Evidence supporting the use of: Reed Herb
For the health condition: Colds (with fever)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Reed Herb (commonly referring to Phragmites australis or “common reed”) has been utilized in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for centuries, primarily under the name “Lu Gen.” In TCM, Reed Herb is considered to have cooling and moistening properties, making it a popular remedy for conditions involving heat, such as colds with fever, sore throat, and cough. It is often included in classic herbal formulas designed to clear heat and promote urination, which TCM theory suggests helps to expel pathogens and reduce fever. The plant is typically used in decoctions, teas, or combined with other herbs like licorice root and mint.
Despite its long history of traditional use, there is limited scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of Reed Herb specifically for treating colds with fever. Some pharmacological studies in vitro have noted anti-inflammatory and antipyretic (fever-reducing) properties of extracts from Phragmites australis rhizomes, but these studies are either preliminary or not directly related to human clinical outcomes for colds. There are no high-quality clinical trials that specifically validate the herb’s efficacy for colds with fever. Therefore, while its use is well-established in traditional medicine, the scientific evidence is modest and largely insufficient by modern standards.
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 Reed Herb
Abdominal PainArthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bladder Infection
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bronchitis
Burns and Scalds
Chest Pain
Chills
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (with fever)
Colitis
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cuts
Dermatitis
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)