Herbal knowledge and the cultures that passed it on

Oceania · Herb · № 840

Old man weed

Centipeda cunninghamii

A small herb traditionally used for colds, skin complaints and inflammation.

North America · Herb · № 153

Osha

Ligusticum porteri, L. sinense en L. wallichii

The root is traditionally used for sore throats, coughs and early colds. There is virtually no clinical research.

Asia · Herb · № 656

Perilla

Perilla frutescens

Traditionally attributed effects: warms in colds from cold, helps digestion and soothes cough with phlegm.

South America · Herb · № 871

Quinchamalí

Quinchamalium chilense

A semi-parasitic herb with orange-yellow flowers in heads. Traditionally for wounds and colds; research is lacking.

Asia · Herb · № 669

Reed rhizome (lu gen)

Phragmites australis (syn. P. communis)

Traditionally attributed effects: cools heat and moistens in thirst, cough with yellow phlegm, vomiting from stomach heat and painful urination.

Europe · Herb · № 366

Rhodiola

Rhodiola rosea

Roseroot is sold as an adaptogen for tiredness and stress. Some studies find a small effect on stress-related fatigue, but they are small and of varying quality. There is no evidence that it prevents colds.

Asia · Herb · № 650

Saposhnikovia root (fang feng)

Saposhnikovia divaricata

Traditionally attributed effects: expels wind; for muscle pain, painful diarrhoea, rheumatic complaints and cramps.

Asia · Herb · № 657

Schizonepeta (jing jie)

Schizonepeta tenuifolia

Traditionally attributed effects: opens the surface in colds (warm or cool, depending on the combination), helps rashes come out and, charred, stops bleeding.

Asia · Herb · № 367

Siberian ginseng

Eleutherococcus senticosus

Traditionally attributed effects: adaptogen, increases interferon production; especially for herpes simplex, strengthens the immune system against colds and flu; further for high blood pressure, kidney disease, diabetes, insomnia, arthritis.

Europe · Herb · № 98

Thyme

Thymus vulgaris

Traditionally used for coughs and bronchitis; thymol from the oil inhibits bacteria and fungi in the laboratory. There are some studies of thyme-based cough syrups.

Africa · Herb · № 29

Umckaloabo (African geranium)

Pelargonium sidoides

Root extract is sold for respiratory complaints. A Cochrane review found little to no evidence of benefit for acute bronchitis, colds, or sinusitis.

Asia · Herb · № 667

Greater duckweed (fu ping)

Spirodela polyrhiza

Traditionally attributed effects: diaphoretic and diuretic; helps rashes come out.

Europe · Food · № 21

Elderberry

Sambucus nigra

Berries have a folk-use history for cold and flu symptoms; clinical evidence remains preliminary.

North America · Herb · № 169

Wax myrtle (bayberry)

Morella cerifera

The root bark was traditionally used for colds, sore throats and diarrhoea. There is no modern clinical evidence.

North America · Herb · № 190

Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis

Traditionally attributed effects: expels worms, astringent, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, stimulates muscles, antiseptic.

Africa · Herb · № 810

African wormwood

Artemisia afra

A bitter, aromatic herb widely used in southern Africa for coughs, colds, fever and flu.

North America · Herb · № 961

Wild bergamot

Monarda fistulosa

A mint with lilac flowers and strongly scented leaves, related to Oswego tea. The volatile oil is rich in carvacrol and thymol, which are antiseptic.

Asia · Herb · № 478

Zedoary

Curcuma zedoaria

Traditionally attributed effects: stimulating, carminative, expectorant, soothing, diuretic, skin-irritant, purifies the blood.

North America · Mineral · № 365

Zinc

An essential mineral. Zinc lozenges may make a cold slightly shorter if taken at the very first symptoms; for herpes, ADHD or other conditions the evidence is weak or absent.

Asia · Herb · № 354

Bhringraj

Eclipta prostrata

Traditionally attributed effects: strengthens the liver, decongestant, tonic, cleansing, antiviral; for enlarged liver and spleen, skin diseases, fever, oedema, rheumatism; hair oil for black and full hair; for swollen glands, elephantiasis, headache and toothache.

Asia · Other · № 770

Borneol (bing pian)

Dryobalanops aromatica (borneol)

Traditionally attributed effects: opens the sense orifices, cools heat and relieves pain; mainly external.

Oceania · Herb · № 176

Cajeput and niaouli

Melaleuca cajuputi, M. viridiflora, M. leucadendra e.a.

Both relatives of tea tree yield an essential oil used externally for muscle pain and in inhalations for colds. Clinical evidence is limited.

Asia · Herb · № 1

Ginger

Zingiber officinale

Traditionally used for nausea and digestive discomfort; it has a warming flavor.

Asia · Food · № 697

Hyacinth bean (bian dou)

Lablab purpureus (syn. Dolichos lablab)

Traditionally attributed effects: strengthens the spleen and drains dampness in summer heat with diarrhoea and vomiting.

Europe · Herb · № 19

Chamomile

Matricaria chamomilla (Duitse kamille)

Flowers are used in teas and topical or oral products. Reliable evidence is insufficient for most claimed conditions.

Asia · Food · № 758

Garlic chives (jiu zi)

Allium tuberosum

Traditionally attributed effects: the seed strengthens kidney yang and warms stomach and spleen.

Europe · Herb · № 45

Sage

Salvia officinalis

A culinary herb. A few small studies suggest possible effects on memory and blood lipids, but evidence is limited.

South America · Food · № 15

Yerba mate

Ilex paraguariensis

The leaves contain caffeine, theobromine and polyphenols; the drink is stimulating and dispels tiredness, like coffee or tea. It is a beverage and social drink, not a medicine.