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
AconiteAgastache
Akebia
Alcohol
Allicin
Allspice
alpha-terpineol
anise
Arisaema
asafoetida
Asarum heterotropoides
atractylodes
atractylone
balsam
Barleria
basil
bayleaf
bee products
berry
beta-pinene
betel
birch
bishop\'s weed
bitter grass
black currant
black pepper
black salt
blackboard tree
Bombax
borneol
buckthorn
Buddha\'s hand
cajuput
Camellia sinensis
cardamom
cayenne pepper
chamomile
Chinese raisintree
cineole
Citrus
Clerodendrum trichotomum
coltsfoot
cowherb
Echinacea
echinacea purpurea
Elder
elderberry
Ephedra
ephedrine
essential oil blend
eucalyptus
European Elder
ferula assafoetida
Gallesia
gamma-terpinene
garlic bulb
ginger
green tea
heal-all
honey
Horsemint
horseradish
hyssop
Isatis
Ivy
joe-pye
lemongrass
licorice root
Ligusticum
long pepper
malabar nut
mallow
Meadow sage
Menthol oil
Monoterpenes
Mugwort
Nardostachys
Orris
Osha
Piper retrofractum
Platycodon
pomegranate
Pyrrosia
quercetin
ravinsara
rosemary
Sambucus nigra
Sassafras
Servicetree
Sesquiterpenes
Sichuan pepper
spearmint leaf
squawvine
sweet flag
Szechuan lovage
Tayuya
thyme
Thymus
Trichosanthes
turmeric
Vasicine
Vasicinone
Vervain
vitamin C
Wasabi
Yerba buena
Yerba santa
Zinc
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
