Evidence supporting the use of: Bengal Fig
For the health condition: Influenza
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Bengal Fig (Ficus benghalensis) has a longstanding place in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda and folk remedies in South Asia. Its various parts—especially the bark, leaves, and latex—have been employed to treat a variety of ailments, including respiratory conditions like coughs, colds, and in some cases, fevers that might be associated with influenza. This traditional use is often based on the perceived immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties of the plant. However, when it comes specifically to influenza, there is a lack of direct evidence from controlled scientific studies or clinical trials to validate the efficacy of Bengal Fig against the influenza virus.
Some laboratory studies have explored the general antimicrobial and antiviral potential of Ficus benghalensis extracts, but these are limited, and none specifically address influenza infection or its symptoms. The existing evidence is therefore primarily anecdotal or based on historical usage, not on rigorous scientific validation. As such, while Bengal Fig is traditionally used for conditions that may overlap with influenza symptoms, its use for influenza itself remains unsubstantiated by modern evidence, and the strength of tradition-based support is moderate at best.
Other ingredients used for Influenza
green chirettaastragalus
myrobalan
benegut perilla (proprietary)
black garlic
black pepper
Indian frankincense
bupleurum falcatum
camu camu
catechins
caterpillar mushroom
chaga mushroom
Coptis chinensis
cordyceps
turmeric
dog rose
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
ginger
glehnia root
goldenseal
gooseberry
greek mountain tea
green tea
honeysuckle
l-cysteine
lactobacillus casei
lactoferrin
lactoperoxidase
lentinula edodes mycelia
licorice root
monolaurin
nettle
quercetin
reishi mushroom
selenium
spirulina
sweet wormwood
vitamin C
vitamin D
zhejiang fritillary
zinc
boneset
tangerine
alpinia galangal
myrrh
yerba santa
chrysanthemum
flowering quince
ganoderma
anemarrhena asphodeloides
eucalyptus
abies spectabilis
algae
Avens
Agarikon Mushroom
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agastache
Anamarrhena
acacia
Agrimony
Allicin
Anamu
AHCC
Andrographolide
American Liverleaf
Astragaloside
Andrographis
Alsonia scholaris
Adenophora
Alliin
Asarum sieboldii
Bee Propolis
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Bryonia
Balsam
Basidiomycota
Borage
Bupleurum
Baicalin
Black Hellebore
Balloon Flower
Clerodendrum trichotomum
coconut oil
Coriolus mushroom
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Carvacrol
Cineole
Centipeda
Cistus
Chaenomeles lagenaria
Currant
Chondrus
Ephedra
European Elder
Elk antler
Echinacea
Elder
Euphorbia
Embelia
Little ironweed
Other health conditions supported by Bengal Fig
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Anemia
Appetite (deficient)
Asthma
Backache
Bladder Infection
Blood Poisoning
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Canker Sores
Chest Pain
Chills
Cholera
Cholesterol (high)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cuts
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Ear Infection or Earache
Edema
Emotional Sensitivity
Emphysema
Eye Infections
Fatigue
Fever
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Goiter
Gout
Headache (general)
Headache (tension)
Heart (weakness)
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Hypertension
Indigestion
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Inflammation
Influenza
Insomnia
Jaundice (adults)
Kidney Infection
Kidney Stones