Synopsis

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

Ginseng, particularly Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng), has a long history of traditional use in East Asian and Native American medicine for supporting immune health and treating colds and respiratory illnesses. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) regards ginseng as a tonic for "qi" (vital energy), believed to help the body resist illness, including the common cold. Similarly, American ginseng has been used by indigenous peoples for a variety of ailments, including respiratory issues.

While there is some emerging scientific interest in the potential immune-modulating properties of ginseng, the bulk of its use for colds is based on traditional practice rather than robust clinical evidence. A small number of clinical studies—mainly with specific standardized extracts like North American ginseng (COLD-fX)—suggest a possible reduction in the incidence or duration of colds, but these results are not consistently replicated and often involve specific preparations rather than generic ginseng. Meta-analyses generally conclude that current evidence is limited and of low quality, preventing strong scientific endorsement. Thus, ginseng's use for general colds is primarily justified by tradition, with only weak scientific support at this time.

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Other ingredients used for Colds (general)

Other health conditions supported by Ginseng (unspecified)

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