Evidence supporting the use of: Cayenne
For the health condition: Congestion (bronchial)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Cayenne pepper (Capsicum annuum), containing the active compound capsaicin, has a long history of traditional use for respiratory conditions, including bronchial congestion. In various traditional medicine systems, cayenne has been employed both topically (as a rub on the chest) and internally (as an ingredient in teas and tonics) to help loosen mucus and ease breathing. The warming and irritant properties of capsaicin are thought to stimulate secretions in the respiratory tract, potentially aiding in the clearance of mucus.
However, while the traditional use is well documented, scientific studies specifically validating cayenne or capsaicin as an effective treatment for bronchial congestion are limited. Most evidence comes from laboratory studies or anecdotal reports rather than controlled clinical trials. Capsaicin is known to act as an irritant to mucous membranes, which could theoretically increase mucus flow and facilitate expectoration, but robust clinical data are lacking. Some research on capsaicin nasal sprays for non-allergic rhinitis shows a reduction in symptoms, but this is not directly equivalent to bronchial congestion.
In summary, cayenne's use for bronchial congestion is mainly supported by traditional practices rather than strong scientific validation, and clinical evidence remains modest. Caution is advised as capsaicin can also cause irritation. Those with sensitive airways or underlying respiratory conditions should consult a healthcare provider before use.
Other ingredients used for Congestion (bronchial)
allspicealoe vera
alpha-pinene
waterhyssop
basil
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta-pinene
black cumin
black currant
black pepper
Indian frankincense
bupleurum falcatum
bасора
caffeine
capsaicinoids
chamomile
chen pi
Chinese salvia root
clove
Coptis chinensis
cowage seed
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
ethanol
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
grape
onion
green tea
horseradish
Indian tinospora
licorice root
lovage
mustard seed
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
spruce
ophiopogon root
oregano
perilla
phellodendron amurense
platycodon root
pomegranate
quercetin
rosemary
scrophularia root
shiitake mushroom
spearmint leaf
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin C
yellow root
squawvine
boneset
mullein
hyssop
cardamom
atractylodes
capsicum
mugwort
malabar nut
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
inula racemosa
anise
blackboard tree
lingusticum wallichii
buckthorn
fritillaria
lemongrass
yerba santa
elecampane
coltsfoot
chrysanthemum
juniper berries
siler root
sweet flag
oriental arborvitae
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
menthol oil
aster root
abies spectabilis
horehound
Sichuan pepper
cayenne pepper
soursop
Alcohol
Agastache
Anamarrhena
Alpha-terpineol
Ardisia
Angelica
Allicin
Asarum heterotropoides
Aconite
Asafoetida
Andrographolide
Adrenergic amines
Asteracea
Allyl Sulfide
Adenophora
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
Alantolactone
Atractylone
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Black spruce
Bicarbonate
Blepharis
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Boswellic Acid
Bayleaf
Black galingale
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Bisabolene
Bael
berry
Boswellia
Baccharoides anthelmintica
black salt
Bee products
Bombax
Buddha's Hand
Borage
Bupleurum
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Chinese Silkvine
Curry leaf
Chinese Mountain Ant
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Citrus
Cineole
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Curcumen
Cistus
Curcuma
Calamus
Cinnamaldehyde
Carthamus
Culvers Root
Chondrus
Dragonhead
Diterpenes
Ephedra
European Elder
Eclipta
Echinacea
Elder
Essential Oil Blend
Ephedrine
Fang-Feng
Fernbush
Galangal
Ivy
Mustard
Mallow
Sandalwood
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Cayenne
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Angina
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Asthma
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Blood Clots (prevention of)
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Cardiovascular Disease
Chest Pain
Circulation (poor)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Constipation (adults)
Cuts
Digestion (poor)
Fever
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Heart (weakness)
Hemorrhoids