Evidence supporting the use of: Agastache
For the health condition: Colds (decongestant)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Agastache (commonly known as anise hyssop or Korean mint) has a traditional use in herbal medicine, particularly within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it is known as Huo Xiang. In TCM, Agastache is used as an aromatic herb for resolving "dampness" and for treating conditions associated with colds, such as nasal congestion and headaches. It is an ingredient in several classic Chinese herbal formulas intended for early-stage colds, digestive disturbances, and to "release the exterior" (expel pathogens). The decongestant effect is attributed to its volatile oils, which are thought to clear nasal passages and relieve stuffiness.
However, while these traditional uses are well-documented in herbal texts, there is limited scientific evidence validating the efficacy of Agastache as a decongestant or cold remedy. Very few clinical studies have directly investigated its effects on cold symptoms in humans. Some laboratory studies have identified mild anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties in Agastache extracts, but these findings have not been robustly translated into clinical practice. Therefore, the primary justification for its use in colds and as a decongestant is traditional, with a moderate level of traditional evidence but minimal scientific validation.
Other ingredients used for Colds (decongestant)
allspicewaterhyssop
basil
beta-pinene
black cumin
black currant
black pepper
radish
capsaicinoids
chen pi
citrus oil
clove
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
greek mountain tea
green tea
horseradish
honeysuckle
lemon
licorice root
mint
mustard seed
oregano
peppermint oil
pineapple
pomegranate
quercetin
rhizome
rosemary
schizonepeta
spearmint leaf
thyme
vitamin C
wasabia japonica
water
zinc
hyssop
cardamom
atractylodes
capsicum
mugwort
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
boxthorne
lemongrass
yerba santa
chrysanthemum
sweet flag
eucalyptus
menthol oil
abies spectabilis
horehound
Sichuan pepper
indigo leaves
cayenne pepper
Alcohol
Agastache
Alpha-terpineol
Asarum heterotropoides
Andrographis
Asteracea
allyl isothiocyanate
Allium tuberosum
Arani
Atractylone
Baphicacanthus cusia
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Black galingale
Bitter Grass
berry
Bee products
Buddha's Hand
Borneol
Coconut
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Capillary Artemisia
Citron
Citrus
Cineole
Capsaicin
Cajuput
Cinnamaldehyde
Costus
Dragonhead
Ephedra
English Horsemint
Echinacea
Elder
Essential Oil Blend
Ephedrine
Fruit
gamma-terpinene
Gallesia
Mustard
salt
Sandalwood
Sweet Orange alcohol
Other health conditions supported by Agastache
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Anxiety
Appetite (deficient)
Asthma
Belching
Bronchitis
Canker Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Colic (adults)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Constipation (adults)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Energy (lack of)
Fever
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Indigestion
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Influenza
Insomnia
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Menstrual Irregularity
Nausea and Vomiting
Pain (general remedies for)
Sore Throat
Stress
Ulcers
Wounds and Sores