Evidence supporting the use of: Milkweed
For the health condition: Infection (viral)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Milkweed, referring to various species in the genus Asclepias, has a history of traditional use by Indigenous peoples of North America for a range of ailments, including as a remedy for infections such as coughs, colds, and fevers, which were often associated with viral illnesses. Most notably, Asclepias tuberosa (commonly known as pleurisy root) was used in traditional medicine as an expectorant and to treat respiratory infections. However, documentation of milkweed being used specifically for viral infections is limited, with most references speaking generally to “infections,” “coughs,” or “fevers.” There is little to no direct scientific evidence supporting milkweed’s efficacy against viruses or viral infections. Modern pharmacological investigations into milkweed primarily focus on its cardiac glycosides and potential toxicity rather than its antiviral effects. Thus, while the traditional use for infection-related symptoms is documented, scientific validation is lacking, and the strength of evidence supporting its use for viral infections is weak.
Other ingredients used for Infection (viral)
2'-FucosyllactoseAbies spectabilis
Acemannan
Agarikon Mushroom
Agastache
Agave
AHCC
Ajoene
Alchornea
Alkylglycerols
Alliin
Allium tuberosum
alpha-pinene
Alstonia scholaris
Amor seco
anamu
Andrographis
andrographolide
apple cider vinegar
arabinogalactan
Artepillin C
Asarum heterotropoides
Asarum sieboldii
aucubin
Aureobasidium pullulans
babchi
Baccharis dracunculifolia
baicalin
Baphicacanthus cusia
barberry
Bauhinia
bee propolis
Belamcanda
berberine
beta-glucan
betel
betulinic acid
black cumin
Blepharis
boneset
Brazilian peppertree
burdock
calamus
Campsiandra angustifolia
carvacrol
cassia bark
casticin
cat's claw
Centipeda
Cistus
Coin-leaf desmodium
Coptis chinensis
coriolus mushroom
curcumin
cuspidatum root
Cymbidium goeringii
diallyl disulfide (DADS)
dialyzable leukocyte extract
Echinacea
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
eucalyptus
European Elder
fernbush
Flueggea suffruticosa
fucoidan
galangin
Gallesia
geranium
ginger
Globulins
Glucan peptides
golden shower tree
goldenseal
Graviola
honeysuckle
Houttuynia
Humic acid
Hypericin
immunoglobin G
Immunoglobulin G
iodine
Ivy
Java brucea
Kachnar
knotgrass
Labdanum
Lactobacillus paracasei
Lactococcus rhamnosus
Lactoferrin
Lactoperoxidase
Lapachol
lauric acid
Lentinan
lichen
licorice root
liverwort
Lomatium
mangosteen
mangostin
Marsh Tea
Matapalo Tree
Microtea debilis
Milkweed
Monolaurin
Mountain horopito
Myrobalan
Naphthoquinones
oriental arborvitae
pau d'arco
Pelargonium
Phellodendron
phlorotannins
Phragmites
Piper retrofractum
pistacia integerrima gall
polysaccharides
Premna
Quebracho
ravinsara
reishi mushroom
Rhabdosia rubescens
Sambucus nigra
Sandalwood
Sanguisorba
sarsaparilla
selenium
Shikimic Acid
Shikonin
Simaruba
Smoketree
spirulina
Sulfated polysaccharide
sweet wormwood
Swertia
Tannins
Terpinen-4-ol
Thiosulfinate
Thuja
Trametes
Turkey tail mushroom
turmeric
Tylophorine
Verbascoside
Viscum coloratum
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
Xanthoparmelia
Xanthorrhizol
Yellow root
Yerba santa
Zinc
Zingerone
Other health conditions supported by Milkweed
Abdominal PainAbrasions
Abscesses
Asthma
Backache
Bites and Stings
Boils
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cuts
Dermatitis
Dyspepsia
Eczema
Emphysema
Eye Infections
Fever
Headache (general)
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Injuries
Poison Ivy or Oak
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin (infections)
Sore Throat
Wounds and Sores
