Evidence supporting the use of: Bitter Grass
For the health condition: Colds (decongestant)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Bitter Grass (the name most often refers to various species, but commonly Chloris virgata or similar grasses) has traditionally been used in some cultures, especially in parts of Africa and Asia, for its purported medicinal properties. In traditional medicine systems, it has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including colds, where it is sometimes consumed as a tea or decoction for its perceived decongestant effects. However, the evidence supporting its use for treating colds or as a decongestant is primarily anecdotal and based on historical practices rather than rigorous scientific research.
There are few, if any, peer-reviewed scientific studies that specifically evaluate the pharmacological actions of Bitter Grass on respiratory symptoms or nasal congestion. The traditional use may stem from the plant’s bitter taste, which is often associated in herbal medicine with stimulating bodily processes, but this does not equate to proven decongestant activity. No active compounds with established decongestant effects have been isolated or validated in clinical studies for this plant. Therefore, while Bitter Grass is sometimes used in folk remedies for colds, its efficacy and safety for this purpose remain unproven by modern scientific standards.
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
Echinacea
Elder
Mustard
salt
Sandalwood
Sweet Orange alcohol
Other health conditions supported by Bitter Grass
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Appetite (deficient)
Belching
Bites and Stings
Blood Poisoning
Boils
Bronchitis
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Canker Sores
Chest Pain
Chills
Cholera
Cholesterol (high)
Cold Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Colic (adults)
Colic (children)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (lymphatic)
Congestion (sinus)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cuts
Dandruff
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Edema
Fever
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gall Stones
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Hangover
Headache (general)
Hepatitis
Herpes