Evidence supporting the use of: Akebia
For the health condition: Congestion

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Akebia, particularly Akebia quinata (often called "five-leaf akebia" or "mu tong" in Traditional Chinese Medicine), has a long history of use in East Asian herbal medicine. Traditionally, it has been employed to “clear heat,” promote urination, and resolve dampness. In the context of congestion, this refers primarily to fluid congestion (such as edema or urinary retention) rather than respiratory congestion (like nasal or chest congestion from colds). Some TCM texts mention its use for conditions involving difficulty urinating or swelling, which are interpreted as forms of internal "congestion" in TCM theory. There is little to no robust scientific research validating its efficacy for respiratory congestion, and its traditional use does not encompass sinus or chest congestion due to infection or allergy. Clinical studies on Akebia's effects for fluid metabolism or decongestant action are sparse and generally low in quality. Thus, while Akebia is justified by tradition for certain types of “congestion”—specifically those relating to urination and dampness in TCM—there is minimal scientific validation for its use in this context, especially concerning respiratory congestion.

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