Evidence supporting the use of: Water
For the health condition: Colds (general)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Water is widely used and recommended in the management of colds, and this practice is supported by both scientific understanding and longstanding tradition. The primary scientific rationale is that adequate hydration helps maintain mucosal moisture, which can soothe irritated tissues in the throat and nasal passages. Proper hydration also helps thin mucus secretions, making them easier to expel and potentially reducing congestion. Several clinical guidelines, including those from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Mayo Clinic, advise increased fluid intake during respiratory infections like the common cold. While water itself does not cure the cold or directly combat the virus, its supportive role in symptom management is well-established. Research, including randomized controlled trials, indicates that dehydration can worsen symptoms such as sore throat and congestion, whereas maintaining optimal hydration can improve comfort and potentially reduce the duration of symptoms. Historical use of water and fluids for colds is also strong, with traditional advice passed down through generations advocating for increased fluid intake during illness. However, it is important to note that excessive fluid intake beyond bodily needs is not helpful and could even be harmful, especially in individuals with certain medical conditions. Overall, while water does not prevent or cure colds, its use as a supportive treatment is both scientifically validated and widely endorsed by healthcare professionals for maintaining comfort and supporting recovery.

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allspice
aloe vera
green chiretta
anthocyanins
apple
arabinogalactan
astragalus
waterhyssop
bamboo
barberry
basil
benegut perilla (proprietary)
berry flavor
beta-pinene
black cumin
black currant
black garlic
black pepper
radish
black tea
blackberry
blueberry
bupleurum falcatum
burdock
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capsaicinoids
carrot
cassia bark
caterpillar mushroom
chamomile
cinnamon
citrus oil
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
clove
coconut milk
colostrum
turmeric
dog rose
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
ginseng
gooseberry
grape
greek mountain tea
onion
green tea
greens blend (proprietary)
horseradish
Indian tinospora
honeysuckle
jujube
l-cysteine
lactobacillus fermentum
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lactobacillus reuteri
lemon
licorice root
lovage
lychee
marshmallow
mastic gum
milk
moringa
mustard seed
nettle
spruce
orange
oregano
oregon grape
pear
perilla
phellodendron amurense
phenolic acids
pineapple
plantain
plum fruit
pomegranate
pumpkin
quail egg
quercetin
raspberry
redcurrant
reishi mushroom
rhizome
rose hips
rosemary
sage
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
spearmint leaf
sphaeranthus indicus
spirulina
thyme
vegetable blend (proprietary)
vitamin B
vitamin C
vitamin D
wasabia japonica
water
yeast
zinc
sarsaparilla
squawvine
boneset
tangerine
typhonium
xanthium (cockleburs)
hyssop
cardamom
atractylodes
papaya
capsicum
mugwort
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neem tree
nut grass
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
pistacia integerrima gall
commiphora
tinospora cordifolia
blackboard tree
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peony
lingusticum wallichii
boxthorne
buckthorn
lemongrass
yerba santa
chrysanthemum
siler root
flowering quince
dodder
sweet flag
hyacinth bean
morinda
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
birch
dulse leaf
purslane
fulvic acid
eucalyptus
menthol oil
aster root
peach
paw paw
abies spectabilis
horehound
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algae
indigo leaves
cayenne pepper
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Allicin
Anamu
Abrus
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Aconite
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Asam gelugor
Andrographis
Asteracea
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allyl isothiocyanate
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Amor seco
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Baikal Skullcap
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Balsam
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Bur-Reed
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Chinese Mountain Ant
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Cloudberry
coconut oil
Coriander
Chive
Carvacrol
Capillary Artemisia
Citron
Curcuminoid
Citrus
Cineole
Capsaicin
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Curcumen
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Common madia
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Calamus
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cola nut
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Culvers Root
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Desmodium
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