and the rating for supporting evidence is moderate.
Other ingredients used for Congestion (lungs)
AllspiceAloe vera
alpha-pinene
basil
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta-pinene
black cumin
black currant
black pepper
Indian frankincense
bupleurum falcatum
bасора
capsaicinoids
chamomile
chen pi
Chinese salvia root
clove
Coptis chinensis
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
grape
onion
green tea
horseradish
Indian tinospora
licorice root
lovage
mustard seed
spruce
ophiopogon root
oregano
perilla
phellodendron amurense
phenolic compounds
platycodon root
pomegranate
quercetin
rosemary
scrophularia root
shiitake mushroom
spearmint leaf
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin C
yellow root
squawvine
boneset
mullein
hyssop
cardamom
atractylodes
capsicum
mugwort
malabar nut
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
inula racemosa
anise
blackboard tree
Szechuan lovage
fritillaria
lemongrass
yerba santa
elecampane
coltsfoot
chrysanthemum
juniper berries
siler root
sweet flag
oriental arborvitae
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
menthol oil
aster root
Abies spectabilis
horehound
Sichuan pepper
cayenne pepper
Agastache
Ambergris
Ardisia
Angelica
Allicin
Asarum heterotropoides
Aconite
Asafoetida
Andrographolide
Allyl isothiocyanate
Adenophora
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
Alantolactone
Atractylone
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Blepharis
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Boswellic Acid
Bayleaf
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Bisabolene
Bee hive
Bael
berry
Boswellia
Baccharoides anthelmintica
black salt
Bee products
Bombax
Buddha's Hand
Borage
Bupleurum
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Chinese Silkvine
Curry leaf
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Citrus
Cineole
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Curcumen
Cistus
Calamus
Cinnamaldehyde
Carthamus
Culvers Root
Chondrus
Dragonhead
Diterpenes
Ephedra
European Elder
Evodia
Eclipta
Echinacea
Elder
Essential Oil Blend
Ephedrine
European-Five Finger Grass
Fang-Feng
Fat liver oil
Flavoglycosides
Frankincense
Gnaphalium
gamma-terpinene
Guaco
Gallesia
Gardenia jasminoides
Glycyrrhetinic Acid
Galangal
Heartsease
Honey
Hedyotis
Houttuynia
Helicteres isora
Horsemint
Isatis
Long Pepper
Ivy
Jungli-bean
Khella
Ledebouriella
Litsea
Lomatium
Lichen
Laggera pterodonta
Limonene
Ligustrazin
Labrador Tea
Lungwort
Ligusticum
Mountain Pepper
Mustard
Mallow
Monoterpenes
Methylxanthine
Meadow sage
Mucolase
Neoandrographolides
Nutmeg
Ophiopogon
Oroxylum indicum
Osha
Orris
Phellodendron
Pinellia Ternata
Pluchea
Prepared Aconite Tuber
Platycodon
Pepper
Paris polyphylla
Peucedanum
Pyrrosia
Piper retrofractum
Piper nigrum
Polygonum
Rubiaceae
Ravinsara
Sichuan Lovage
Sophora
Smartweed
Sesquiterpenes
Solanum indicum
Sambucus nigra
Sagebrush
Sandalwood
Stereospermum
Sulfated polysaccharide
Sundew
Servicetree
Thymus
Tamaricaceae
Tayuya
Terpinolene
Vervain
Visnea Mocanera
Vasicine
Violet
Viola
Vladimiria souliei
Vasicinone
Wulinshen
Winter Savory
Yerba buena
Zingiberene
Zedoary
Zingerone
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