Evidence supporting the use of: Baphicacanthus cusia
For the health condition: Rhinitis
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Baphicacanthus cusia, also known as Isatis indigotica or Qing Dai (青黛), has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), particularly for conditions involving inflammation, infections, and immune modulation. In the context of rhinitis, especially allergic or chronic rhinitis, Baphicacanthus cusia is incorporated into various herbal formulations to "clear heat," "disperse wind," and "relieve toxicity"—concepts rooted in TCM theory rather than modern immunology or pathophysiology.
Traditional texts and modern TCM practice sometimes recommend Qing Dai as part of multi-herb treatments for respiratory symptoms, including nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing, which are symptoms associated with rhinitis. However, direct scientific studies specifically investigating Baphicacanthus cusia’s efficacy in treating rhinitis are limited. While some pharmacological research has identified anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of its extracts, most of these studies focus on general inflammation, viral infections, or other conditions like psoriasis and chronic hepatitis, not rhinitis per se.
Therefore, the use of Baphicacanthus cusia for rhinitis is primarily justified by traditional practice and anecdotal clinical experience within TCM, rather than robust scientific validation. The evidence rating reflects the reliance on tradition and the lack of direct, high-quality clinical evidence supporting its specific use for rhinitis.
Other ingredients used for Rhinitis
alpha-pinenebenegut perilla (proprietary)
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium lactis
black currant
black pepper
bromelain
bupleurum falcatum
chamomile
fennel
lactobacillus casei
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus paracasei
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lovage
magnesium
purple butterbur root
quercetin
vitamin C
zinc
cardamom
malabar nut
inula racemosa
anise
tylophora
Anamarrhena
Asarum heterotropoides
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
Bryonia
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bifidobacterium animalis
Belamcanda
Chinese Mountain Ant
Cineole
Cinidium
Chaenomeles lagenaria
European Elder
Elder
Goldthread
Other health conditions supported by Baphicacanthus cusia
AbscessesAcne
Adenitis
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Asthma
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Chicken Pox
Chills
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Conjunctivitis
Cuts
Dandruff
Dermatitis
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Eczema
Emphysema
Eye Infections
Eyes (red or itching)
Fever
Fungal Infections
Gangrene
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Herpes
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Insect Repellant
Itching
Itching (rectal)
Laryngitis
Psoriasis
Rhinitis
Rhinitis, Allergic
Skin (infections)
Sore Throat
Staph Infections
Strep Throat
Ulcerations (external)
Ulcers
Wounds and Sores