Evidence supporting the use of: Bishop's Weed
For the health condition: Congestion
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Bishop's Weed (Ajwain, Trachyspermum ammi) has a long history of use in traditional systems of medicine, especially in Ayurveda and Unani, for the management of respiratory conditions such as congestion, asthma, and cough. The seeds are reputed for their expectorant and bronchodilatory properties, and they have been used in various forms—such as teas, decoctions, or inhalations—to help relieve symptoms of chest congestion and facilitate easier breathing. The primary active compound, thymol, is known for its antimicrobial and antispasmodic effects, which may provide some symptomatic relief in respiratory ailments. However, while there are a few in vitro and animal studies suggesting that Bishop's Weed has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial actions that could theoretically support respiratory health, robust human clinical trials validating its efficacy specifically for congestion are lacking. Most of the justification for its use is thus rooted in traditional practice rather than solid scientific evidence. Overall, Bishop's Weed continues to be used in folk remedies for congestion, but its use is best seen as complementary or supportive rather than as a scientifically validated primary treatment.
Other ingredients used for Congestion
allspicebasil
beta-pinene
betel
black currant
black pepper
chamomile
citrus oil
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
garlic bulb
ginger
green tea
horseradish
licorice root
pomegranate
quercetin
rosemary
spearmint leaf
thyme
vitamin C
wasabia japonica
zinc
squawvine
hyssop
cardamom
atractylodes
mugwort
malabar nut
ferula assafoetida
anise
blackboard tree
lingusticum wallichii
buckthorn
lemongrass
yerba santa
coltsfoot
sweet flag
trichosanthes
birch
eucalyptus
menthol oil
Sichuan pepper
cayenne pepper
Alcohol
akebia
Agastache
Alpha-terpineol
Allicin
Asarum heterotropoides
Aconite
Asafoetida
Arisaema
Atractylone
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Bayleaf
Barleria
Bitter Grass
berry
black salt
Bee products
Bombax
Buddha's Hand
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Citrus
Cineole
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
European Elder
Echinacea
Elder
Mallow
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Bishop's Weed
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Afterbirth Pain
Allergies (respiratory)
Angina
Appetite (deficient)
Appetite (excessive)
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bedwetting
Belching
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Bruises (prevention)
Burns and Scalds
Canker Sores
Cardiovascular Disease
Chest Pain
Chills
Cholera
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Colic (adults)
Colic (children)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (lymphatic)
Congestion (sinus)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cuts
Debility
Dermatitis
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dizziness
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Edema
Fever