Evidence supporting the use of: Cowage seed
For the health condition: Colds (with fever)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Synopsis: Cowage seed, also known as Mucuna pruriens, has been used in various traditional medicine systems, particularly in Ayurveda and traditional African medicine, for multiple health conditions. However, its primary uses have centered around neurological disorders (such as Parkinson's disease due to its L-DOPA content), male infertility, and as a general tonic. There is some traditional use of cowage seed in treating fevers and colds, although this is not its most prominent indication in ethnomedicine. In Ayurveda, preparations containing Mucuna pruriens are occasionally recommended as part of polyherbal formulations for managing feverish illnesses, likely due to its perceived effects on strengthening the body and balancing doshas. Despite these references, there is minimal direct historical emphasis on its use specifically for "colds with fever" compared to other herbs like ginger or Tulsi. Scientifically, there is very limited evidence supporting the use of cowage seed for viral upper respiratory infections or fever management. Most pharmacological studies focus on its neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities, but not directly on antiviral or antipyretic effects. Therefore, its use for colds with fever is weakly justified by tradition and not substantiated by modern clinical research. Individuals considering cowage seed for such purposes should consult healthcare professionals and rely on more established remedies for colds and fever.
Other ingredients used for Colds (with fever)
aloe veragreen chiretta
anthocyanins
basil
bilberry
black cumin
black currant
blueberry
capsaicinoids
chamomile
citrus oil
clove
coconut milk
cowage seed
turmeric
elderberry
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
grape
green tea
lemon
licorice root
pear
plantain
pomegranate
quercetin
rhizome
rosemary
sage
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin C
vitamin D
zinc
xanthium (cockleburs)
mugwort
nut grass
alpinia galangal
pistacia integerrima gall
blackboard tree
boxthorne
buckthorn
yerba santa
sweet flag
hyacinth bean
trichosanthes
aster root
indigo leaves
Avens
Agastache
Ardisia
acacia
Amomum
Asarum heterotropoides
Aconite
Ajuga
Andrographolide
Aerva lanata
Asam gelugor
Andrographis
Asteracea
Amor seco
Arani
Atractylone
Bermuda Grass
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bishop's Weed
Bayleaf
Black galingale
Bitter Grass
Bael
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Bur-Reed
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bassia scoparia
Capillary Artemisia
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Cistus
Common madia
Cinnamaldehyde
Celosia
Chrysophanics
Dragonhead
Eclipta
Little ironweed
Mallow
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by cowage seed
Abdominal PainAbscesses
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Belching
Boils
Bronchitis
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Carbuncles
Cholera
Colds (with fever)
Colitis
Congestion (bronchial)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)