Evidence supporting the use of: Lomatium
For the health condition: Infection (viral)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Lomatium, particularly Lomatium dissectum, has a longstanding history of use in traditional Native American and herbal medicine for supporting the body during viral infections such as influenza and other respiratory ailments. Ethnobotanical records indicate that various indigenous peoples used the root as a decoction or tincture for “colds,” “fevers,” and respiratory complaints, attributing to it general antimicrobial, expectorant, and immune-supportive properties. Its use was further popularized during the 1918 influenza pandemic, when anecdotal reports and folk accounts suggested that affected communities using Lomatium fared better than others, though these claims remain unsubstantiated by rigorous scientific study.

Modern research on Lomatium’s antiviral effects is limited and mostly restricted to in vitro studies, which have suggested some inhibitory activity against certain viruses, but these findings have not been replicated in clinical trials. No high-quality human studies exist to confirm efficacy for viral infections. Thus, while its use is primarily justified by traditional and historical precedent, rather than scientific validation, it remains a popular botanical in some herbalist circles for this purpose. Caution is also advised, as Lomatium can cause allergic skin reactions in some individuals.

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Products containing Lomatium

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