Evidence supporting the use of: Balloon flower
For the health condition: Influenza
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Balloon Flower (Platycodon grandiflorus) has a long history of use in traditional East Asian medicine, particularly in Chinese and Korean systems, where its root (Platycodi Radix) is commonly utilized for respiratory ailments such as coughs, sore throats, and bronchitis. Its application for influenza is an extension of this traditional use, as influenza often presents with respiratory symptoms. Historical texts and pharmacopeias describe its properties as expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and soothing to the throat, making it a candidate for managing symptoms of flu-like illnesses.
Scientific studies on Balloon Flower’s direct efficacy against influenza are limited. Some in vitro and animal research suggests that its saponins may have anti-inflammatory and possibly immunomodulatory effects, which could theoretically help in managing respiratory infections. However, robust clinical trials or direct evidence supporting its use for influenza in humans are lacking. Thus, while its use for influenza is rooted in tradition and there is some preliminary scientific basis for its general respiratory benefits, scientific validation specifically for influenza remains insufficient at this time.
Other ingredients used for Influenza
Abies spectabilisAcacia
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Agastache
Agrimony
AHCC
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Allicin
Alliin
alpinia galangal
Alstonia scholaris
American Liverleaf
Anamarrhena
anamu
Andrographis
andrographolide
anemarrhena asphodeloides
apple cider vinegar
Asarum sieboldii
astragaloside
astragalus
avens
baicalin
Baikal Skullcap
balloon flower
balsam
Basidiomycota
bee propolis
benegut perilla (proprietary)
black garlic
Black Hellebore
black pepper
black seed
boneset
borage
Bryonia
Bupleurum
bupleurum falcatum
camu camu
carvacrol
catechins
caterpillar mushroom
Centipeda
Chaenomeles lagenaria
chaga mushroom
Chondrus
chrysanthemum
cineole
Cistus
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Clerodendrum trichotomum
coconut oil
Coptis chinensis
cordyceps
coriolus mushroom
currant
dog rose
Echinacea
echinacea purpurea
Elder
elderberry
elk antler
Embelia
Ephedra
eucalyptus
Euphorbia
European Elder
fat liver oil
flavanones
flavones
flowering quince
frankincense
Gallesia
ganoderma
ginger
Glehnia littoralis
glehnia root
Glycyrrhizin
goldenseal
gooseberry
Greek mountain tea
green chiretta
green tea
Guaco
honey loquat syrup
honeysuckle
Houttuynia
Hyperoside
Immunoglobulin G
Indian frankincense
iridoids
L-cysteine
labrador tea
Lactobacillus casei
Lactoferrin
Lactoperoxidase
Ledebouriella
Lentinula edodes mycelia
lichen
licorice root
little ironweed
liverwort
Lomatium
Lycium
Lycopodium
Meadow sage
Microtea debilis
Monolaurin
Myrobalan
Myrrh
Neoandrographolides
Nettle
Onosma bracteatum
Osthole
Pelargonium
Pentatropis capensis
Platycodon
Polygonatum
Polygonum
Premna
quercetin
ravinsara
reishi mushroom
Salvia
Sambucus nigra
selenium
Shikimic Acid
spirulina
Sulfated polysaccharide
Sundew
Sweet Annie
Sweet Bay
sweet wormwood
Tremella
turmeric
Umckaloabo
Vasicine
Visnea Mocanera
vitamin C
vitamin D
Xanthophyll
Yerba santa
zhejiang fritillary
Zinc
Zingerone
Other health conditions supported by balloon flower
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Allergies (respiratory)
Asthma
Bronchitis
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Fever
Gastritis
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Inflammation
Influenza
Laryngitis
Nausea and Vomiting
Sore Throat
Wheezing
Wounds and Sores
