Evidence supporting the use of: Turmeric
For the health condition: Colds (decongestant)

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Synopsis

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

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) has a long history in traditional medicine systems, especially in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, where it is often used as a remedy for colds and respiratory ailments. The primary active compound in turmeric, curcumin, is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Traditionally, turmeric is consumed in warm milk ("golden milk"), teas, or as a paste to help relieve symptoms of congestion and sore throat associated with colds.

While turmeric is traditionally used to support colds, there is limited direct scientific evidence to validate its effectiveness specifically as a decongestant. Some studies suggest that curcumin can modulate the immune response and reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines, potentially alleviating symptoms like nasal congestion or throat irritation. However, these effects are primarily inferred from its general anti-inflammatory action rather than robust clinical trials on cold symptoms or nasal decongestion specifically.

In summary, turmeric’s use as a decongestant is primarily rooted in tradition, with a modest evidence base suggesting it may support immune function and reduce inflammation. Its effectiveness as a direct remedy for nasal congestion during colds remains to be conclusively demonstrated in clinical studies. Therefore, its evidence rating for this specific use is moderate to low.

More about turmeric
More about Colds (decongestant)

Other health conditions supported by turmeric

Abdominal Pain
Abrasions
Abscesses
Acid Indigestion
Acne
Adenitis
Afterbirth Pain
Age Spots
Aging (prevention)
Allergies (food)
Allergies (respiratory)
Alzheimer's Disease
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Arteriosclerosis
Arthritis
Asthma
Autoimmune Disorders
Backache
Bites and Stings
Bladder Infection
Blood Clots (prevention of)
Blood in Stool
Body Odor
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Bursitis
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Carbuncles
Cartilage Damage
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Chest Pain
Chicken Pox
Cholera
Cholesterol (high)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Circulation (to the brain)
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Cold Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Colic (adults)
Colitis
Colon (atonic)
Colon (spastic)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (lymphatic)
Congestion (sinus)
Conjunctivitis
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Contagious Diseases
Convalescence
Convulsions
Corns
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cradle Cap
Cramps (menstrual)
Cramps and Spasms
Crohn's Disease
Cuts
Cystic Breast Disease
Cysts
Dandruff
Debility
Dementia
Denture Sores
Depression
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diaper Rash
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Diphtheria
Dislocation
Diverticulitis
Duodenal Ulcers
Dyspepsia
Edema
Endometriosis
Enteritis
Epstein Barr Virus
Eye Infections
Eye Problems
Eyes (red or itching)
Eyesight (poor)
Fat Metabolism (poor)
Fatigue
Fatty Liver Disease
Fever
Fibroids (uterine)
Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Fibrosis
Free Radical Damage
Fungal Infections
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gall Stones
Gangrene
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Giardia
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Glaucoma
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Hangover
Hashimoto's Disease
Headache (general)
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Headache (tension)
Headache (tension)
Heart (weakness)
Heavy Metal Poisoning
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Indigestion
Infection
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Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
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Itching
Itching (rectal)
Jaundice (adults)
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Knees (weak)
Laryngitis
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Memory and Brain Function
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Oral Surgery
Ovarian Pain
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Paralysis
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Pets (supplements for)
Phlebitis
Pleurisy
PMS Type P
PMS Type S
Pneumonia
Polyps
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Rheumatic Fever
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Scabies
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Senility
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Stiff Neck
Stye
Tendonitis