Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans) is primarily used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), where it has been employed for a variety of purposes, including improving skin health, dispelling phlegm, and alleviating coughs. Some traditional texts and herbal compendia mention its use to harmonize the liver and support the body's detoxification processes. In the context of jaundice—a condition characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes due to impaired liver function—Osmanthus is sometimes combined with other herbs in TCM formulas aimed at clearing “damp-heat” from the liver and gallbladder, which is thought in TCM theory to be a root cause of jaundice.

However, there is a lack of robust historical documentation that highlights Osmanthus as a principal herb specifically for jaundice; its use is more often supportive and as a flavoring or aromatic adjunct in multi-herb formulas. There are no high-quality clinical or pharmacological studies validating its efficacy in treating jaundice in adults, and it is not recognized in modern evidence-based guidelines for this purpose. Thus, any support for its use against jaundice is based on tradition and theoretical frameworks rather than scientific validation. The level of evidence supporting its use for this specific condition is therefore very low.

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