Evidence supporting the use of: Sesquiterpenes
For the health condition: Congestion
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Sesquiterpenes are a class of terpenes often found in essential oils derived from plants such as ginger, chamomile, sandalwood, and patchouli. Traditionally, certain essential oils high in sesquiterpenes have been used in aromatherapy and herbal medicine to support respiratory health and relieve congestion. For example, myrrh and ginger oils, rich in sesquiterpenes, have been inhaled or applied topically in folk remedies for chest and nasal congestion.
However, the evidence supporting these uses is primarily anecdotal and rooted in traditional practices rather than scientific validation. There is limited research directly assessing the efficacy of sesquiterpenes themselves in treating congestion. Some laboratory studies suggest that certain sesquiterpenes have anti-inflammatory or mild bronchodilatory effects, which might theoretically contribute to easing congestion, but these findings are preliminary and not specific to clinical outcomes in humans.
Overall, while traditional use exists, scientific validation for the specific application of sesquiterpenes in congestion is weak, and clinical studies are lacking. Thus, sesquiterpenes are primarily used for congestion based on traditional rather than scientific evidence.
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 Sesquiterpenes
Abdominal PainAcne
Anxiety
Arthritis
Bites and Stings
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cold Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (lymphatic)
Congestion (sinus)