Evidence supporting the use of: Chinese Mountain Ant
For the health condition: Edema
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Chinese Mountain Ant (commonly referring to species like Polyrhachis vicina) is primarily used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for its reputed tonic and adaptogenic properties, rather than specifically for edema. In TCM literature, ants are believed to strengthen the body, support the kidneys and liver, and enhance vitality, but their direct use for edema (swelling due to fluid retention) is not prominently documented. Instead, some sources mention their use in formulas intended to tonify Qi and support general health, which may indirectly benefit conditions with weakness or fluid metabolism imbalance. However, there is little to no historical emphasis on ants as a primary remedy for edema itself.
From a scientific perspective, there is a paucity of research specifically evaluating Chinese Mountain Ant or its extracts for anti-edematous or diuretic effects. Most modern studies focus on its immunomodulatory, antioxidant, or anti-fatigue properties rather than direct effects on fluid retention or edema. Therefore, while its use for other health purposes is documented in both traditional and preliminary scientific contexts, the evidence supporting its use for edema is weak and primarily based on its broader traditional usage rather than direct efficacy.
In summary, the use of Chinese Mountain Ant for edema is rooted in traditional beliefs about its general strengthening effects, but there is little direct historical or scientific validation for this specific indication.
Other ingredients used for Edema
anthocyaninsapricot
arjun tree
asparagus
waterhyssop
bamboo
bearberry
bilberry
Indian frankincense
bromelain
bupleurum falcatum
burdock
butcher's broom
bасора
cabbage leaf
celery
chen pi
Chinese salvia root
citrus bioflavonoids
cucumber
turmeric
dandelion
fish protein
flavonols
forsythia
fu ling
gotu kola
greek mountain tea
onion
hawthorn
hesperidin
horse chestnut
horsetail
Japanese sophora
jujube
lemon
lophatherum leaf
lovage
mannitol
moringa
mustard seed
nettle
papain
parsley
pear
pine bark
pineapple
potassium
protease
pumpkin
quercetin
rutin
scrophularia root
serratiopeptidase
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
triphala
trypsin
seaweed
watermelon
sarsaparilla
yellow root
tangerine
xanthium (cockleburs)
atractylodes
Indian bael
nut grass
alpinia galangal
punarnava
commiphora
rubia cordifolia
swertia
lingusticum wallichii
goldenrod
prickly ash
lemongrass
silk tree
juniper berries
solomon's seal
siler root
amber
dioscorea
dodder
sweet flag
hyacinth bean
morinda
cornsilk
buchu
birch
couch grass
sheep's sorrel
queen of the meadow
hydrangea
purslane
gentiana macrophylla
cleavers
shepherd's purse
peach
white oak
enzymes blend (proprietary)
Aralia
akebia
Ardisia
Angelica
Agrimony
Achyranthes
Abrus
Albizia
Ajuga
Albumin
Aerva lanata
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Aescin
Adzuki bean
Actaea spicata
Agrimonia pilosa
Arjunic Acid
Alisma
Abuta
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Arani
Arisaema
Atractylone
Betony
Baikal Skullcap
Blue Flag
Baliospermum
Blackthorn
Blepharis
Bishop's Weed
Boswellic Acid
Bayleaf
Big Quaking Grass
Bitter Grass
berry
Bogbean
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Banyan
Bioflavonoids
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Borage
banana
Bupleurum
Baicalin
Bassia scoparia
Black Hellebore
Bergenia
Boerhavia diffusa
Bottle gourd
Borneol
Centella triterpenes
Chinese Silkvine
Casearia esculenta
Chinese Mountain Ant
Calotropis gigantea
Chervil
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Cucurbita
Coriander
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Cactus
Cynomorium
Cinquefoil
Cyathula
Chlorophytum
Curcumen
Centella asiatica
Chanca Piedra
Corktree
Cabbage
Cowslip
Chaenomeles lagenaria
Calamus
Chestnut
Cynodon dactylon
Collinsonia
Carthamus
Celosia
Clerodendrum indicum
Diosmin
Danshen
Deer Root
Dipsacus
Erythropalum scandens
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Empresstree
Echinodorus
Enzyme Blend
European-Five Finger Grass
Escin
Flavonoids
Flavonones
Little ironweed
Rhubarb
Sumac
Zucchini
Other health conditions supported by Chinese Mountain Ant
ArthritisAsthma
Backache
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Circulation (poor)
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (general)
Congestion (bronchial)
Convalescence
Cuts
Diabetes
Edema
Fatigue
Fever
Gout
Inflammation
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)
Memory and Brain Function
Muscle Tone (lack of)
Pain (general remedies for)
Rhinitis
Stress
Wounds and Sores