Evidence supporting the use of: Bitter Grass
For the health condition: Ear Infection or Earache
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Bitter Grass (often referring to species such as Vernonia amygdalina or similar bitter herbs) has a history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in parts of Africa and Asia. It is sometimes employed for its purported antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. In traditional practices, extracts or decoctions made from the leaves are occasionally used to treat ear infections or earaches, either by topical application or oral administration. However, the evidence for these uses is largely anecdotal, based on ethnobotanical surveys and oral traditions rather than controlled clinical studies.
There is a lack of robust scientific research specifically examining the efficacy of Bitter Grass for ear infections or earaches. While some laboratory studies have demonstrated antimicrobial activity of certain compounds found in Vernonia amygdalina against various bacteria and fungi, these studies do not directly address pathogens commonly responsible for ear infections, nor do they assess safety or effectiveness in the context of ear health. No clinical trials or systematic reviews substantiate its use for this indication. As such, its use for ear infections or earaches is supported primarily by traditional knowledge, and the quality of evidence is low.
Other ingredients used for Ear Infection or Earache
myrobalanbetel
blackberry
chamomile
Coptis chinensis
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
goldenseal
onion
Indian tinospora
mustard seed
oregano
plantain
rosemary
schizonepeta
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
xylitol
mullein
xanthium (cockleburs)
gastrodia
papaya
Indian bael
neem tree
nut grass
alpinia galangal
clerodendrum indicum
ferula assafoetida
hedychium spicatum
anise
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
myrrh
sweet flag
sweetgums
morinda
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
paw paw
melaleuca alternifolia
indigo leaves
geranium
Achyranthes
Anamu
Alchornea
Asafoetida
Aerva lanata
Alsonia scholaris
Asteracea
Abuta
Amor seco
Blepharis
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Butea monosperma
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Bombax
Bergenia
Borneol
Coconut
Calendula
Cinnamomum
Calotropis gigantea
Cajuput
Centipeda
Calamus
Costus
Celosia
Didymocarpus
DIVI-DIVI
Devil's Club
Erodium cicutarium
Elephant's Head
Euphorbia
Eugenol
Goldthread
Garlic
Little ironweed
Mallow
Poppy
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Bitter Grass
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Appetite (deficient)
Belching
Bites and Stings
Blood Poisoning
Boils
Bronchitis
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Canker Sores
Chest Pain
Chills
Cholera
Cholesterol (high)
Cold Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Colic (adults)
Colic (children)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (lymphatic)
Congestion (sinus)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cuts
Dandruff
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Edema
Fever
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gall Stones
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Hangover
Headache (general)
Hepatitis
Herpes