Evidence supporting the use of: Origanum (unspecified)
For the health condition: Congestion
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Origanum, commonly known as oregano, has a long history of traditional use for respiratory ailments, including congestion. In folk medicine traditions from the Mediterranean, Middle East, and parts of Asia, oregano has been used in teas, steam inhalations, and poultices to help relieve symptoms of colds, coughs, and nasal or chest congestion. The traditional rationale is based on oregano’s aromatic properties and its content of volatile oils, especially carvacrol and thymol, which are thought to help open airways and act as mild expectorants.
However, robust scientific validation for oregano’s efficacy in treating congestion is limited. Laboratory studies show that some components of oregano have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, but few clinical trials directly assess its use for respiratory congestion in humans. Small studies and anecdotal reports suggest potential benefits, but these are not sufficient to warrant a high evidence rating. Overall, oregano’s use for congestion is primarily supported by tradition, with a modest degree of plausibility based on its chemical constituents, but lacks strong scientific validation.
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 Origanum (unspecified)
Abdominal PainAbscesses
Acid Indigestion
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Appetite (deficient)
Athlete's Foot
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (prevention)
Canker Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Cuts
Dandruff
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Eczema
Fungal Infections
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Gonorrhea