Evidence supporting the use of: Willow Bark
For the health condition: Colds (with fever)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Willow bark has been traditionally used for centuries in various cultures to help manage symptoms of colds, especially those accompanied by fever. The primary active compound in willow bark is salicin, which is metabolized in the body to salicylic acid, a precursor to aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid). Historically, willow bark was used as a folk remedy for pain, fever, and inflammation, and its use for colds with fever is rooted in this longstanding practice. However, while there is robust scientific evidence supporting the use of willow bark for pain and mild inflammation, there is limited direct scientific evidence specifically supporting its efficacy for treating colds or reducing fever in the context of respiratory infections. Most modern research on willow bark focuses on its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects rather than its use for infectious illnesses. Therefore, the use of willow bark for colds with fever is primarily justified by traditional use, with scientific studies offering only indirect support through its general anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties. More controlled clinical trials would be needed to establish a direct benefit for this specific indication.
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