Evidence supporting the use of: Lingusticum wallichii
For the health condition: Congestion
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Ligusticum wallichii, known as Chuanxiong in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has a long history of use for a variety of conditions, including congestion. The term "congestion" in TCM often refers to stasis or stagnation of blood and Qi (vital energy), sometimes manifesting as headaches, chest pain, or nasal congestion. Chuanxiong is traditionally used to "invigorate blood," "promote the movement of Qi," and "expel wind," which are believed to help relieve various forms of congestion, especially those related to the upper respiratory tract and sinuses. Historical texts and TCM formularies frequently include Ligusticum wallichii as a key component in herbal formulas aimed at treating headaches, sinus congestion, and menstrual disorders due to its blood-moving properties.
From a scientific perspective, some pharmacological studies suggest that Ligusticum wallichii contains active compounds such as ligustilide, which exhibit anti-inflammatory and vasodilatory effects. These properties might theoretically alleviate symptoms of congestion by reducing inflammation and promoting better blood flow. However, direct clinical evidence specifically supporting its use for respiratory or nasal congestion is limited, and most studies focus on cardiovascular or neuroprotective effects. Thus, while traditional use is well-documented, scientific validation remains modest and mostly indirect.
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 lingusticum wallichii
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Angina
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Chest Pain
Chills
Circulation (poor)
Colds (general)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Constipation (adults)
Cuts
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Edema
Fever
Gastritis
Gout
Headache (general)
Headache (tension)
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Inflammation
Insomnia
Liver Detoxification
Menstrual Irregularity
Migraine
Nausea and Vomiting
Pain (general remedies for)
Phlebitis
PMS (general)
Pneumonia
Rashes and Hives
Rheumatoid Arthritis