Evidence supporting the use of: Buddha\'s hand
For the health condition: Congestion

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Synopsis

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

Buddha’s Hand (Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis), known as “Fo Shou” in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has a long history of use in East Asian herbal practices. Traditionally, it is believed to help with conditions related to the lungs and digestive system, including congestion, coughs, and chest tightness. In TCM, Buddha’s Hand is often used to regulate qi (energy flow), resolve phlegm, and relieve cough, which indirectly addresses symptoms of congestion. The aromatic peel contains volatile oils that are thought to have expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties, though these effects have primarily been described in traditional medical texts rather than in modern clinical research.

There is limited scientific validation for its use specifically for congestion. Some laboratory studies have found that extracts of Buddha’s Hand possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, and may modulate certain immune responses, which could theoretically help with respiratory symptoms. However, robust clinical trials in humans focusing on congestion or respiratory outcomes are lacking. As a result, its use for congestion is supported much more by traditional herbal knowledge than by rigorous scientific evidence. Thus, while it remains a popular remedy in traditional contexts, its efficacy for congestion should be considered as primarily tradition-based with limited supporting data from modern research.

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