Evidence supporting the use of: Wasabi
For the health condition: Colds (decongestant)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Wasabia japonica, commonly known as wasabi, has traditionally been used in Japanese cuisine not only as a condiment but also for its purported medicinal properties. One of the traditional uses includes its application as a decongestant to support the relief of colds. The pungent compounds in wasabi, primarily allyl isothiocyanate, are known to produce a strong, sinus-clearing sensation upon consumption. This effect is similar to other members of the Brassicaceae family, such as horseradish and mustard, which have also been used traditionally for sinus and respiratory relief.
However, scientific research supporting wasabi's efficacy specifically as a decongestant or cold remedy is quite limited. Most evidence is anecdotal and based on the immediate, short-lived sensation of sinus clearance after eating wasabi, rather than any lasting decongestant effect. No robust clinical trials or pharmacological studies currently validate wasabi's use for treating colds or nasal congestion. Therefore, while wasabi has a traditional reputation for providing temporary relief from nasal congestion, this use is not strongly supported by scientific evidence.
In summary, wasabi's use as a decongestant is primarily based on tradition, with a low level of supporting evidence. People seeking sustained relief from cold symptoms should turn to treatments with stronger scientific backing.
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
pineapple
pomegranate
quercetin
rhizome
rosemary
schizonepeta
spearmint leaf
thyme
vitamin C
Wasabi
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
Asteraceae
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
fruit
gamma-terpinene
Gallesia
honey
honey loquat syrup
Horsemint
Isatis
Litsea
Laggera pterodonta
limonene
luffa
labrador tea
Ligusticum
Mustard
Monoterpenes
Mushroom
Mucolase
Osha
Orris
Oxystelma
Phenylpropanoids
Pepper
Paris polyphylla
Piper nigrum
Petiveria
ravinsara
Smartweed
Salvia
Sickle-leaf hare's ear
salt
Sambucus nigra
Shogaol
Sandalwood
Sweet Orange alcohol
Terpenoids
Tea
Thymus
Thymol
Tayuya
Visnea Mocanera
Viola
Zingiberene
Other health conditions supported by Wasabi
Acid IndigestionAntibiotics (alternatives to)
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cholesterol (high)
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Congestion
Congestion (sinus)
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Gas and Bloating
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Inflammation
Liver Detoxification
Sinus Infection