Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Agastache, particularly species such as Agastache rugosa (Korean mint) and Agastache foeniculum (anise hyssop), has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, especially in East Asia. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Agastache rugosa (known as Huo Xiang) is commonly employed to treat symptoms associated with colds, such as headaches, fever, and digestive disturbances. Its traditional use is primarily based on its aromatic and carminative properties, believed to "dispel dampness" and "harmonize the stomach" during external infections, which often include viral colds.

While there are some laboratory studies suggesting that extracts of Agastache possess mild antiviral and anti-inflammatory activities, particularly due to compounds like tilianin and acacetin, clinical evidence in humans is lacking. Most of the supportive evidence comes from traditional formulations and longstanding empirical use rather than rigorous scientific trials. As such, the use of Agastache for colds is justified largely by tradition, with limited scientific validation and a low overall quality of evidence (rated 2 out of 5).

In summary, Agastache continues to be used in traditional herbal medicine for colds, but scientific support for its efficacy and antiviral action in this context remains preliminary and insufficient for strong recommendations.

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