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'-FucosyllactoseAjoene
alpha-pinene
arabinogalactan
barberry
myrobalan
berberine
Beta-Glucan
betel
black cumin
burdock
cassia bark
cat's claw
Coptis chinensis
turmeric
curcumin
cuspidatum root
diallyl disulfide (DADS)
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
ginger
goldenseal
immunoglobin G
iodine
honeysuckle
L12-myoviridae
lactobacillus paracasei
lactoferrin
lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
licorice root
mangosteen
monolaurin
reishi mushroom
selenium
spirulina
sweet wormwood
T4D-myoviridae
turkey tail mushroom
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
xylitol
zinc
sarsaparilla
yellow root
boneset
pistacia integerrima gall
swertia
pau d'arco
yerba santa
oriental arborvitae
eucalyptus
Abies spectabilis
geranium
Agarikon Mushroom
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agastache
Agave
Anamu
Alchornea
Asarum heterotropoides
AHCC
Aucubin
Andrographolide
Aureobasidium pullulans
Andrographis
Alsonia scholaris
Acemannan
Alkylglycerols
Alliin
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Asarum sieboldii
Artepillin C
Bee Propolis
Babchi
Baphicacanthus cusia
Betulinic acid
Blepharis
Baccharis dracunculifolia
Brazilian peppertree
Bauhinia
Baicalin
Belamcanda
Coriolus mushroom
Carvacrol
Cymbidium goeringii
Casticin
Centipeda
Cistus
Campsiandra angustifolia
Calamus
Coin-leaf desmodium
Dialyzable Leukocyte Extract
European Elder
Echinacea
Fucoidan
Flueggea suffruticosa
Fernbush
Glucan peptides
Globulins
Graviola
Galangin
Gallesia
Golden Shower Tree
Hypericin
Houttuynia
Humic acid
Immunoglobulin G
Ivy
Java Brucea
Kachnar
Knotgrass
Lentinan
Lomatium
Lactococcus rhamnosus
Lichen
Lapachol
Liverwort
Labdanum
Mountain horopito
Marsh Tea
Matapalo Tree
Mangostin
Microtea debilis
Milkweed
Naphthoquinones
Phellodendron
Premna
Phragmites
Polysaccharides
Phlorotannins
Pelargonium
Piper retrofractum
Quebracho
Rhabdosia rubescens
Ravinsara
Shikonin
Sanguisorba
Sambucus nigra
Sandalwood
Simaruba
Sulfated polysaccharide
Shikimic Acid
Smoketree
Tannins
Terpinen-4-ol
Thuja
Trametes
Thiosulfinate
Tylophorine
Verbascoside
Viscum coloratum
Xanthorrhizol
Xanthoparmelia
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