Evidence supporting the use of: Centipeda minima
For the health condition: Mastitis
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Centipeda minima, known as "E Bu Shi Cao" in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has a long history of use in East Asian herbal medicine. Traditionally, it has been employed to "dispel wind," resolve toxicity, and reduce swelling and inflammation. In TCM practice, Centipeda minima is sometimes used as part of herbal formulations for conditions involving inflammation and swelling, including mastitis—a breast tissue infection usually characterized by pain, redness, and swelling.
Ethnobotanical sources and TCM texts document its use for conditions involving abscesses and sores, which can encompass mastitis, though it is not a primary or universally recognized herb for this specific condition. The rationale is based on its purported anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, as observed in traditional formulations.
However, scientific evidence directly supporting the efficacy of Centipeda minima for mastitis is quite limited. Some in vitro and animal studies suggest the plant contains compounds with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activity, but clinical trials or robust pharmacological studies in the context of mastitis are lacking. Thus, its use is grounded primarily in tradition, with only modest indirect scientific support for its general anti-inflammatory potential, but not specifically for mastitis.
Other health conditions supported by Centipeda minima
Abdominal PainAbrasions
Abscesses
Afterbirth Pain
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burning Feet or Hands
Burns and Scalds
Cuts
Diarrhea
Dyspepsia
Ear Infection or Earache
Eye Infections
Fever
Glands (swollen lymph)
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Inflammation
Influenza
Injuries
Itching
Kidney Infection
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)
Mastitis
Nausea and Vomiting
Pain (general remedies for)
Phlebitis
Pleurisy
Poison Ivy or Oak
Poisoning (general)
Rashes and Hives
Scratches and Abrasions
Sunburn
Wounds and Sores