Evidence supporting the use of: Paris polyphylla
For the health condition: Colds (decongestant)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Paris polyphylla, commonly known as "Chonglou" in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has a long history of medicinal use, primarily for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antivenom properties. While it is not most famous for treating colds specifically, it has been used in some folk and TCM practices to address symptoms associated with respiratory infections, such as congestion and inflammation, due to its purported ability to "clear heat" and "remove toxins." However, there is limited direct scientific evidence supporting its efficacy as a decongestant or for specifically treating the common cold. Most of the modern research on Paris polyphylla focuses on its steroidal saponins, which exhibit anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities in vitro and in animal models. These properties may theoretically relieve some cold symptoms, but clinical trials or robust pharmacological studies directly evaluating its decongestant effects in humans are lacking. Therefore, its use for this indication remains grounded primarily in traditional practice rather than 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
Mustard
salt
Sandalwood
Sweet Orange alcohol
Other health conditions supported by Paris polyphylla
Abdominal PainAbscesses
Adenitis
Afterbirth Pain
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Asthma
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Carbuncles
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (lymphatic)
Congestion (sinus)
Conjunctivitis
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cuts
Dermatitis