Evidence supporting the use of: Gamma-terpinene
For the health condition: Colds (decongestant)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Gamma-terpinene is a monoterpene commonly found in the essential oils of plants such as cumin, coriander, and tea tree. Its use as a remedy for colds, particularly as a decongestant, is primarily based on traditional herbal medicine practices rather than robust scientific validation. Historically, essential oils containing gamma-terpinene have been inhaled or used in topical preparations to help alleviate symptoms of respiratory congestion. The presumed benefit is often attributed to the aromatic qualities of these oils, which may subjectively improve the sensation of airflow through the nasal passages. However, there is a lack of direct scientific studies specifically investigating gamma-terpinene’s decongestant effects or its efficacy in treating the common cold. Most available research on gamma-terpinene focuses on its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, with only limited exploration of its effects on respiratory symptoms. As such, while its use persists in traditional and folk remedies, the evidence supporting gamma-terpinene as an effective decongestant remains weak and largely anecdotal.
Other ingredients used for Colds (decongestant)
Abies spectabilisAgastache
Alcohol
Allium tuberosum
Allspice
Allyl isothiocyanate
alpha-terpineol
alpinia galangal
Andrographis
Arani
Asarum heterotropoides
Asteraceae
atractylodes
atractylone
balsam
Baphicacanthus cusia
basil
bee products
berry
beta-pinene
bishop\'s weed
bitter grass
black cumin
black currant
black galingale
black pepper
borneol
boxthorne
Buddha\'s hand
cajuput
capillary artemisia
capsaicin
capsaicinoids
capsicum
cardamom
cayenne pepper
chen pi
chrysanthemum
cineole
cinnamaldehyde
citron
Citrus
Clerodendrum trichotomum
clove
coconut
costus
dragonhead
Echinacea
echinacea purpurea
Elder
elderberry
English horsemint
Ephedra
ephedrine
essential oil blend
eucalyptus
ferula assafoetida
forsythia
fruit
Gallesia
gamma-terpinene
garlic bulb
ginger
Greek mountain tea
green tea
honey
honey loquat syrup
honeysuckle
horehound
Horsemint
horseradish
hyssop
indigo leaves
Isatis
labrador tea
Laggera pterodonta
lemon
lemongrass
licorice root
Ligusticum
limonene
Litsea
luffa
Menthol oil
Mint
Monoterpenes
Mucolase
Mugwort
Mushroom
Mustard
mustard seed
oregano
Orris
Osha
Oxystelma
Paris polyphylla
Pepper
Peppermint
Petiveria
Phenylpropanoids
pineapple
Piper nigrum
pomegranate
quercetin
radish
ravinsara
rhizome
rosemary
salt
Salvia
Sambucus nigra
Sandalwood
schizonepeta
Shogaol
Sichuan pepper
Sickle-leaf hare's ear
Smartweed
spearmint leaf
sweet flag
Sweet Orange alcohol
Tayuya
Tea
Terpenoids
thyme
Thymol
Thymus
turmeric
Viola
Visnea Mocanera
vitamin C
Wasabi
Waterhyssop
Yerba santa
Zinc
Zingiberene
Other health conditions supported by gamma-terpinene
Athlete's FootBites and Stings
Bronchitis
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (lymphatic)
Congestion (sinus)
Dandruff
Fungal Infections
Insect Repellant
