Evidence supporting the use of: Echinacea
For the health condition: Congestion
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Echinacea has been traditionally used by Native American tribes and later by European settlers in North America to treat a variety of ailments, including upper respiratory tract infections and symptoms such as congestion. The rationale for its use stems from observations of its application as a general remedy for colds, coughs, and other respiratory issues, which often involve congestion. However, modern scientific studies specifically examining Echinacea's effects on nasal or chest congestion are limited and inconclusive. Most research has focused on its potential to reduce the duration or severity of the common cold rather than its direct impact on congestion itself. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses suggest that Echinacea may have a mild effect in reducing cold symptoms overall, but they do not provide strong evidence for its efficacy in relieving congestion specifically. Thus, while Echinacea’s use for congestion is grounded in traditional herbal practices, current scientific validation for this specific indication is weak.
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 Echinacea
AbscessesAdenitis
Allergies (respiratory)
Bites and Stings
Bladder Infection
Boils
Bronchitis
Burns and Scalds
Carbuncles
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (lymphatic)
Congestion (sinus)
Contagious Diseases
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cuts
Fever
Herpes
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Influenza
Injuries
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)