Evidence supporting the use of: Camellia sinensis
For the health condition: Congestion
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Camellia sinensis, the plant from which green, black, and other teas are derived, has a long history of traditional use in addressing mild respiratory congestion, often as a hot beverage. The warm liquid itself can help soothe the throat and loosen mucus, while the plant naturally contains caffeine and theophylline—compounds known to have mild bronchodilatory effects. In traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine, tea has sometimes been recommended to help with symptoms of colds, including congestion, though not as a primary treatment. However, there is limited direct scientific research supporting the efficacy of Camellia sinensis specifically for congestion relief. Most available evidence relates to its general antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties or benefits for cardiovascular health. The mild relief reported anecdotally is likely due to the warmth and hydration provided by the beverage, along with possible minor effects from its alkaloids. In summary, while Camellia sinensis is traditionally consumed for comfort during respiratory illness and may offer some symptomatic relief, robust scientific validation for its use specifically in treating congestion is lacking.
Other ingredients used for Congestion
allspicebasil
beta-pinene
betel
black currant
black pepper
chamomile
citrus oil
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
garlic bulb
ginger
green tea
horseradish
licorice root
pomegranate
quercetin
rosemary
spearmint leaf
thyme
vitamin C
wasabia japonica
zinc
squawvine
hyssop
cardamom
atractylodes
mugwort
malabar nut
ferula assafoetida
anise
blackboard tree
lingusticum wallichii
buckthorn
lemongrass
yerba santa
coltsfoot
sweet flag
trichosanthes
birch
eucalyptus
menthol oil
Sichuan pepper
cayenne pepper
Alcohol
akebia
Agastache
Alpha-terpineol
Allicin
Asarum heterotropoides
Aconite
Asafoetida
Arisaema
Atractylone
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Bayleaf
Barleria
Bitter Grass
berry
black salt
Bee products
Bombax
Buddha's Hand
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Citrus
Cineole
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Ephedra
European Elder
Echinacea
Elder
Essential Oil Blend
Ephedrine
Ivy
Mallow
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Camellia sinensis
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Alzheimer's Disease
Anxiety
Arthritis
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cholesterol (high)
Cold Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Depression
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Fatigue
Free Radical Damage
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glaucoma
Hair Care (general)
Hangover
Headache (general)
Headache (tension)
Hypertension
Memory and Brain Function
Nausea and Vomiting