Evidence supporting the use of: Fish Maw
For the health condition: Convalescence
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Fish maw, also known as the dried swim bladder of certain fish species, is traditionally used in Chinese medicine and cuisine, particularly to support recovery during convalescence. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), fish maw is valued for its high protein content and is believed to nourish "yin," replenish blood and energy (qi), and promote tissue repair. Historical texts and TCM practitioners often recommend fish maw soups for individuals recovering from illness, surgery, or childbirth, asserting that its rich collagen content supports tissue healing and restores strength. However, while the traditional usage is well-documented, scientific studies specifically validating fish maw’s efficacy in accelerating convalescence or improving recovery outcomes in humans are limited. The nutritional profile of fish maw does indicate it is a good source of protein and collagen, which are important for tissue repair, but no clinical trials or robust biomedical evidence directly link fish maw consumption to improved recovery during convalescence. Therefore, its use for this purpose is primarily justified by tradition rather than scientific validation, and the supporting evidence remains largely anecdotal and historical.
Other ingredients used for Convalescence
aloe veraalpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
arabinogalactan
astaxanthin
astragalus
Beta-Glucan
bilberry
black currant
bovine
bovine liver
branched-chain amino acids
bupleurum falcatum
cat's claw
caterpillar mushroom
chlorella
colostrum
cordyceps
turmeric
elderberry
eleuthero
fish protein
garlic bulb
ginger
gotu kola
grape
green tea
iron
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-cysteine
l-glutamine
l-glycine
lactoferrin
lentinula edodes mycelia
licorice root
liquid liver fractions
milk
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
pollen
pomegranate
protein
pyrroloquinoline disodium salt
quail egg
reishi mushroom
shiitake mushroom
spirulina
vitamin C
vitamin D
whey protein
zinc
jiaogulan
bee pollen
lingzhi
haliotis
cistanche
ganoderma
royal jelly
fulvic acid
goji berry
algae
Alcohol
Animal Tissue
Antler
Ambergris
Auricularia
Albumin
Andrographis
Algal protein
Alkylglycerols
Animal protein
Butter
Blackthorn
Beef Protein
Beef
Beef liver
Bone Marrow
Bovine Protein
Bacteria
BCAA
Bupleurum
Bird's nest
Chinese Mountain Ant
Coriolus mushroom
Codonopsis
Chinese Pond Turtle
Centella asiatica
Chicken
Dialyzable Leukocyte Extract
D-Ribose
Dipeptide
Egg
Elk antler
Euglena gracilis
Egg protein
fibroblast growth factor
Milk Protein
Mistletoe
Quinoa Protein
Other health conditions supported by Fish Maw
AnemiaAppetite (deficient)
Convalescence
Debility
Fatigue
Injuries
Nursing
Pain (general remedies for)
Surgery (healing from)
Wounds and Sores