Evidence supporting the use of: Reed Herb
For the health condition: Congestion
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Reed Herb (also known as Phragmites australis or Common Reed) has a history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in East Asia. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the rhizome of Reed Herb is known as "Lu Gen" and is used to clear heat, promote urination, and alleviate symptoms such as fever, thirst, and in some cases, congestion associated with respiratory infections. The traditional rationale is based on its ability to "clear phlegm and heat" from the body, which may be interpreted as supporting respiratory function and easing congestion.
However, the scientific evidence for Reed Herb’s efficacy in treating congestion is limited. Few laboratory or clinical studies have directly investigated its effects on nasal or chest congestion. Some phytochemical studies indicate that the plant contains polysaccharides and flavonoids, which may have mild anti-inflammatory or expectorant effects, but these findings are preliminary and not robustly linked to clinical outcomes. As such, the use of Reed Herb for congestion is primarily justified by traditional usage rather than modern scientific validation.
In summary, Reed Herb is used in traditional medicine to support congestion, especially in the context of colds and respiratory infections, but there is currently a lack of strong scientific evidence to support this application.
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
Ephedra
European Elder
Echinacea
Elder
Essential Oil Blend
Ephedrine
Ivy
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)