Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

European-Five Finger Grass (Potentilla reptans or Potentilla anserina), also known as cinquefoil, has a long history of use in European folk medicine. Its application for the prevention or treatment of colds primarily stems from traditional herbal practices rather than scientific validation. Historically, cinquefoil was used for a variety of ailments, mostly gastrointestinal complaints, mild fevers, and as an astringent for wounds and oral conditions. In some traditions, herbal teas or infusions made from the leaves or roots were consumed to "strengthen the body" or as a general remedy for common ailments, which may have included colds. However, there is no clear or consistent documentation specifically pointing to its widespread use as a cold preventative. Furthermore, there are no modern clinical studies or robust scientific evidence demonstrating any antiviral, immune-boosting, or cold-preventing properties unique to this plant. The evidence supporting its use for colds is therefore very weak and based more on general traditional herbalism rather than targeted folk remedies or research. It is not recognized in modern pharmacopoeias for this purpose. As such, reliance on cinquefoil for cold prevention should be viewed as a traditional practice with minimal supporting evidence.

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