Evidence supporting the use of: Balsam pear
For the health condition: Colds (prevention)

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

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

Balsam pear, also known as bitter melon (Momordica charantia), has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. In these traditions, it is sometimes employed as a remedy for colds and respiratory ailments. Folk practitioners may recommend it as a preventive or supportive measure against colds, based on the belief that its bitter compounds can help "cool" the body or enhance immune function.

However, scientific evidence specifically supporting the use of balsam pear for the prevention or treatment of colds is limited. Most research on bitter melon has focused on its antidiabetic, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties, with very few studies directly examining its efficacy against the common cold (caused primarily by rhinoviruses). While some laboratory studies suggest that extracts from the plant may have general immunomodulatory or antiviral effects, there is not enough clinical data to substantiate its use in preventing or treating colds in humans. Therefore, the justification for its use in this context is primarily rooted in traditional practices rather than robust scientific validation.

More about Balsam pear
More about Colds (prevention)

Other ingredients used for Colds (prevention)

allspice
aloe vera
green chiretta
anthocyanins
arabinogalactan
astragalus
waterhyssop
bamboo
basil
berry flavor
beta-pinene
Beta-Glucan
black cumin
black currant
black pepper
black tea
blackberry
bасора
camu camu
capsaicinoids
caterpillar mushroom
chamomile
chlorella
cinnamon
citrus bioflavonoids
citrus oil
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
clove
coconut milk
colostrum
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
grape
greek mountain tea
onion
green tea
greens blend (proprietary)
Indian tinospora
honeysuckle
lactobacillus brevis
lemon
licorice root
lovage
marshmallow
moringa
mustard seed
nettle
spruce
orange
oregano
oregon grape
pear
phenolic acids
pineapple
plantain
pollen
pomegranate
pumpkin
quercetin
reishi mushroom
rhizome
rose hips
rosemary
sage
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vegetable blend (proprietary)
vitamin C
vitamin D
seaweed
yeast
zinc
sarsaparilla
squawvine
tangerine
xanthium (cockleburs)
papaya
mugwort
nut grass
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
pistacia integerrima gall
blackboard tree
peony
buckthorn
lemongrass
yerba santa
chrysanthemum
siler root
flowering quince
sweet flag
hyacinth bean
eucalyptus
menthol oil
aster root
goji berry
paw paw
algae
indigo leaves
cayenne pepper
Aralia
Avens
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agastache
Ardisia
acacia
Allicin
Abrus
Amomum
Asarum heterotropoides
Ajuga
Andrographolide
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Andrographis
Asteracea
Allyl Sulfide
allyl isothiocyanate
Alliin
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Arani
Atractylone
Black Seed
Bermuda Grass
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Blackthorn
Blepharis
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Bayleaf
Black galingale
Bitter Grass
Bael
berry
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Bioflavonoids
black salt
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bassia scoparia
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Coconut
Chinese Silkvine
Curry leaf
Cinnamomum
Coriander
Capillary Artemisia
Citron
Curcuminoid
Citrus
Capsaicin
Chinese Raisintree
Chlorophytum
Cowherb
Cistus
Cinnamaldehyde
Costus
Celosia
Currant
Dianthus
Dragonhead
Dodeca-2E, 4E, 8Z, 10Z/Etetraenoic Acid Isobutylamide
European Elder
Echinacea
Elder
Essential Oil Blend
European-Five Finger Grass
Fruit
Flavonoids
Flavoglycosides
Goldthread
Gnaphalium
gamma-terpinene
Garlic
Gallesia
Glechoma hederacea
Galactooligosaccharides
Hedyotis
Mustard
Sandalwood
Sumac
Vervain

Products containing Balsam pear

We currently have no products on Caring Sunshine that contain this ingredient.