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)
Abies spectabilisAgastache
Alcohol
Allium tuberosum
Allspice
Allyl isothiocyanate
alpha-terpineol
alpinia galangal
Andrographis
Arani
Asarum heterotropoides
Asteraceae
atractylodes
atractylone
balsam
Baphicacanthus cusia
basil
bee products
berry
beta-pinene
bishop\'s weed
bitter grass
black cumin
black currant
black galingale
black pepper
borneol
boxthorne
Buddha\'s hand
cajuput
capillary artemisia
capsaicin
capsaicinoids
capsicum
cardamom
cayenne pepper
chen pi
chrysanthemum
cineole
cinnamaldehyde
citron
Citrus
Clerodendrum trichotomum
clove
coconut
costus
dragonhead
Echinacea
echinacea purpurea
Elder
elderberry
English horsemint
Ephedra
ephedrine
essential oil blend
eucalyptus
ferula assafoetida
forsythia
fruit
Gallesia
gamma-terpinene
garlic bulb
ginger
Greek mountain tea
green tea
honey
honey loquat syrup
honeysuckle
horehound
Horsemint
horseradish
hyssop
indigo leaves
Isatis
labrador tea
Laggera pterodonta
lemon
lemongrass
licorice root
Ligusticum
limonene
Litsea
luffa
Menthol oil
Mint
Monoterpenes
Mucolase
Mugwort
Mushroom
Mustard
mustard seed
oregano
Orris
Osha
Oxystelma
Paris polyphylla
Pepper
Peppermint
Petiveria
Phenylpropanoids
pineapple
Piper nigrum
pomegranate
quercetin
radish
ravinsara
rhizome
rosemary
salt
Salvia
Sambucus nigra
Sandalwood
schizonepeta
Shogaol
Sichuan pepper
Sickle-leaf hare's ear
Smartweed
spearmint leaf
sweet flag
Sweet Orange alcohol
Tayuya
Tea
Terpenoids
thyme
Thymol
Thymus
turmeric
Viola
Visnea Mocanera
vitamin C
Wasabi
Waterhyssop
Yerba santa
Zinc
Zingiberene
Other health conditions supported by bitter grass
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Appetite (deficient)
Bites and Stings
Blood Poisoning
Boils
Bronchitis
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Canker Sores
Chills
Cholera
Cholesterol (high)
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Cold Sores
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Constipation (adults)
Cuts
Dandruff
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Edema
Fever
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Hangover
Headache (general)
Herpes
Hepatitis
Belching
Chest Pain
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (with fever)
Colic (adults)
Colic (children)
Congestion (lymphatic)
Constipation (children)
Dyspepsia
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Gall Stones
